Symposium by University House

Located in the vibrant Kambri Precinct at the heart of the Australian National University, Symposium by University House offers a refined escape for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Our venue strikes the perfect balance between a sophisticated wine bar and a welcoming casual dining spot, making it an ideal destination for academics, professionals, and locals in Canberra. Whether you are joining us for a leisurely lunch, an after-work gathering, or a celebratory dinner, our team delivers an experience built around exceptional wine, locally sourced produce, and warm hospitality.

We take pride in our carefully curated wine program, led by our in-house sommelier. The list shines a spotlight on wines crafted by women winemakers from across Australia, alongside an exciting selection of boutique varieties and organic and natural wines. This thoughtful approach ensures every glass tells a story and pairs beautifully with our seasonal menus. From elegant indoor dining to sun-drenched outdoor seating on University Avenue, Symposium creates an atmosphere that invites conversation, relaxation, and discovery.

Wine & Beverage Program

Our wine list is the centerpiece of the Symposium experience. We go beyond the ordinary to showcase producers making a real impact in the Australian wine scene. Guests can explore a diverse range of styles, from crisp, textural whites to bold, structured reds. The focus on women winemakers and independent labels means you will often discover something new and unexpected. Our sommelier is always on hand to guide you through the selection and recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.

• Curated Wine List: Featuring women winemakers, boutique varieties, and organic selections from across Australia.
• Sommelier Expertise: Personalized recommendations to match your palate and menu choices.
• Group Wine Tastings: Bookable sessions for private gatherings and special occasions with advance notice.

Dining & Seasonal Menus

Our kitchen team sources fresh, local produce to craft a menu that complements our wine list perfectly. The offering is designed for sharing and exploration, moving from light bar snacks to more substantial small plates and platters. At lunchtime, the menu takes a comforting turn with a daily rotation of heart-warming soups and gourmet sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients. Every dish is prepared to enhance the flavors in your glass and encourage a leisurely, social dining pace.

Lunch & Light Fare

Join us from Monday to Friday for a seasonal lunch menu. We feature a daily special of house-made soups and premium sandwiches, perfect for a quick yet satisfying break in the Kambri Precinct. The ingredients are always fresh, and the flavors change with the season to keep things interesting for regular guests.

Small Plates & Platters

Our all-day and evening menu focuses on shareable plates. Expect beautifully presented platters featuring Australian cheeses from producers like Tilba Real Dairy, Binnorie Dairy, and Vannella Cheese, alongside cured meats and artisan accompaniments such as Fig & Olive products, Morella Grove extra virgin olive oil, and Maxwells Treats mustards. These small plates are designed to be mixed and matched, letting you create your own tasting journey.

Private Events & Catering

Symposium is a stunning venue for private functions, offering both stand-up cocktail events for up to 90 guests and seated dinners for up to 60. The elegant indoor spaces and sunny outdoor terrace provide a versatile backdrop for celebrations, corporate gatherings, and milestone events. We work closely with you to create a bespoke package that suits your needs, drawing on our in-house catering expertise.

• Venue Capacity: Cocktail events for 90 guests; sit-down dinners for 60.
• On-Site Catering: Fully customized menus using our seasonal produce and wine list.
• Off-Site Options: Limited external catering including serviced canapés, beverage packages, cold lunches, and platters (tea and coffee not available off-site).

Our Producers & Local Suppliers

Quality is built on strong relationships with our producers. We proudly feature an array of artisan suppliers who share our commitment to excellence. From the rich, creamy goat’s cheese of Meredith Dairy to the grass-fed beef from the Great Dividing Range, every ingredient on our board has been selected for its flavor and integrity. This network of local and regional producers allows us to create a menu that is both authentic and distinctly Australian.

• Hundred Acre Farm — Wallaroo, NSW
• Fig & Olive Products — Wallaroo, NSW
• La Bouqueria Small Goods — Frenchs Forest, NSW
• Meredith Dairy Goats Cheese — Meredith, VIC
• Tilba Real Dairy Cheese — Central Tilba, NSW
• Pinnacle Grass Fed Beef — Great Dividing Range, SA

Serving Canberra & the ANU Kambri Precinct

We are proudly situated within Fenner Hall on University Avenue, making us a convenient and stylish meeting point for the ANU community and Canberra residents. The Kambri Precinct is a dynamic cultural and social hub, and Symposium contributes a unique blend of academic heritage and contemporary dining culture. After extensive hail damage to the original University House building, Symposium has carried forward the institution’s legacy of hospitality and ceremonial warmth while the historic building undergoes restoration.

Our location is easily accessible by public transport, cycling, and car. We invite you to experience the charm of University House in our temporary home, where the spirit of scholarly gathering lives on through good food, great wine, and excellent company. Whether you are impressing a visiting colleague, enjoying a quiet moment with a pot of tea, or hosting a significant function, our team is ready to welcome you.

Hours, Location & Contact

We are open Monday through Friday to serve the campus and the wider Acton community. Our hours are split between a relaxed lunch service and a vibrant evening wine bar atmosphere. Bookings are highly recommended for dinner and essential for private events and group wine tastings.

• Address: Shop 13, 152 University Avenue, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
• Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Phone: +61 436 814 344
• Email: symposium.unihouse@anu.edu.au