What to do in Canberra this July

words by annie brown

It’s officially cold. Like, coldest-temperatures-in-20-years kind of cold. Despite a very strong desire to make like a bear and hibernate, Canberra has just too many exciting things going on this month to stay in. If your pyjamas have become your new favourite outfit, this one is for you.

In the last couple of months Canberra has seen a plethora of new bars, restaurants and cafes opening- so many in fact, that if you tried a new one every day in July, you would only have a spare few days to fill. Kokomos, situated on the site where Tongue & Groove previously resided on Bunda Street is a two-story venue with a decidedly tropical theme. From the Pacific-inspired menu to the palm trees and tropical prints that adorn the walls, you will feel like you’ve escaped the cold and into an exotic oasis once inside. An eatery, bar and entertainment venue, Kokomos has already seen the likes of Boy George take to the decks so watch this space for future gigs- the bar has been set high.

Lovers of authentic ramen will be delighted that Ramentic has sprung up on Lonsdale St- a tiny Japanese restaurant that could easily slot in to the alleyways of Tokyo. Serving ramen as its specialty, nothing beats a bowl of this hearty soup on a wintery eve. Already exceedingly popular, don’t be surprised if there is a line out the door but once inside and seated, the food is fast, fresh and oh-so-delicious.

Down in No Name Lane in the City, The Doughnut Department is bringing possibly the greatest food and drink combination ever to the Canberran dining (and drinking) scene- fresh artisan doughnuts with sweet and savoury fillings, handmade by chef Nathan Frost…and champagne, paired together in unique experiences. Opening this week, we know where we’ll be when those sweet cravings hit.

For all of us who wish we were in Europe right now with seemingly everyone we have ever added on social media, a taste of France is coming to Canberra with Bastille Day celebrations around Canberra on 14 July. Indulge in Bastille Day dinners at Les Bistronommes, The Boathouse and Pialligo Estate and dream of Paris…if only for a day.

Rounding off a very food-centric month indeed, truffle season is in full-flight with culinary experiences, hunts, tours and tastings a-plenty around the Capital and region. Join Jayson and his delightful pups for a truffle experience at The Truffle Farm, as he shares his fascinating story and takes you for a wander around his striking property to forage for the precious fungi (cuddles with the dogs gladly permitted!) For something a bit different, head to our bars at QT Canberra to experience our unique truffle negroni, available until the end of winter.

To mix up all the eating and drinking on the cards this month, perhaps a night at the theatre is in order. This month sees George Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984 reincarnated onstage from 24- 29 July at Canberra Theatre Centre. Produced by UK theatrical innovators Headlong along with Nottingham Playhouse and the Almeida Theatre, this production came roaring onto the stage in 2013 and since then it has become an international phenomenon. Set in a world where an invasive government keeps a malevolently watchful eye on its citizens, this radical and much-lauded staging explores surveillance, identity and why Orwell’s vision of the future is as relevant now as ever.