Ainslie institution Edgar’s has opened a charming new wine bar, Wakefield’s Bar & Wine Room, marking the latest expansion for the much loved Canberra local.
Wakefield’s Bar & Wine Room will provide an intimate, warm-lit space for the Ainslie neighbourhood area, with a focus on Australian wines, local produce and suppliers, and live entertainment from across Canberra.
Expressing his excitement for the completion of Wakefield’s, owner and industry veteran of over 25 years Frank Condi revealed: “The opening marks the final piece of looking at Edgar’s as one big home, with a room for every mood and occasion. Our ultimate goal is to create personalised experiences for locals and travellers and be surrounded by good food and wine as they create lasting memories together.”
Pouring a diverse range of over 100 Australian wines, Wakefield’s will showcase many local Canberra winemakers from across the region including Mada, Helm and Eden Road, along with stocking a variety of Aussie craft beers. The bespoke cocktail menu will feature delicious creations including Wakefield’s take on an Old Fashioned with woodford reserve, black walnut bitters and demerara syrup, a smoked take on a ‘Charlie Chaplin’ with mezcal to compliment the apricot brandy, sloe gin and lime and the perfect caramel espresso martini using Canberra’s own Underground spirits caramel vodka.
Head chef Steven Jacomos (ex- Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel Melbourne, Saint Crispin/Lupo and Qualia Resort), has created a succinct menu that champions Australia’s best seasonal produce. Think chargrilled lamb riblets, crumpets with smoked trout and bottarga, hand rolled pasta, and finished off with apple tarte tatin for dessert.
Designed by local design firm Capezio Copeland, the interior combines industrial cues with a vintage feel, creating a chic and entertaining space with character. Natural surfaces, warm timbers and accents of burgundy and jade provide contrast to the raw and industrial building interior. The space is anchored by a large walk-in wine room with a variety of areas to eat, drink and socialise with the venue seating 50 guests, along with a private dining room for 20 guests.
Guests should walk-in expecting the unexpected, as Wakefield’s becomes centre stage for local talent, from jazz, blues and soul to burlesque throughout the week.
“With international travel off the cards for the foreseeable future, we are also looking at Edgar’s to provide an experience worthy of a trip to Canberra and we would love to encourage visitors to stay longer and explore the capital” added Condi.
Wakefield’s sits as the latest addition to Edgar’s Inn, a laidback gastro-pub in the heart of the leafy suburb of Ainslie. It is also home to Mama Dough, firing up freshly-made pizza in a cosy strip next door to the pub, The Inn, a refined extension of the laidback Edgar’s vibe, serving paddock-to-plate shared style dining inspired by seasonal fresh produce and herbs grown in their soon-to-be new vegetable garden opposite Edgar’s.
Wakefield’s Bar & Wine Room is open Wednesday through to Saturday evenings from 5:30pm to late.
