7 venues with fireplaces in Canberra to keep warm this winter

While it's easy to use the cooler weather as an excuse to load up the Netflix queue and hibernate, be lured out into the cold by the gentle crackle of an open fireplace. Here are seven Canberra venues with fireplaces worth fighting for a spot in front of. (If you have your own fireplace at home - enjoy; we'll see you in spring.)

1. Bar Rochford

This is one fireplace that nearly wasn't. When the owners opened the bar upstairs in the Melbourne building last year, they didn't realise a fireplace was boarded up and hidden behind one wall. They made the discovery after spotting a chimney on the roof, which led them to the original fireplace, built back in 1927. Now it's fully operational in all its blazing glory, and sits next to a high table, just the place to warm your innards with a glass of whisky or red wine.

First floor, 65 London Circuit, Canberra

2. Ostani Bar and Restaurant

While the time for drinking comfortably outdoors is over for the season, you can pretend you're doing just that at Ostani's outdoor pavillion. It has two gas fireplaces where you can sit, have a drink or a bite to eat, and the whole area is covered by glass to keep the warmth in. It's also connected to the main bar, so no need to venture outside. You get the feel of the outdoors, without the literal (chilly) feel of the outdoors. Sure beats camping.

Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton

3. Grazing in Gundaroo

It might feel like a long way away by Canberra standards, but Grazing is only about 30 minutes drive from Civic (which, let's be honest, is a drive to the local shops in Sydney). Grazing has a whopping five working open wood fireplaces, most of which formed part of the original 1860s building. Paired with the comforting winter menu and hearty portions, it's worth the trip for a winter lunch or dinner.

33 Cork Street, Gundaroo

4. Rye Cafe

Want a little fireplace warmth as a side to your morning cuppa? Nestled in the back corner of the Braddon cafe, Rye's wood fireplace is great to warm yourself by while waiting for your takeaway coffee, or pull up a couch and stay in for a cosy breakfast.

9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

5. Capitol Bar and Grill

The hidden section of Capitol Bar and Grill's bar area with its own fireplace is what the term 'cosy nook' was made for. The cylindrical gas heater is near the bar, in its own alcove with bench seating around it. Perfect for date night and some mid-winter snuggling over a cocktail.

QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra

6. Old Canberra Inn

The Lyneham watering hole has two large wood fireplaces, one at each end of the main bar, so it doesn't matter where you sit in the pub, you're likely to be toasty. The fireplaces are part of the original property, which has alternated between a homestead, inn and a pub since 1860, and are classified by the National Trust of Australia. Later in winter they'll be serving spiced warm cider, but for now you can settle in with a hearty homemade pie.

195 Mouat Street, Lyneham

7. Monster Kitchen and Bar

This is a fireplace with a view. From Monster's in-the-round gas fireplace in the salon you can enjoy views over the lake towards Parliament House and relax on the vintage boomerang lounges. If you can't get a spot there, there's another elongated gas fireplace in the main lounge where you can settle in with a share plate and bottle of vino.

Hotel Hotel, 25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra