This Free June Gig Is Bringing Mulled Wine, Hot Soup, and Live Jazz to Ainslie
By late June, Canberra’s winter frost is a daily reality. But there is a cure. And it involves steaming bowls of soup, spiced mulled wine, and some of the smoothest local jazz in town.
The Ultimate Winter Antidote
The team at Mercure Canberra and Olims Bar & Bistro are resurrecting a winter tradition. Warm Soup, Cool Jazz is making its return to the Carlton Room on Saturday, 20 June. It’s exactly what it sounds like. A cozy, low-key evening of live music, comforting house-made soups, and winter warmers.
Local Tunes and Spiced Warmers
They’ve lined up a stellar local trio to keep the room warm. You’ve got Angela Lount on lead vocals, Leo Joseph on keys, and Lauren Thurlow on the sax. Expect smooth, soulful jazz that pairs perfectly with a mug of spiced cider.
Soup Specialists
Food-wise, they’re setting up a dedicated winter soup bar loaded with comforting, house-made classics. If you need something a bit heavier to get you through the night, the full Olims Bar & Bistro menu is also on standby for pub classics and extra drinks. It’s entirely family-friendly, completely free to get in, and the perfect excuse to gather the crew..
Make a Night of It
If the thought of stepping back out into the sub-zero night air after a few mulled wines makes you shudder, you can always just stay put. The Mercure is one of Canberra’s original heritage hotels, and they’ve got some great winter accommodation packages running. Crawling straight from the Carlton Room into a warm heritage suite? We’re sold.
EVENT INFORMATION:
Location: Carlton Room, Mercure Canberra, Ainslie
Dates/Times: Saturday, 20 June 2026, doors open from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ticketing/Booking: Free entry, all welcome
Find out more HERE
