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Welcome to The Pedlar, the new pub and brunch spot opening in Campbell

Natasha Rudra

Simon Hammond, the owner of a new pub opening in Campbell
Simon Hammond, the owner of a new pub opening in CampbellRohan Thomson

Why doesn't Campbell have a pub? Residents of other inner north suburbs such as Ainslie and O'Connor have had establishments such as Edgar's, the Duxton (and before that All Bar Nun), and the venerable Tilley's.

But so far there hasn't been a place for Campbell residents to grab a beer or settle in for a lazy Sunday session.

Until now, with the opening of The Pedlar.

Co-owner Simon Hammond gave us a quick peek at the site on Constitution Avenue which will feature a nook with booth seating for dining, with high tables along the floor to ceiling windows for the pub crowd. The doors fold open to a big outdoor terrace.

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He says The Pedlar will focus on breakfast and brunch during the day, turning to post work drinks and beer in the evening.

There will also be a coffee takeaway window for workers at the Russell and ASIO offices across the road.

Hammond and his business partners Anthony Martin and Ben Peppers wanted to give the pub a link to the suburb's namesake, merchant and politician Robert Campbell.

"We'd originally wanted the name Campbell and Co, but that was taken by a law firm in Deakin," he says with a laugh. "But we did a little bit more reading into it... [and] Campbell and Co was originally a business that Robert Campbell had and they peddled alcohol and things. So we sort of went down that path of him being a pedlar and the Campbell area. And it was a name we all agreed on."

Hammond is no stranger to the hospitality industry.

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"I helped open Shorty's, SubUrban, Edgar's, I was a partner in Shorty's. Working in Edgar's was probably one of my favourite venues," he says.

He wants The Pedlar to be a similarly comfy suburban, the kind where you can drop by with some mates for afternoon beers with a spot of dinner later, or spread out with your newspapers and coffee on the weekend.

The outdoor terrace will be dog and child friendly with a pergola to keep the sun off in summer and warmth in winter.

"It'll be a local pub, we'll have TVs so you can come watch the sport. We'll be very kid friendly, we'll have a kids' menu as well, and dog friendly. It's very family orientated," he says.

"There's nothing in the Campbell area, there hasn't been a real local for them."

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In the kitchen is chef Lachlan Doherty and Hammond says there will be plenty of pub classics - schnitzels, burgers, fish and chips.

"But we will go to that other level, we will have fresh oysters, we will do a lot of fresher, healthier food because a lot of people are very health conscious. The normal pub staples will be there but you might have a lot of salads, a lot of gluten free and a lot of vegetarian stuff as well."

And during the day there will be a heavy focus on brunch and brekkie with fresh juices, coffee and smoothies.

The Pedlar opens in late March. 65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell.

Got a new restaurant or venue opening? Like us to write a story about it? Email food.wine@canberratimes.com.au

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