Half a decade ago my interest was piqued when I saw construction beginning down at the local shops. Evatt has the Australian standard issue suburban shops. Fish & Chip shop, newsagent, small grocer, butcher, bakery, pharmacy, and then one or two tenancies that cycle between boutique knickknack, beauty, massage etc.
Over the past 15 or so years, Canberra has been in a suburban-watering-hole renaissance. The doldrums of the 90’s and early naughtiest have given way, thanks largely to the increase and gentrification of the population. These days you wouldn’t be surprised to find a gastro-pub at any suburban shopping centre.
I was pleased to learn that the new shop fit out was indeed for a gastro-pub, or as owners Kristen and Dino call it, a “bar eatery”. Small hospitality ventures are risky at the best of times and unfortunately, the fit out and launch of “Herbert’s at Evatt” was scheduled for the same week the first COVID lockdowns would occur. They somehow made it through that period and out the other side, and then right into the second round of lockdowns.
I would have taken it for granted that this would have been the death knell for any small business just getting started. But through determination and presumably an insane amount of stress, they remained open, and five years later they’re still open and expect to remain open. Congratulations to Kristen, Dino and the crew.
There are always patrons at the venue. The reason for this is Herbert’s provide a mix of quality, variety, consistency and good service. If you want a place that always has great local and regional craft beers on tap, good food and friendly people, it’s the place to be. I’ll see you down there!
