Opposite page from left : On the menu at Pialligo Estate ; food and wine putting Canberra on the map .
Local connections
National Convention Centre Canberra ( NCCC ) is making the most of the city ’ s bustling food and wine offering , partnering with local suppliers to showcase the region ’ s produce to delegates . NCCC has partnered with Shaw Vineyard Estate to offer a local wine package and with BentSpoke Brewery Co to provide local beers . Executive chef Nikhil Jain also works with local suppliers such as Poachers Pantry and Pialligo Estate to add “ local flavour ” to the menus .
NCCC general manager Stephen Wood says local suppliers have also been used in the Centre ’ s current refurbishment , which includes new furnishings , an upgraded reception and new seating throughout the Royal Theatre and theatrettes .
“ It ’ s important for us to be more than just ‘ present ’ in the community ,” he says . ” We ’ re part of Canberra and are active in the community through strong , local partnerships .”
Wood says as more business events are being won , the city is seeing dramatic changes and , in turn , people ’ s perceptions of Canberra are changing too .
“ Attracting conference business to Canberra has a major ripple effect through the economy as conference delegates spend on accommodation , dining , attractions and retail ,” he says . “ Canberra has grown up and genuinely stands in its own right as the country ’ s capital with so much to offer .”
inspiration from other cities across the nation , an array of small bars are also opening up throughout Canberra , many of them tucked away in laneways and underground .
Joel Gordon , general manager of Hotel Realm and Burbury Hotel & Apartments , both part of Realm Precinct , says in recent years consumers have demanded more “ culinary flair ” from Canberra .
“ With an influx of out-of-the-box thinking coming from both local and interstate lovers of food and wine , the scene is on an upward trend , with new venues being introduced almost every week ,” he says .
Some of the these venues can be found within the Realm Precinct itself , such as French restaurant Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar , casual dining venue Ostani Bar and Restaurant and Chinese restaurant Chairman & Yip , which Gordon describes as “ a Canberra institution ”. The precinct also features hatted restaurant Lilotang , well known for its Japanese cuisine and range of sake .
“ Canberra has always had excellent produce , from the local wineries and farms that are only a short drive out of the city , to the many food festivals that are showcased throughout the year ,” says Gordon .
“ It ’ s now our job as hoteliers and restaurateurs to continue to promote the region and the local produce it has to offer our domestic and international travellers , whilst remaining competitive and at the forefront of consumer expectations and local trends .”
Canberra hotels are also creating a buzz , with a number of design-focussed , boutique properties popping up over recent years , including Realm Precinct ’ s latest addition Little National Hotel , the art-driven Hotel Hotel , and TFE Hotels ’ award-winning Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport .
Adding to this line-up , TFE Hotels have announced plans for a 132-room Adina Grand Apartment Hotel in Canberra , which will be designed by architects Bates Smart who were the brains behind Vibe Canberra . The contemporary hotel will be part of a $ 300
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