The Old Canberra Inn: Lunch Before Our Canberra Paint and Sip at ANU

Before our Canberra Paint and Sip event at The Australian National University, we did what any responsible touring humans do. We fed ourselves like we had a job to do later.

Enter The Old Canberra Inn. Historic as hell, classic pub energy, and the kind of place that feels like it’s been holding court for generations because it literally has.

There’s a heritage sign out the front that lays it all out: the Old Canberra Inn had its genesis in 1857 when Joseph Ayra Shumack built a home on his landholding on the main Yass to Queanbeyan Road, and by 1876 it was converted into a licensed inn. It later became a family home known as “The Pines”, then after the Australian Government acquired the property in 1973 and restored the building, it was licensed again in 1976 and now operates as The Old Canberra Inn. The sign also notes we’re on Ngunnawal Country.

We love a meal with a backstory, and this one came with 1800s plot lines.

First impressions: old pub charm, outdoor courtyard, no pretending

This is not a shiny, sterile venue pretending it has personality. It has personality whether you asked for it or not.

The outdoor area is the winner. Proper pub courtyard vibes, space to breathe, and it feels like the kind of place you could park yourself for a while. The signage also makes it clear they’ve got all day dining, live music, a kid’s play area, function spaces, and rotating craft beer with Capital Brewing Co on board.

Menu details change, obviously, so check before you go. But on our visit, it delivered exactly what we needed: a decent feed that didn’t feel like an afterthought.

What we ate

Vegetarian lasagne

The vegetarian lasagne was the main character. Big, cheesy top, proper saucy layers, and the kind of comfort food that makes you sit back and go, yep, that’ll do it.

It came out looking like it meant business, and it ate like it too. Hot, hearty, and the exact right choice when you’ve got a big night ahead and you need something that will actually keep you going.

Haloumi burger

The haloumi burger was a strong move. Glossy bun, solid stack, and it had that pub-burger satisfaction without being a greasy regret.

If you’re someone who orders vegetarian but still wants it to feel like a proper meal, this hits that brief. It’s not a sad little “here’s a leaf, good luck” situation.

Fish and salad

The fish plate was simple and done properly: a fish fillet with a crisped-up top, served with greens and fresh sides, plus lemon ready to go. It’s the kind of pub meal that feels lighter without feeling like you’re being punished.

If you’re the person in the group who wants something fresher while everyone else goes full burger mode, this is your lane.

Again, menus change, so if you’re chasing a specific dish, check before you go.

Why it worked as a pre-show stop

When you’re touring and you’ve got an event to run, you don’t want a meal that knocks you out. You want something satisfying, reliable, and quick enough that you’re not stressing about the clock.

The Old Canberra Inn nailed that. Good atmosphere, solid portions, and a setting that actually feels like Canberra, not a generic anywhere-pub.

The heritage factor is not just fluff

Some venues slap “historic” on the website and call it a day. Here, it’s baked into the place. The story is literally posted out the front, from the 1857 beginnings through to its licensing again in 1976 and its life now as The Old Canberra Inn.

If you’re into older buildings, local history, or you just like your pub lunch with a side of “this place has seen some things”, you’ll appreciate it.

If you’re doing a Canberra day out

If you’re in Canberra for a weekend, a gig, a uni visit, or you’re just cruising around looking for somewhere with a bit of character, The Old Canberra Inn is an easy pick for a relaxed lunch.

And for us, it did exactly what we needed. A good feed, a calm moment, then straight into show mode for our Canberra Paint and Sip at ANU.

Check before you go for current menu items, opening hours, and bookings if you’re visiting at a peak time.