Bar Rochford wins Restaurant Bar of the Year in Australia
Bar Rochford in Canberra won Restaurant Bar of the Year at the Australian Bar Awards.
Bar Rochford, co-owned by Nick Smith and Ryan Smith, has won Restaurant Bar of the Year at the Australian Bar Awards. The bar previously won Wine Bar of the Year at the same awards.
The shift reflects a turn toward food over the past two years, says co-owner Nick Smith. Chef Alistair Brooke-Taylor joined in 2025 and has elevated the kitchen with seasonal dishes and house-made condiments like ferments and fish sauces.
Ryan attended the awards alone and was not expecting to win; he texted Nick the news halfway through service. The win comes as Bar Rochford deals with ongoing light rail construction outside its London Circuit location.
Despite the disruption and unpredictable foot traffic, the bar's focus on culture, training and wine knowledge has paid off. Nick praised his team as crucial to the award.
- Wine Bar of the Year
- Previous award
- 2025
- Chef start date
- London Circuit, Canberra
- Location
- Nick Smith and Ryan Smith
- Co-owners
Why it mattersThe award recognises a Canberra hospitality business for excellence in food, wine and service.
AustraliaA major win for Canberra's hospitality scene and a boost for a venue dealing with light rail disruption.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
