I have a confession to make. Until recently, I didn’t know where Hall was…. I actually thought it was somewhere past Yass. So you can imagine my surprise when we entered the sweet little township, and warm glow of 1882 Bar and Grill just 20 minutes from Canberra CBD.
Housed in what used to be the Wood Duck Inn, owners (and sisters!) Cindy and Nikki have gone all out in updating the beautiful, old homestead. They had long seen the potential for the empty building and eagerly transformed it into a contemporary space, offering high-quality food, local brews and a wine list featuring a range of Canberra region wines.
The ambience is warm and welcoming and we were seated by super friendly staff. I dined with my husband and two very small humans. As always, I asked what they recommend and I’m told the Moreton Bay Bug is delicious.
So we start with the bug and some freshly shucked oysters that are served with finger lime caviar and citrus zest. Our entrees arrive very quickly and they’re presented beautifully! While it’s hard to go wrong with bug, the oysters were a standout. Coming fresh from Sydney, they tasted like the ocean with none of that unpleasant, metallic taste you often find. The bug was delicious and it was served with sweet potato purée, fresh pesto and garlic flakes.
My husband ordered the scotch fillet for his main. Any grill worth its salt has to have a great steak and this was no exception. It was tender and perfectly cooked to medium rare. The flavour was excellent and it was served with a creamy mash, greens and pepper sauce.
I was convinced to try the lamb cutlets with green curry for my main and wowser, I’m so glad I did! Lamb, in my opinion, is hit and miss. Five minutes spent with my European family and you will have heard about the perils of buying lamb in Australia. Too greasy, strong odour – it’s a minefield. People of Canberra, this was among the most wonderful lamb I have ever had. *drops mic*
I had a chat with Cindy and Nikki and we soon got to the bottom of it. The lamb you will find at 1882 Bar and Grill comes from Nikki’s farm. Her lambs are lovingly reared then prepared by the Bungendore town butcher. Whatever magic they’re using, it’s working! Succulent, quality meat that’s well cooked with a surprisingly good combo of green curry sauce.
My kiddos had the calamari and the nuggets, both served with chips – simple kids meals are always a winner. Almost too full for dessert, we squeezed in a yummy panna cotta. It was creamy and smooth, ticking all of the boxes.
1882 Bar and Grill is great for a meal that’s a bit fancier than you’re normal pub fare. You could visit with your partner or you can enjoy a night out with family and friends. Expect a relaxed atmosphere and tasty food. Choose from their range of entrees, mains and dessert or order a few wood-fired pizzas to share. They also have a fireplace (it’s the original from the Wood Duck Inn) so it’s going to be extra cosy in the cooler months. Add 1882 Bar and Grill to your ‘to eat’ list!
SPECIAL OFFER // We have a special offer for Eat Canberra readers!! Visit 1882 Bar and Grill in May and choose from a charcuterie board, vegetarian board or a cheese board PLUS 2 x beers or house wine for $35. This offer is available until 31st May. Just mention the Eat Canberra deal when you visit, choose your platter, choose your drinks and the friendly staff will take care of you.
Details
Address: 13 Gladstone St, Hall
HOURS
TUESDAY – THURSDAY 11:30am – 10pm
FRIDAY – SUNDAY 11:30am – 11pm
MONDAYS – CLOSED
They offer a limited menu on Tuesday. It includes the $25 parmi deal which includes a glass of 1882 lager or house wine.
This is a sponsored post but all opinions are the author’s own.
About the author
Emma Bickley is an irrepressible foodie who divides her time between cooking, eating and a few other tasks that pale into insignificance by comparison. She tries to follow recipes but ultimately cooks by feel… and with an irresponsible amount of butter. Even her small children (AKA culinary protégés) already know that no one eats until a photograph has been taken. You can find her food pics on Instagram @photo_before_we_eat or find her blissfully wandering around the markets squeezing produce, talking with her hands, encouraging her husband to smell things (which he won’t) and trying to decipher foreign ingredient labels. Of recent, you can also find her writing and dining for Eat Canberra. And if you ask about the stain on her top, she’ll say it was delicious.
Menus and trading times can change but all details mentioned were accurate at the time of publishing this article.
Emma Bickley
Emma is an irrepressible foodie who divides her time between cooking, eating and a few other tasks that pale into insignificance by comparison. She tries to follow recipes but ultimately cooks by feel... and with an irresponsible amount of butter. Even her small children (AKA culinary protégés) already know that no one eats until a photograph has been taken. You can find her food pics on Instagram @photo_before_we_eat or find her blissfully wandering around the markets squeezing produce, talking with her hands, encouraging her husband to smell things (which he won’t) and trying to decipher foreign ingredient labels. Of recent, you can also find her blogging for Eat Canberra. And if you ask about the stain on her top, she’ll say it was delicious.