Restaurant
Bar Rochford
1st/65 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Find Bar Rochford
1st/65 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Bar Rochford
Up steep stairs in the Melbourne Building, Bar Rochford ditches formal dining stiffness for an open fireplace, spinning vinyl, and wide windows over London Circuit. Out-of-town industry folks steer colleagues straight to the counter. Plates roll out with dialed-in restraint—oysters with cherry blossom granita, duck rillettes with cumquat relish, and roast lamb leg. Pours skip easily between skin-contact drops and pints of draft Guinness, closing on a nip of amaro.
- Inventive Plates: Seasonal shared dishes and multi-course set menus featuring oysters with cherry blossom granita, duck rillettes, and roast lamb.
- Curated Pours: A wide cellar of artisanal skin-contact wines, crafted cocktails, amari, and draft Guinness poured at the timber bar.
- First-Floor Hearth: A crackling fireplace, spinning vinyl, and views over London Circuit from the first floor of the historic Melbourne Building.
What's On at Bar Rochford
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Bar Rochford Stands Apart
Inventive multi-course dining, unpretentious hospitality, and an intimate heritage perch make this upstairs institution unforgettable—book ahead to claim your spot.
Restrained, Inventive Multi-Course Dining
Bar Rochford pairs seasonal creativity with clarity and restraint, delivering a flagship set menu featuring dishes like duck rillettes, grilled sardines, and tender roast lamb leg.
Dishes unfolded with clarity and restraint
Ashley Starford Open-Hearth Ambiance and Crackling Warmth
An open wood fire anchors the buzzing dining room, marrying cozy tactile warmth with a serious wine and food offering.
Is there anything better than an open fire? Oh there sure is friend, its when its in an establishment with a food and wine offering of this calibre.
Dave Wehrle Genuinely Welcoming, Attentive Bar Service
Staff balance deep product knowledge with unpretentious warmth, turning counter dining and casual drop-ins into personalized, comfortable visits.
So friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming, and she made sitting at the bar such a great experience.
Eleanor A Linger-Worthy Atmosphere That Disarms
Between the record-spun soundtrack, intimate booths, and thoughtful drink list, the room cultivates a relaxed vibe that leaves guests reluctant to leave.
You know when you've had a really good time at a place - when you don't want to leave. This is that place.
D'Arcy Barron Solo-Friendly Countertop Sips and Snacks
Whether dropping in alone with a book or catching up with a friend, the timber bar welcomes guests for spontaneous cocktails, wines, and nibbles.
I was lucky enough to sit at the bar with my book, quickly abandoned to chat with the enchanting staff
N M J Elevated Perch Overlooking London Circuit
Tucked up a flight of stairs in the historic Melbourne Building, generous windows frame scenic views over London Circuit for an intimate city escape.
an intimate and well thought out space overlooking London circuit.
V P
Most popular items
Guest-highlighted food and drink staples across the dining room and bar.
Set Menu
I had the $90 set menu, which was 6 plates including dessert - and was very fair value.
Dan Ox Tongue Skewers
I could eat 15 of those ox tongue skewers!
Michael Tran Guinness on Tap
the on tap Guinness was also poured to perfection.
Raymond Robinson Potato Galette
potato galette is to die for
N M J
Other favorites
Notable cocktails, raw bar plates, and after-dinner pours discovered across the bar.
Oysters with Cherry Blossom Granita
Oysters with Cherry Blossom Granita were tasty.
Alana Freeman Spicy Margarita
The spicy margarita was excellent.
Maureen WEBBER Gimlet
one of the best gimlets I've had the pleasure of tasting.
N M J Madera
Thanks for the Madera to cap off our meal last night Nick. It was delicious.
Gerry Lenihan
Before you head over
Key advice on upstairs accessibility, prime seating, and curated pairings. Book your table ahead to secure your spot.
Navigating Entry and Accessibility
Located on the first floor of the historic Melbourne Building, entry requires climbing a flight of steep stairs that can be easy to miss from the street and is inaccessible for patrons using mobility devices.
Booking vs. Bar Walk-ins
Solo diners and walk-ins can readily grab a stool at the timber bar for drinks and small plates, but booking ahead is essential to secure a prime booth or window seat overlooking London Circuit.
Set Menu and Wine Pairings
The multi-course flagship set menu offers exceptional value across inventive savory plates and dessert; lean on the knowledgeable staff for tailored or off-menu wine pairings. Reserve your table ahead to guarantee the full dining experience.
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