A charming bar stacking a rotating selection of wine, elevated afternoon nibbles and a simple (yet flavour-packed) modern menu, Canberra’s newest, WineRoom has just popped up in Braddon.

From the team behind the award-winning Gather café, including FIXATE Group Director Will Fisher (Local Press & Gather), Marcellus Heleta (Monster, RAKU & Akiba) and Paolo Sossi (The Marylebone, London, The Trust, Melbourne & Goldfish, Sydney), the new 40-seat venue sits behind the café as a somewhat hole-in-the-wall, secluded bar.

Providing your lazy afternoon wine and cheese, Friday night drinks, intimate dinner or special celebration, FIXATE Group Director Will Fisher says they wanted to “create a venue that was designed around [their] love of sharing great food and wine with mates.”

Continuing a local and natural approach to dining, Josh Smith-Thirkell of QT Hotel Group has jumped on board as executive chef to help execute their vision.

Think rock oysters with yuzu granita, Goldband snapper with finger lime, and Vanella burrata with pumpkin to start. Followed by octopus with black garlic and nduja, and Murray cod with lemon myrtle for main.

Or, if you’re after a small bite, sip wine and order from the bar’s snack menu and premium cheese selection.

“My kitchen is like a carnival, with all kinds of foods and flavours where I work alongside some of the most talented chefs in town,” says Josh.

“The more I get to try, the more I realise that our dishes are unique in their own way and the homey vibe lends itself to creating in a completely unique way that isn’t just fun, it’s delicious,” he says.

Fit with high ceilings, warm hues and tonnes of timber to add to the bar’s cosy vibe, diners may choose from an intimate booth, window-facing tables, outdoor seating or the 12-guest private dining room with a gorgeous floral light installation courtesy of Wiluna Studios.

“The design of the open plan bar was intended to remove the traditional barriers between guests and bar staff, encouraging everyone to engage more over the wine and food. This immersive style of hospitality is new to Canberra, and we are excited about bringing it to the market,” says Mars.

WineRoom is now open from Tuesday to Saturday from 4:30pm. Bookings can be made via https://wineroom.bar/