Canberra's latest gastropub is Casey Jones which opens its doors to the public on the weekend of July 23 in Casey.
Owners Josh and Shell Leemhuis are no strangers to hospitality - their family has been running pubs for 20 years, with Josh's dad Robert also the owner of the George Harcourt Inn at Nicholls.
They've put together a sleek but homey drinking hole with wood panelling where you can drop by for Friday night drinks or sit down to brunch on a weekend - Casey Jones will be open seven days from 7am to late.
Josh Leemhuis says it will be full table service - no going up to the bar to order and then returning to collect your meal.
"We want to do something high quality, without being fine dining, and we want to have a breakfast destination," he says.
Leemhuis also wanted to open a great local joint in the suburbs so people don't have to travel far from home to find something good to eat.
"Every time I go out for dinner we find ourselves in the middle of Braddon or the city or someplace like that," he says. "We're trying to create a little place to go out for dinner without having to spend $50 on a taxi."
The menu is described as Southern American and Spanish fusion food - sliders with charcoal brioche among others - and the drinks include craft beer, cocktails and fun things such as a maple bacon Old Fashioned.
"It's very impressive, the whole idea was to create something that you wouldn't find elsewhere," Leemhuis says.
It's fair to say the local community is pretty excited by Casey Jones. "They've rallied round it pretty well, the opening night sold out in 26 minutes," says Leemhuis.
Casey Jones is at 15 Kingsland Parade, Casey. Know a place that's opening? Tell us food.wine@canberratimes.com.au
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