Kingston Hotel

Canberra stalwarts will tell you the beloved "Kingo" remains a masterclass in classic hospitality. Buzzy, electric atmosphere. A cavernous, spacious beer garden for sunny afternoons—and wonderfully cosy, warmly lit rooms to retreat into when the winter chill hits. Expect downright hearty pub fare. While old-timers might feel nostalgic for the bygone DIY grill and opinions on the steaks can occasionally divide the crowd, the kitchen still commands serious respect. Think briny Oysters Kilpatrick and a surprisingly punchy Asian beef soup. Grab an ice-cold schooner from their stellar tap lineup. Families applaud the hyper-accommodating crew—effortlessly wrangling big groups and deploying kids' activity packs without missing a beat. Whether you're dropping in for a remarkably fresh, varied breakfast or a bustling Friday night dinner, this Griffith institution delivers that quintessential, loud-but-you-can-still-talk pub energy. Get in early—tables fill fast.