The Duxton

The Duxton is a beloved gathering place in the heart of O'Connor, offering a uniquely Canberra blend of relaxed pub atmosphere and seriously good food. Known for its warm hospitality and spacious indoor-outdoor layout, it’s the kind of local where you can drop in for a quick drink at the bar or settle into the bistro for a long, leisurely meal with family and friends. From its beautifully restored building to its thoughtful menu, every element is designed to make you feel at home while delivering a dining experience well above standard pub fare.

Visitors consistently praise the versatility of the venue. Whether you’re meeting colleagues after work, celebrating a milestone in the private loft space, or simply enjoying a casual dinner, the setting adapts seamlessly. The kitchen draws on seasonal produce and classic comfort food, turning out dishes that are both familiar and refined. Combined with a carefully curated drinks list featuring local wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails, The Duxton has become a go-to destination for anyone seeking quality without pretense in the Australian Capital Territory.

What We Offer

The Duxton delivers a full hospitality experience that goes beyond a typical pub. The main bar is the social heartbeat, stocked with a rotating selection of Australian and international beers, including the popular house-brewed pale ale. The wine list leans heavily on cool-climate Canberra-region drops, and the cocktail menu mixes classics with seasonal creations. For dining, the bistro menu covers everything from wood-fired pizzas and juicy chicken burgers to perfectly cooked sirloin steaks, delicate fish and chips, and whole roasted barramundi, alongside generous schnitzels and vibrant salads. A dedicated dessert menu features shareable indulgences like the legendary Nutella calzone.

• Bar & Craft Beer: A wide range of tap and bottled beers, with a spotlight on local breweries and the signature Duxton Pale Ale.
• Bistro Dining: An all-day menu focusing on pub classics executed well—think pizzas, burgers, steaks, schnitzels, and fresh seafood.
• Private Events & Functions: The upstairs Loft/Living Room space is ideal for engagements, birthdays, and corporate gatherings, with custom catering packages available.
• Outdoor Courtyard: A sun-dappled courtyard perfect for long lunches and casual catch-ups in O'Connor's beautiful weather.
• Takeaway Meals: Many menu favourites are available to take home, bringing the Duxton experience to your own dining table.
• Seasonal Specials: Frequent chef’s specials that highlight the best available produce from local growers and suppliers.

Why Customers Choose Us

Guests return to The Duxton again and again because it strikes a rare balance between vibrant energy and genuine comfort. The service team—frequently name-checked in reviews—brings a level of attentiveness and friendliness that turns first-time visitors into regulars. The food is consistently described as “top-notch,” using quality ingredients and generous portions that represent real value for the $20–$60 per person range.

The flexibility of the space is another major draw. A quiet Tuesday dinner feels just as natural as a buzzing Saturday night when the venue fills with a lively crowd. Families appreciate the welcoming attitude and menu options that appeal to all ages, while groups of friends love the share-plate culture and the buzz of the main bar. The dedicated loft area also gives the venue a point of difference for private celebrations, offering a beautiful room that feels exclusive without being stuffy.

Great Food, Worth the Wait

Even when the venue is packed, the kitchen maintains its standards. Reviewers note that the Nutella calzone is “heavenly” to share, while the sirloin steak and fish and chips are perennial favourites. The pizza selection, often highlighted in reviews, features creative toppings on a well-made base, appealing to purists and experimental eaters alike.

An Inclusive, LGBTQ+-Friendly Venue

The Duxton is recognised as an LGBTQ+-friendly space, fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe. This commitment to inclusivity is part of the broader culture that makes O'Connor's local pub such a beloved fixture in the community.

Serving O'Connor & the ACT

Located at 8 Macpherson Street in O'Connor, The Duxton sits in one of Canberra's most charming inner-north suburbs. The area blends quiet, leafy streets with proximity to the city's cultural hubs, making the pub an easy meeting point for residents and visitors alike. It’s a popular spot before and after events at nearby sporting fields and theaters, and a regular haunt for the local community.

O'Connor itself is known for its heritage character and strong community spirit, and The Duxton reflects these values. The building’s restoration respected its historical bones while introducing a modern, airy fit-out that suits the contemporary Canberra lifestyle. For people living in surrounding suburbs like Turner, Lyneham, and Braddon, as well as visitors from greater ACT, the pub provides a reliable and rewarding dining option that feels distinctly local.

Hours, Location & Directions

Planning your visit? The Duxton operates with a schedule designed to catch the lunch crowd and carry through to a lively evening service. The kitchen typically runs from midday, so you can drop in for a long lunch or an early dinner before the evening rush.

• Typical Weekly Hours:
  Monday–Tuesday: 12:00pm–10:00pm
  Wednesday–Saturday: 11:30am–Midnight
  Sunday: 11:00am–10:00pm
• Address: 8 Macpherson St, O'Connor ACT 2602, Australia
• Phone: +61 2 6162 0799
• Price Guide: $20–$60 per person
• Dining Options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery

Finding The Duxton is straightforward: Macpherson Street runs off the main arterial roads connecting O'Connor to central Canberra. There is ample street parking in the surrounding residential area, and the venue is a short walk from several public transport stops. Once you arrive, the stately facade makes a clear impression, inviting you into a world where relaxed pub charm meets seriously good food and drink.

Questions Visitors Ask

Do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome, especially in the bar and courtyard areas. However, for bistro dining on Friday and Saturday nights, a reservation is strongly recommended. The private loft space for functions must be booked in advance through the venue’s events team.

Is there a kids' menu?

The bistro menu includes options that appeal to younger diners, and the relaxed atmosphere is very family-friendly. You can always check the current menu online or call ahead to confirm specific children’s dishes.

What is the best dish to try first?

If you’re new to The Duxton, the wood-fired pizzas and the signature Duxton Pale Ale are a classic pairing. For a heartier feed, the sirloin steak or the chicken burger are the kitchen’s standouts according to regulars.