Rose Cottage Pub
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When we first moved to Canberra we noticed there weren't many pubs, so when we drove past the "Rose Cottage" in Tuggeranong, we were intrigued - it looked like a pub beer garden with outside tables, however we never saw anybody sitting there. Friends told us that it was definitely open and worth a look – "Different to the usual pub - it's pretty rustic," they said, with a smile. This intrigued us further.
Driving in, we were abit concerned that we had taken a wrong fork in the road as we drove past dilapidated houses and everything looked very rundown, however at the end of the road we saw a full car park so we knew we were at the right place. It wasn't the greatest first impression, however there were plenty of cars so we knew there was something here to discover.
Rose Cottage is a series of cottages built in the late 1800's, and it is this rustic charm that is the backdrop of this pub and café.
With old rusty firepit drums, wooden bench seating, old shady trees and the smell of wood burning in the air - first impressions are of an interesting place that we couldn't wait to explore.
Walking in, there is the pub to the left and to the right is the new "KRACK'd Peppa Cafe", which opened in March. Out the front of the Café is a new and exciting play area for the kids.
Our daughter Miss Four excitedly skipped ahead to the play area, but to her dismay we learnt that the Café and play area were about to close in a few minutes for a function. If you would like to dine at the Café and avoid disappointment, their opening hours are 7:30am – 11:30am Saturdays and Sundays only. Although their signs say they are also open for coffee and cake from this time until 2pm, on this day they closed to prepare for a function, so keep this in mind when you plan your visit.
Their Breakfast Menu includes Banana Bread ($4.50), French Toast ($14), Vegetarian Breakfast ($20), Big Breakfast ($20) and a Kids Menu with 2 slices of toast and spread plus either a fruit box or milk ($5), or spaghetti on toast with either a fruit box or milk ($5).
As we walked over to the pub area, the proprietor then told us how the pub works – firstly the main historical cottage has the bar only, so this is where you buy your drinks first. The small cottage itself has so much character - with low doorways from the 1800's, you need to bend down to walk inside and then enjoy the log fire as you order your drinks.
You exit through the other door to find the next historical cottage - this is where you pick up a menu and place your order at the window.
There is plenty of seating to choose from – picnic benches and table and chairs outside and there is also inside seating in the function rooms if there are no bookings.
Our meals were huge - home made meat burger with crinkle cut chips, BBQ chicken pizza, cold beers…
However our friend ordered a Vegetarian burger and to her disappointment the vegetable patty inside was a heated up, store bought patty.
The pub has a friendly atmosphere - with a mix of families, couples, groups of friends warming themselves up in front of firepits, motorcyclists in their leathers and locals having a quiet beer together as they wait for the band to start. "Rose Cottage" has live music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They also have various dinner deals throughout the week - at the time of writing they have dinner deals for Thursday nights (2 for 1 Schnitzels), Friday nights (2 meals for $25) and Sunday ($12 pizzas) – check their website for current details.
Our little group walked out of "Rose Cottage" with mixed feelings, unsure if we had enjoyed the experience or not. We loved the rustic atmosphere and history of the location; however we were disappointed with parts of the meals and the Café and playground closing before lunch. Although we all loved the fire pits everywhere and the comforting smell of wood smoke, we all left smelling strongly of smoke from the whole pallet burning in the middle of the pub.
Despite our unusual experience that day, I would recommend this pub to friends who are after a pub with rustic charm - somewhere casual to meet your mates for a beer, food, some live music and chill out for the afternoon. Although we went in Winter, I can see that this would be a popular place in Summer with cold beers and shady trees to sit under, enjoying the lighter evenings.
If you go there with your kids, ensure you check out their website first to confirm the opening times of the Café and play area.
So if you are driving down the Monaro Highway from the city to Tuggeranong or continuing onto Cooma, this pub is a handy stop, right near the main roundabout past Hume. Keep an open mind and check it out - it is definitely one of the most historical, unique pubs I have ever been to.
Cheers!
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187879 - 2023-06-16 03:04:52