Wakefield's Bar

Tucked around the corner and up the stairs from Edgar's Inn in the quiet inner-north suburb of Ainslie, Wakefield's Bar offers a distinctly intimate and atmospheric escape. Described by its own website as a “cool Canberra wine bar, tucked away in the ’burbs,” this venue has become a cherished night-out destination for locals. The experience begins before you even order a drink, as you are greeted by the scent of freshly popped popcorn at the door, setting the tone for a warm and welcoming evening. The space is warm-lit and designed for elopement from the everyday, making it perfect for everything from a low-key date night to a private dinner with friends.

The bar's diverse nature is one of its defining features. Wakefield's is a multi-faceted venue that effortlessly transitions from a spot to read a book under the lamplight to a hub for live shows, hens parties, and wedding receptions. Its location within the Ainslie Shops complex at 2 Wakefield Gardens places it at the heart of a beloved community hub, yet its hidden position gives it a secluded, speakeasy-like feel. Whether you are a local looking for a new favourite haunt or a visitor seeking a unique Canberra experience, Wakefield's delivers a level of hospitality that feels both personal and thoughtfully curated. Operating as part of the wider Edgar’s Inn group, it benefits from a deep-rooted connection to the area while maintaining a distinct identity that sets it apart from its lively downstairs neighbour.

The Drinking Experience

The heart of Wakefield's Bar lies in its carefully considered wine and beverage program. It is first and foremost a neighbourhood wine bar, and the list reflects a passion for interesting varietals and producers. The knowledgeable team is on hand to guide you through the selection, mirroring the website’s promise that you’ll be “introduced to a glass of something you’ll spend the night with.” The price point, reported by guests to fall between $40 and $160 per person, allows for an accessible yet premium experience, whether you are popping in for a single glass or settling in for a celebratory evening. Beyond wine, the bar crafts polished cocktails that have earned their own loyal following, with reviewers specifically mentioning the appeal of a well-made Aperol Spritz during special Italian feast evenings. The atmosphere encourages lingering; the warm lighting, the hum of conversation, and the attentive service combine to create a space where time seems to slow down, and you are farewelled with the kind of relaxed, flushed-cheek contentment that marks a truly successful night out.

Menu Highlights

While Wakefield's Bar is primarily celebrated for its wine list, the food offering is a crucial and dynamic part of its charm. The venue’s culinary identity is heavily influenced by a rotating cast of pop-up kitchens and collaborations, meaning the menu is constantly evolving. A particularly memorable event mentioned in customer reviews is when “Mama Dough took over Wakefield's,” transforming the space into an Italian feast. Guests raved about a menu that featured classic pasta dishes and expertly made pizzas, perfectly paired with the bar’s drinks and bringing a vibrant, familial energy to the intimate setting.

The standard menu and pop-up events provide a mix of elevated bar food and unique dining experiences. The official website highlights the aroma of popcorn as a signature welcome, a simple yet effective gesture that immediately signals hospitality. While specific dishes rotate, reviews confirm a consistent focus on quality and flavour. One diner highlighted a delicious pasta dish as a standout, while others pointed to an impressive oyster offering during special events that exemplified the kitchen’s ability to execute high-quality, fresh seafood. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts are available, though the kitchen is attentive to feedback; an owner response directly addressed and rectified a disappointing brownie, demonstrating a commendable commitment to continuous improvement. The combination of reliable bar snacks and innovative, event-based meals ensures that every visit can offer something new to explore, rewarding repeat patronage with fresh culinary surprises.

Customer Reviews and Community Sentiment

Wakefield's Bar holds a strong 4.7-star rating on Google Maps from 52 reviews, reflecting a high level of customer satisfaction and a loyal following in Ainslie. The feedback consistently praises the venue’s dual strengths: its fantastic atmosphere and the quality of its food and drink. The space is consistently celebrated in reviews for its unique, intimate vibe, with descriptors like “warm-lit” and “elopement from the everyday” resonating deeply with visitors. Many reviewers highlight the space’s versatility, commending it equally as a venue for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with a special set menu as for a lively family gathering when a pop-up kitchen takes over.

