There is simply no better contrast than a mix of old and new. Next week, Canberrans will be treated to a winning combination of heritage and hipsters.
Hooray!
On Tuesday 26 November, Canberra’s favourite coffee company, Lonsdale Street Roasters (LSR) is breaking into Barton through a partnership with Toga Hotels’ Hotel Kurrajong. This uniquely Canberran collaboration will celebrate the launch an all-new LSR coffee variety – The Ben Chifley Blend, AND THERE WILL BE FREE COFFEE FOR EVERYONE!!! Even Flute Bakery has come on board, with macarons and small cakes to enjoy. Perfect!
Exclusive to Hotel Kurrajong, the blend pays homage to former Australian Prime Minister, Ben Chifley. The Hotel was the PM’s residence of choice when he was in office (1945-1949), and refused to stay at The Lodge. Even after leaving the highest elected office, the Hotel continued to play host to the ex-Prime Minister.
In 1952, Chifley suffered a heart attack at the hotel and refused any medical help, only to die on the way to the hospital. The fact this all happened in the presence of his secretary and, um… ‘confidante’ – one Ms Phyllis Donnelly – had plenty of tongues wagging at the time.
Paying no mind to salacious gossip, Alastair Evans, owner of LSR plays it straight, “In Canberra’s Centenary Year, naming the blend after Ben recognises a great Australian and reminds us of the importance of Hotel Kurrajong to local history. We hope everyone enjoys it as much as us!”
Robert McKenna, Hotel Kurrajong Manager, also anticipates a big day as the new brew debuts. “It’s great to partner with the LSR team, especially at such an amazing time for the hotel as we begin a major renovation. Lonsdale Street Roasters sits really well with the plans we have for the hotel. The Ben Chifley brand is an important component of this vision. The future looks very exciting!”
Lonsdale Street Roasters are promising to deck out the hotel to celebrate the event, and as well as free coffee, there will be Ben Chifley sample bags on the day. This event will be a great opportunity for LSR to plant a flag on the city’s Southside as this partnership pays homage to the past, the present and future things to come.
The Lonsdale Street Roaster’s Ben Chifley Blend launch will take place at Hotel Kurrajong next Tuesday 26 November from 8.00am until 4.00pm. Hotel Kurrajong will then offer the blend every weekday from 6.30am until 3.30pm from Monday to Friday.
