Asian influenced bar to open in Canberra

Akiba, a new bar and restaurant concept by Pete and Mike Harrington (Tetsuya, Aria, Forty One, Bel Mondo) inspired by the informal, bustling atmosphere of Asia Pacific food halls, will open in November.

The menu will include Asian barbecue, raw bar and dim sum, with the cocktails list described as “contemporary and creative without any played out prohibition or Mad Men references”. 

Thomas Weis (Icebergs, Bambini Trust, Prospero Group, Pendolino) has been appointed general manager, and Lee Potter Cavanagh (The Victoria Room, Lotus, Hemmesphere) as executive bartender.

The restaurant will source produce from its own farm – as does the Harrington’s other Canberra restaurant, Sage – and features an opened-to-the-floor bar and kitchen.

Heading up the kitchen are chefs Johnon Macdonald and Brian Logan, who have previously manned the pans at Tetsuya’s, Rockpool Sydney, Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne, Gingerboy, Marque, Morimoto NYC, Nobu London and Sokyo. 

Akiba’s bar will change its menu quarterly to reflect seasonal produce and will showcase tools such as a Rotovap and carbonation system, as well as offer cocktails on tap and cold pressed juice.

"Playing around with the Rotovap will be exciting," says executive bartender Lee Potter Cavanagh. "The challenge will be to mix drinks that are creative and interesting for Canberra's more educated drinkers while keeping the bar fun and accessible for those just after a brew and a shot."

The concept behind Akiba was inspired by the Japanese deity of the same name, often depicted riding a white fox wreathed in fire. The venue was designed by Melbourne architect Adam Dettrick of Movida fame. 

Source:  The Shout - 26th September 2014