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Canberra Today 17°/20° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Dining / Fresh, perky, perfection on a plate

CAMPBELL has lucked in with its new gastropub, The Pedlar. Although only open for a week or so, the place is already a drawcard for locals and those working in the area. And it’s no wonder. It has a lot going for it, including its prime possie on Constitution Avenue (opposite ASIO and Campbell 5).

Wendy Johnson
Wendy Johnson.

It was Mother’s Day. We didn’t have a booking (insane, I know), but we thought we’d risk it. We were greeted by co-founder Simon Hammond who was coping with the crowds well. His big smile and warm welcome masked any panic he may have been feeling inside, having been opened only three days. Good on you, Simon.

The Pedlar operates seven days, for breakfast, lunch, small plates and dinner.

The line-up of small plates for lunch is intriguing, with lots to choose from ($9 to $17). It was hard to decide. Potato and chorizo bombas? Tuna tartare? We settled for the prawn betel leaves with galangal (part of the ginger family), coconut and green mango in a nahm jim and coconut dressing ($16 for three). It was beautifully presented and the Thai tastes simply amazing. Fresh, perky, perfection on a plate.

Mains include a dozen options or so, ranging from $17 for a spiced cauliflower salad up to $28 for lamb backstrap.

It was confit duck Maryland for moi. The flavours packed a punch, in part because of the jus created with Japanese plums. The duck melted in the mouth and the baby eggplant (Szechuan dusted) sat happy as a main ingredient. The shallots cut through with their freshness ($27).

The confit duck salad was another winner ($19). The tender meat married so well with the dried sour cherries and the watercress, baby witlof, crispy shallots and tarragon dressing.

When at a gastropub why not give the chicken schnitzel a go ($21)? We agreed it was a generous serve, but the schnitzel a bit thick. The fries were tasty, but cold. Not the best dish of the day.

The Pedlar has draught beer on tap, a range of domestic and international beers. Hats off to the place for having all wines offered by the glass. Desserts include a vanilla malt panna cotta and peach and mango melba (both $12).

The décor is funky, with a mint green, bronze, silver and chocolate-brown colour scheme. Canberra’s boyandgirlco have warmed the place up even further with planter boxes, tables, benches and more … all made sustainably in line with their ethos. It all fits together exceptionally well.

We dined on the outdoor terrace, protected from the rain and cold with the heaters. Dining outdoors at The Pedlar would be glorious on a day with full sun.

The Pedlar, open from 7am, 65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell, thepedlar.com.au

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Wendy Johnson

Wendy Johnson

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