The ale selection incorporates everything from light lagers to full-bodied beers and dark stouts, and there is a diverse collection of draught varieties too. The staff here are all trained in the art of ale and on hand to dispense advice about the different offerings; if you can’t make up your mind, ask them for a taster.

Fantastic beer is being produced by brewers like Bentspoke Brewing, who have an excellent brewpub in Braddon, and Pact and Capital Brewing Co, who don’t yet have taprooms but whose beer can be found across Canberra. Along with specialty craft beer bars like Brew Nation and other venues that aren’t craft beer venues as such, but make sure their taps are pouring the good stuff, like Hopscotch, there’s never been a better time to be a craft beer drinker in Australia’s capital city. Here’s our guide to the best places to find craft beer in Canberra.

For drinks, Hopscotch has a spacious forecourt where live music and an outdoor barbecue allow you to take in the sun and some beers at the same time while BentSpoke has long tables and benches for the craft beer aficionado in you. Autolyse, Elk and Pea and Lonsdale Street Roasters all have tables that front onto the street for people watching while grabbing a bite to eat or coffee. Across the street, Eighty/twenty offers paleo brekkies and next door neighbour Sweet Bones does vegan meals while Eightysix has edgy food and tables out the front.

It’s not all cocktails and local wines in Canberra’s bars; much-awarded BentSpoke Brewing Co. is home to 26 different draught beers, cider and two hand-pumped beers, with a core range that’s all about eschewing convention and trying new ways to make great brews. The warehouse-style brewpub also has a kitchen that pumps pub classics, with some dishes incorporating elements of the beer-making process, like hop salt potatoes, grain-crusted wings with brewery-made hot sauce, and a loaded pork burger with Fixie ginger beer tonkatsu sauce.

Welcome to Bentspoke Brewing Co., where enchanting beers flow like rivers through the charming city of Canberra. Nestled in the heart of this capital gem, Bentspoke is a temple of liquid delight, popular among both beer enthusiasts and beerologists desperately seeking a prompt cure for their overly serious demeanors. With its quirky-meets-refined atmosphere, this fine establishment seamlessly blends innovation, craftmanship, and a dash of "beer magic" to create an experience that will leave you hoppy-dazed and craving for more.

With the added beauty of brewing their very own beers (including non-alcoholic), BentSpoke Brewing Co’s BrewPub is every beer enthusiast’s dream. A session at the pub can be spent grabbing pints of your favourite BentSpoke beer, getting a taster with a paddle or taking turns ordering a round of jugs and enjoying a pub-style menu. In a generous setting where the beers are brewed on-site, get the old-school pub feel with modern benefits.

Celebrating nearly a decade in the suburb, BentSpoke Brewing Co is so entrenched in the area they even serve up a beer called Braddon Bitters; it’s crisp, goes down well and leaves you wanting another. Spend a lazy afternoon or evening trying some of the 18 varieties of beer and cider on tap before attacking the classic pub food on offer. Spend a lazy afternoon tasting craft beer and cider at BentSpoke Brewing Co. (Image: supplied)

Have you even visited Canberra if you haven’t been to Bentspoke?. This place is super popular and is one of our personal favourites – there’s a relaxed, friendly vibe, fabulous food and great beer is guaranteed. Dogs are welcome in the outside area which is both covered and heated (when necessary.) Although you can’t book outside tables in the evening, there’s plenty of space and your pup won’t be short of furiends or attention.

Braddon microbrewery and taphouse, BentSpoke Brewing Co. is a fantastic inner city destination for beer and cider aficionados and lovers of pub grub. It has a fantastic range of beers, including Barley Griffin, Crankshaft, Mort’s Gold, Dick Tracy and Braddon Bitter;and Adam’s Cider, but there’s much more to it than ale. Expect dishes like Big Nut BBQ beef ribs alongside Pork Belly Burger and Big Nut Texas Chili.

Since first opening its doors in 2014, BentSpoke Brewing Co. have built a gleaming reputation for their craft beer and delectable cuisine. Home to a plethora of home brewed concoctions and a wide range of beer styles you are sure to find a beverage to your liking. As for the food, relish in a modern interpretation of classic pub fare featuring beer incorporated dished that let regions local produce shine.

The independent brewers have topped the biggest beer poll in the land on more than one occasion, enjoyed repeated awards success home and abroad, and their beers are enjoyed by people throughout the country. But for all that national success, there's no better way to experience BentSpoke than at the place where Richard Watkins and Tracy Margrain launched the brewery's story: their Braddon brewpub.

For those who have a passion for craft beer, BentSpoke Brewing Co. offers a paradise. This brewpub, featuring contemporary design and inventive brews, is a homage to the world of beer. Its layout showcases an open brewery setup, and provides the opportunity to observe the brewing procedures while relishing a diverse selection of craft beers, each boasting its own distinct set of flavors.

Since opening its doors in 2014, BentSpoke has continued to move onward and upward in the Canberra craft beer and bar scene. 2020 was a big year for BentSpoke with them taking the number one spot in GABS hottest 100 craft beers, voted by you, the people that drink the beer. At the Braddon brewpub you will find 18 varieties of beer available, all brewed on premise.

As urban as an urban brewery gets, this shrine to craft beer is in the heart of buzzing Braddon. Pouring up to 18 frothies on any given day – almost all made on site – this brew pub presents you with the challenge of choosing between a Barley Griffin pale ale or the hoppy Sprocket. Family friendly, it has mac-and-cheese balls or chicken and chips for the tykes.

Lovers of craft beer are flocking to Canberra’s BentSpoke Brewing Co. in Braddon. Don’t forget to check out Capital Brewing Co. in Fyshwick which is run by a group of mates who enjoy craft beer, surfing and good vibes. You’ll find an outstanding range of Canberra wine, beer and spirits at award-winning Plonk, located in Fyshwick Markets.

While in Braddon, visit Bentspoke Brewing Co, a microbrewery and taphouse combining beer with bicycles — it works, trust us. More than 21 brews — from the much-loved Crankshaft IPA to How's It Gosen tropical gose — are on tap at any one time. For more Canberra craft beer goodness, make tracks to Capital Brewing Co.

Bentspoke is a microbrewery and tap house which has been twice crowned Best Australian Small Brewer. They are not afraid of bending the rules of how beer and cider should be made, so get your taste buds ready for a flavourful journey.

Other notable establishments contributing to Canberra City Centre's nightlife include The Howling Moon atop the Rex Hotel, Verity Lane's vibrant food hall, BentSpoke Brewing Co, Chifley's Bar & Grill, The Old Canberra Inn, and AKIBA.

A microbrewery that draws in a big crowd, BentSpoke is a hub for craft beer lovers. Try the brewery’s selection of small-batch ales alongside its robust pub food menu.

And if you’ve worked up a thirst you’ll find everything from bespoke beers and ciders at the BentSpoke Brewing Co. to masterful martinis at Knightsbridge Penthouse.

It’s the best spot to try one of Bentspoke’s award-winning brews (there’s a decent food menu too), whether you’re an out-of-towner or just after an after work bev.