The Armada is coming to the Boat House

I have a huge soft spot for The Boat House as it was the venue of my wedding reception. On a warm summers’ night, with a drink in hand along with our guests, we watched the light fade as the sun went down over Lake Burley Griffin. As if on cue, black swans glided past on glistening water, making for a magical night.

Out on its own nestled among the greenery at Grevillea Park in Barton, The Boat House has an unparalleled iconic Canberra view. Quiet and serene, it has been the venue of choice for many an event and special night.

From 9 October, those fabulous views and good times will be even more accessible as The Boat House is adding an outdoor bar to its line-up, right on the grassy shores of the lake.

Armada Outdoor Bar offers a unique opportunity to enjoy lazy afternoons and evenings by the water. Situated on the vast lawn to the left of the restaurant, the bar boasts expansive views over the East Basin to Kingston foreshore and the wetlands.

Styled by Canberra’s most fashionable events team, Show Pony Events, the pop-up outdoor bar will be open from the early afternoon through to the late evening under the warm glow of festoon lighting.

You can expect exceptional food from the bar menu, designed and cooked to order by The Boat House’s talented team in the restaurant kitchen. The same creativity and emphasis on quality remain, albeit translated for a more casual and approachable feel.

Bite-sized delights such as the Fritters with Manchego and Jamon feature on the menu along with Steamed Bao Bun packed with a Duck Croquette, pickled cucumber, and kewpie. For seafood lovers, there will be fresh Appellation Oysters served with mignonette and large King Prawns served with lemon and dill mayonnaise.

Desserts have not been neglected to ensure a sweet ending to the experience with four choices available: Espresso and chocolate cremeux puff, Matcha cheesecake puff, Crème caramel, Basque cheesecake & Japanese Whiskey.

A compact but interesting beverage list presents a mix of wines, spirits and cocktails to keep you enjoying the views well into the evening. The Sunset Spritz with Aperol, Tanqueray Gin, and ruby red grapefruit juice topped with prosecco and The Golden Armada with Tanqueray 10 gin, Joseph Cartron Passionfruit Liquor & Amaretto, fresh lemon juice, house-made honey syrup, and Aquafaba jump out as perfect sundowners to enjoy by the water.

“The Boat House restaurant is the perfect place to come and enjoy a timeless premium dining experience, but we have been looking for options to provide a more casual slant for our guests to enjoy our lakeside location,” says owner James Souter.

“Whether an afternoon session, casual dinner, or late evening soirée, Armada Outdoor Bar guests can now enjoy the hospitality on the lakeside like never before.”

The pop-up bar will be open from 3:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with bookings available from 9 October for a two-hour period. To keep things COVID-19 safe and flowing, a smartphone is required to attend the bar, and an online menu and ordering system will handle purchases.

The Boat House is located at Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton. Armada Outdoor Bar will be open from Friday to Sunday from 3:00 pm. Book via the website.

Original Article published by Sophia Brady on The RiotACT.