Just open: Former Wood Duck Inn at Hall reopens as 1882 Bar and Grill

An old Canberra pub has been given new life.

Sisters Cindy Goodwin and Nikki Lore have taken over the former Wood Duck Inn at Hall, reopening it as 1882 Bar and Grill.

The Wood Duck Inn closed in February 2017, with owner Allyson Wedrat shutting up shop after working at the pub for 22 years and owning it for 10.

The space had been sitting empty ever since, until Nikki Lore, who worked nearby, could see the potential and convinced her sister they should take it on.

The sisters - who once owned a coffee shop together in Belconnen - started the major renovations back in October. They completely gutted the space, and did most of the work themselves with the help of their husbands - they even built some of the furniture from recycled wood and pallets.

The pub now has a modern, industrial look - the only thing that remains from its predecessor is the fireplace and mantelpiece - and a new name in 1882 Bar and Grill, a nod to the year Hall was founded.

In the kitchen they've brought in head chef Davis Chang, who previously owned Seasalt Dining in Bruce, and was head chef at the National Press Club.

The new menu has oysters - delivered daily and shucked in-house - salads, seafood, steaks, a pizza menu and meals for the kids. And they're making the most of their close proximity to the Canberra wine district, with a wine list full of local options.

1882 Bar and Grill, open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. 13 Gladstone St, Hall.