There’s something to be said about a bar with a playful drinks menu and FAQ on the front page. Ask if they do Jäegerbombs, and they’ll tell you, “We should be getting them in next week.”
Newcomer to Belconnen in Canberra, 54 Benjamin is a small bar located along the busy Benjamin Way on the ground floor of the Churches Centre. Conveniently named after its address, 54 Benjamin is a bar about personal service and return customers. Since it has opened in January 2015, the intimate venue has built a strong regulars’ presence in a welcoming, neighbourhood style bar.
Open from 4pm to 11 pm with a capacity of 42 inside and 15 outside, 54 Benjamin brings relaxed imbibing and well-crafted cocktails to the Canberra’s northern suburb.
The back bar impresses with a range of top shelf spirits. You’ll find a solid gin and rum collection, ArteNOM tequilas and whisk(e)y spanning America, Australia, Japan and Scotland. A choice of six Boilermakers is not only limited to whiskey but includes gin, rum and tequila.
The cocktail menu offers Seasonal Shrubs ($8) made in-house with or without a choice of spirit, Highballs ($11-$18), Sun Sippers such as On the Lawns ($14), made with gin, lemon, raspberry puree, rosemary, caramelised balsamic topped with tonic water, and playful takes on classics such as Jacques Tati ($14), with sloe gin, Aperol and lemon.
For a bolder and boozier option, the Vancouver Club ($16) hits the right notes with rye whiskey, mixed with orange bitters, maple syrup and Fernet Branca, the latter imparting herbaceous notes which make the drink. Old time classics are also available on a monthly rotation.
On most nights, The Tank food cart is parked outside the bar serving food such as Piggies in Blankets, Potato Smash and F**k Yeah Steak Sandwich for under $10.
54 Benjamin is a small bar where you enter a stranger then immediately feel like a regular. The cocktails are well crafted and along with good bar chat, it’s easy to see why it has become a regulars’ favourite.
54 Benjamin
Address: 54 Benjamin Way, Belconnen, Canberra
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm to 9pm; Friday & Saturday: 4pm-11pm
Website: www.54benjamin.com.au
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.
