Diners in Canberra's vibrant food scene are set to experience a new dining concept with the launch of Hunter & Barrel on May 8. The steakhouse, known for its provenance-driven menus and support for local agriculture, will open at 20 Scotts Crossing, marking its fifth Australian location.
A strategic move for Canberra's dining scene
Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group CEO Ravi Singh said Canberra's evolution as a dining destination made it a natural choice for expansion. "Canberra has a dynamic restaurant scene and has certainly matured into one of Australia's most sophisticated dining cities," Mr Singh said. "Opening here feels like a natural next step because Canberra is a city that genuinely values quality produce, considered cooking, and a strong sense of occasion. Hunter & Barrel was made for that."
Design inspired by the local landscape
The venue's fit-out, designed by COOOP, blends primal aesthetics with modern sophistication. Creative Director Callie van der Merwe explained the approach: "We wanted to recalibrate the brand's primal, explorer spirit through a distinctly Canberran lens - drawing on the region's vast landscapes, seasonal shifts and quiet ruggedness." The design incorporates explorer and hunter motifs reimagined through a contemporary Australian perspective.
Open-fire cooking takes centre stage
At the heart of the restaurant is an open fire grill and rotisserie, reflecting a global trend toward elemental cooking techniques that prioritise flavour over complexity. The menu focuses on Australian-sourced meats and a simplified, technique-led approach. Head Chef Thomas Brimble, whose career includes Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and senior culinary roles across Asia-Pacific, said the philosophy is deliberate restraint. "There's a growing move away from overworked plates," Chef Brimble said. "People want to taste the hero ingredient, especially when it's good Australian produce. Fire cooking lets that speak for itself."
A signature dining experience
The SKEWERED 'better by fire' programme is a signature element, delivering proteins cooked over open flame directly from the fire pit. The feast board, designed for sharing between two, is a popular choice. Hunter & Barrel aims to provide more than just a meal, with the entire experience filled with the sights and sounds of the hunt.