Customer feedback paints a picture of a venue that listens and adapts. The owner’s responses to reviews, such as the swift acknowledgment of a dessert that missed the mark and the grateful reply to praise for the Mama Dough event, show an active and engaged management. This dialogue builds trust and reinforces the bar’s identity as a community-focused establishment. The recurring themes in the reviews—the excellent hospitality, the delicious pasta and oysters, and the overall fantastic experience—provide a reliable testament to what new visitors can expect. The 4.7-star consensus serves as a powerful signal that Wakefield’s Bar is not just a hidden gem, but a polished and consistently rewarding destination in Canberra’s inner north.

Functions and Private Events

Wakefield’s Bar is not only a stellar public bar but also an exceptional venue for private functions. Its intimate, warm-lit design makes it an ideal canvas for a range of gatherings, from hens parties and birthday celebrations to engagement drinks and wedding receptions. The venue’s inherent character reduces the need for excessive decoration; the space already feels curated and special. The dedicated functions team, reachable directly via wakefields@edgarsinn.com.au, works closely with hosts to tailor the evening, including customising food and drink packages to suit the occasion. The ability to incorporate unique dining experiences, such as a private Italian feast from the Mama Dough pop-up kitchen, can elevate a private dinner into a memorable culinary event. The venue’s slightly hidden location, up the stairs and around the corner, adds an exclusive, “speakeasy” element to private parties, ensuring your event feels like a true discovery for your guests. Whether it’s a seated dinner for close friends or a cocktail-style reception, Wakefield’s provides a framework for an event that is seamlessly managed and warm with hospitality, letting hosts enjoy the party as much as their guests.

Why This Venue Stands Out

In a city with a growing bar scene, Wakefield’s distinguishes itself through a masterful blend of seclusion and community. The first thing that sets it apart is its physical and sensory welcome: the journey up the stairs away from the street, and the signature scent of popcorn that greets every visitor. This simple, evocative detail immediately communicates that this is a place of comfort and thoughtful care. Secondly, its dual identity as both a tranquil, lamp-lit reading nook and a vibrant event space for live shows and parties means it defies easy categorisation. This versatility attracts a broad, diverse clientele, from solo patrons seeking a quiet corner to rowdier groups celebrating a hen’s night, without alienating either.

Another key differentiator is its connection to the broader Edgar’s Inn ecosystem. Guests at Wakefield’s enjoy the benefit of a professionally run venue with robust back-end support, yet the bar itself feels entirely independent and personal. This relationship allows access to resources like the Mama Dough pizza kitchen, facilitating the dynamic pop-up events that keep the menu exciting and unpredictable. Finally, the staff’s genuine engagement, as evidenced by thoughtful review responses and the promise of a personalised wine journey, builds a loyalty that goes beyond a transactional bar visit. Wakefield’s doesn’t just serve drinks; it curates an experience that feels handcrafted for each guest, making it a true standout in Ainslie’s hospitality landscape.

Location and Operating Hours

Finding Wakefield’s is part of the experience. It is located within the Ainslie Shops complex, but its discreet positioning means you won’t stumble upon it from the street. The precise instruction from its website is essential: it is around the corner and up the stairs from Edgar’s Inn pub. The street address is Shop 2/1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie ACT 2602. Once you spot the Edgar’s Inn building, navigate around the side and look for the stairwell leading to a warmly lit doorway. This slightly tucked-away entrance enhances the venue’s intimate, exclusive feel and makes a visit feel like you’re in on a local secret. For those driving, the Ainslie Shops precinct offers local parking, and the area is also well-serviced by public transport, with several bus routes stopping within a short walking distance on Limestone Avenue and Majura Avenue.

Wakefield’s Bar operates on a curated schedule that reinforces its identity as an evening destination. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:00 PM until late. Closing time can vary depending on the crowd and the night’s events, so “til late” provides a flexible, relaxed end to the evening that suits its moody, unhurried atmosphere. It is important to note that the bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays, giving the team time to reset and plan for the upcoming week’s pop-ups and events. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday nights or when a special pop-up kitchen is in residence. Booking can be done easily through the prominent “Book Now” function on the Edgar’s Inn website. For any direct inquiries, the phone number is (02) 6257 5488, with the prompt to press 3 specifically for Wakefield’s Bar.