Recently, Belconnen’s long-standing Pot Belly Bar has been acquired by new owners, and they’re adding a new chapter to the bar’s 40-year history with a fresh focus on craft beer, good food, and exceptional service. After reopening in May, the new Pot Belly has quickly become a ‘go-to’ destination in Belconnen, attracting a wave of locals who have dreamed for years of a venue like this.
The Pot Belly’s new concept is a boutique bar that specialises in craft beer, while also stocking a range of local wines and unique, small-batch spirits. The on-tap offerings will rotate often, introducing beer lovers to smaller breweries such as Thirsty Crow, BrewCult, Cavalier Brewing, and Canberra’s very own Pact Beer. If you can’t decide on just one, there’s a tasting paddle that will load you up with 200mls of three tap beers of your choice; and if you’re new to craft beer, don’t worry – the knowledgeable staff will help you choose something to suit your palate.
The venue feels fresher and less cluttered than before, while retaining the traditional look and feel of the bar’s previous incarnation. Looking around and noticing the old dartboard and the classic arches over the bar, you can’t help but feel that the Pot Belly is steeped in history. And while there’s no doubt that the walls could tell a thousand stories about boisterous nights past, the new owners have a strong vision for the venue’s new vibe – for it to be a relaxed, welcoming place for people who want to know a bit more about the liquid gold in their glass, or for those who are just after a comfortable bar experience.
After initially holding off on serving food to concentrate on the bar’s operations (and allowing patrons to bring in take-away food from one of the nearby restaurants), the Pot Belly has recruited an experienced chef who has worked all along Australia’s east coast, and is now offering lunch and dinner, seven days a week. The focus here will be on delivering high-quality pub food, with many of the dishes incorporating (or able to be matched with) the beers on tap.
The Beef Pot Pie is a perfect example of this, with the meat lovingly braised until soft in a mix of Baltic porter and red ale, which add incredible richness and depth of flavour to the pie. Served with peas and mashed potato, it’s a classic pub dish done well.
The Chicken Burger and Buffalo Wings are both flavoured with a house-made bourbon maple glaze, which adds enjoyable sweet and smoky flavours. The chicken burger is simple but delicious, particularly with its soft brioche bun; while the buffalo wings, crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside, are incredibly moreish.
The Pot Belly delivers on its promise of good beer, good food, and good times – and with weekly events like Open Mic Tuesdays, Trivia Thursdays and Sunday Crafternoons (which feature beers matched with tasting plates), there’s plenty more reasons to pop in.
