The Civic Pub

Stepping into The Civic Pub is like coming home to the best of Braddon’s local spirit. Set at 8 Lonsdale Street, this inviting haven blends classic pub charm with modern comfort, making it a natural gathering spot for friends, families, and colleagues. Whether you’re popping in for a quick pint or settling in for a long evening, the warm timber finishes, flickering fireplaces, and friendly chatter set the tone. The venue is known for relaxed pub-style dining, live sports screenings, and a genuine community feel that keeps regulars returning week after week.

Behind every great pub is a commitment to simple pleasures done well. The Civic Pub delivers on that promise with generous, well-prepared meals, a thoughtful drinks list, and spaces that adapt to any occasion. You’ll find everything from intimate nooks for quiet conversations to lively bar areas where the energy builds as the night goes on. The team takes pride in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels like a local, whether they’ve just moved to Canberra or have lived here for decades.

Distinctive Spaces for Every Occasion

The Civic Pub is not a one-size-fits-all venue. Each area has its own personality, so you can match the mood to the moment. The main bar is the heart of the action, where pub-style dining meets big-screen sports and the buzz of Braddon life. It’s the perfect spot to grab a casual meal, watch the game, or simply enjoy the lively flow of conversation and laughter. With the bar close at hand and the kitchen just paces away, service is quick and the atmosphere is always on.

For a quieter experience, the dining room offers a cosy retreat anchored by a beautiful fireplace. With seating for up to 90 guests, it suits everything from family dinners to small celebrations. Nearby, the lounge wraps you in warmth with a second fireplace and comfortable seating for about 40 diners. This space feels like your own living room, only with a better drinks menu and no washing up to worry about. For truly private moments, the private dining room seats 8 to 12 guests and features its own fireplace and large screen TV, making it ideal for intimate birthday dinners, business meetings, or small reunions.

The Terrace Bar and Mezzanine

A newer addition to the pub, the Terrace Bar brings a lighter, fresher feel while staying true to the Civic Pub’s welcoming character. Warm timber accents, lush greenery, and a relaxed ambiance make it a favourite for afternoon drinks, casual meals, and catch-ups with friends. Above the Terrace Bar, the mezzanine offers a bird’s-eye view of the space below. Its open-plan layout and classic furnishings create a slightly elevated retreat, perfect for those moments when you want to feel part of the action while enjoying your own cosy corner.

Classic Pub Fare with a Modern Touch

Food at The Civic Pub is honest, hearty, and made for sharing. The kitchen operates with a straightforward philosophy: take quality ingredients, prepare them with care, and serve them in portions that satisfy. The menu features pub favourites that have stood the test of time, alongside options that reflect contemporary tastes. Popular dishes include crispy chicken schnitzel, flavourful pesto chicken, tender sirloin steak, and well-loved pasta plates like spaghetti and chicken parmigiana.

Sunday to Thursday, the kitchen serves from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, making it easy to plan a leisurely midweek dinner. On Fridays and Saturdays, hours extend until 10:00 pm, giving you extra time to enjoy a meal before the evening shifts into full swing. Because the menu is built around crowd-pleasers, it’s just as appropriate for a quick shared snack as it is for a full three-course meal. The kitchen team works consistently to maintain the quality that has earned the pub a strong local reputation.

What Sets This Local Pub Apart

Visitors often remark on the balance The Civic Pub strikes between tradition and adaptability. Classic elements like exposed brick, timber bars, and roaring fireplaces create a timeless pub feel, while the Terrace Bar and mezzanine bring a fresh energy that appeals to a younger crowd. It’s rare to find a venue that can host a quiet Tuesday dinner, a raucous Saturday night, and a family Sunday lunch with equal ease. Yet this flexibility comes naturally here, supported by a team that knows how to read the room and adjust the pace.

Another standout feature is the thoughtful layout that offers both communal buzz and private retreat within the same footprint. You can start the evening in the main bar watching sports, move to the dining room for a sit-down meal, and finish with a nightcap in the lounge or terrace — all without leaving the building. The private dining room adds a layer of exclusivity for occasions that require a quieter setting. This range of environments under one roof is a genuine asset for a suburb like Braddon, where patrons expect choice and character.

Location, Hours, and Practical Information

The Civic Pub occupies a prime spot at Unit 5/8 Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Australian Capital Territory 2612. Braddon is one of Canberra’s most vibrant inner-city suburbs, known for its food trucks, independent cafés, breweries, and boutique shopping. The pub fits right into this creative, energetic neighbourhood while providing the familiar comforts of a well-established local. Free parking is available, and the venue offers Wi-Fi, making it convenient for casual meetings or a relaxed work break over lunch.

Opening hours are straightforward: the pub welcomes guests from 11:30 am until late every day of the week. The kitchen closes at 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and at 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. You can contact the team by phone at +61 2 6248 6488 or via email at admin@civicpub.com.au for bookings and enquiries. To secure a table, use the online reservation system on the official website at civicpub.com.au. Gift vouchers are also available for purchase online, making a perfect present for the pub lover in your life.

Serving the Braddon and Canberra Community

Part of what makes The Civic Pub special is its deep connection to the Braddon community. It’s not just a place to eat and drink; it’s a local anchor where milestones are celebrated, friendships are formed, and the rhythm of the neighbourhood plays out day after day. The pub actively welcomes locals, families, and visitors, creating a space that feels both inclusive and personal. Whether you’re here for a quick drink after work, a weekend gathering, or a special function, you’ll find a genuine welcome and a setting that makes you want to stay.

By supporting The Civic Pub, patrons are also supporting a local business that values its team and the wider Canberra area. The venue regularly hires from the community and offers opportunities through its “Join Our Team” program. This commitment to local employment and skill-building reinforces the pub’s role as not just a business, but a community partner. For Braddon residents and visitors alike, The Civic Pub represents the best of what a neighbourhood pub can be — a place that feels like ours, where the door is always open and the fire is always on.