The newest venue to hit Braddon has been brewing behind the wall that’s home to the big red octopus on Lonsdale St. Assembly is expected to open mid-late April and will be the newest modern pub to open its doors in Canberra.
Aligning with the definition of its name, Assembly will be a venue for people to gather together in one place, for a common purpose. In this case, the purpose will be to enjoy good food and good drinks in a welcoming and unpretentious venue.
I caught up with Wes Heincke, one of the owners, who walked me through the space at the end of January. It was definitely still a work in progress when I was there but I could see the vision. It’s going to be an impressive venue and it’s huge!
The highlight is definitely the sunny beer garden at the back that features a big tree. A tree people! They had to hire a crane to lift and place the tree into the space. I can see this beer garden quickly becoming the new hangout in Braddon.
The interior features booths and long tables, allowing for hundreds of people to fill the space. The centerpiece of the kitchen is the wood-fired rotisserie that will allow the kitchen team to serve up great modern pub food.
“The food will be a cross between Edgar’s and 86”, Wes tells me.
The bar features a dark imprinted concrete slab that has a definite wow factor. Guests can expect great coffee, good beers, delicious wines and cocktails with unpretentious, intelligent and fun service.
“Braddon has a great mixture of restaurants and bars but I think it’s crying out for a big venue that ties it all together,” Heincke says.
Assembly will a somewhere for everyone from the hipsters, office workers and families to enjoy some good food and drinks in a big, inviting venue.
There’s a big area at the back that they’re considering utilising for markets and events so watch this space…
The team have also created a gorgeous co-working space upstairs. Nesuto is a hub for entrepreneurs and freelancers so you might find me there after, or maybe before, a visit to Assembly. Although I doubt I would actually get any work done because I’d be distracted thinking about that sunny beer garden.
I’m excited to see the end product and from what I saw and discussed with Wes, you should be too.
Details
Address: 11 Lonsdale St, Braddon
Opening: Mid-late April
Instagram: @assemblycbr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assemblycanberra/
Website: www.assemblycbr.com.au
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.