Thursday
9:30pm
Destination: Hippo Lounge Bar
7 Garema Place, Canberra, 2601
After climbing a dim stairway and turning the corner, we entered the warmly lit jazz bar the locals refer to as "Hippo". To our pleasant surprise, a jazz band visiting from New York was in town, whose laid-back, Cuban influenced tunes contributed to the nonchalant, urbane ambiance. It's all about cool nights and hot jazz at the Hippo Lounge Bar, which we aimlessly stumbled upon. We joined the post-work crowd who, with loosened ties and untucked shirts, eloquently sipped their cocktails, softly nodding their heads to the smooth seven-piece band up front. After a citrus champagne cocktail and a rather savvy saxophone solo, it was time to discover another hot spot in Civic, the heart of the city.

11:00pm
Destination: Moosehead's
105 London Circuit, City 2601
Moosehead's epitomizes the word "pub". Its booming Top Forty rock, bustling masses, and bright lights were a striking change from the likes of Hippo's. This joint was pumping, especially being a Thursday known as "Uni Night". Games of darts and pool took place amidst the dancing, chatting and sports watching on the large plasma screen T.V. Beer buzzed and bright-eyed, we meandered between the crowds and enjoyed a groove at the downstairs dance floor. Moosehead's lively atmosphere and merry crowd were a great kickstarter although don't bother getting into any deep and meaningful convo's here - there is a likely chance you will be bumped, spill your drink before you have even sipped off the froth, and you'll be yelling into your best mate's ear the same sentence three times over. Just get boozed and get your groove on.

12:30am
Destination: North Bar
46 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, 2601
Ready for a change of scenery, we strolled around the corner onto Northbourne Avenue. Aptly named "North Bar" this lounge bar slash nightclub was not at its liveliest but definitely showed some potential. It opened up to the fairy-lit street, scattered groups gathered among the funky candlelit lounges, or along the cool, circular, marble bar. North has a metallic feel to it, with sharp design and the latest flat screen TV's and head high standing speakers to fit. Loved the vodka Infusions, Redskin is a must.



Friday
5:30pm
Destination: Old Parliament House (OPH)
King George Terrace, Parkes, Canberra 2061
While my intention was to divert from anything politically orientated this weekend, I was apprehensive when my "posse" mentioned a function at Old Parliament House. Despite its connotations, OPH was anything but political. Held every Friday from around 5pm, OPH is a sophisticated yet relaxed, post work gathering for drinks and gourmet nibbles. Unbuttoned suits and ties packed the quadrangle, a glass of vino or a martini in hand. The DJ mixed and the masses congregated amidst the fountain, pergola's and pillars. Behind the harmless, amicable boozing, it was evident that inconspicuously, some saucy office goss, and hard headed networking was going on.

Once the sun had set behind the infamous Parliamentary Triangle, we headed off to Kingston, one of Canberra's hip zones, with ample trendy bars and café's. After a lengthy meal and some more wine, it was time to up the pace a little.

11:30pm
Destination: The B-Bar
21 Kennedy Street, Kingston, 2603
So hot right now. The most impressive feature of this hip cocktail bar was its blend of atmospheres; the fast paced, electric buzz up the front of the venue, and the chilled, paved, courtyard out the back. B-Bar awakes around midnight, but get in earlier to avoid the line, although it is well worth the wait. This place oozes savoir-faire but is not at all pretentious. We saw out the night there, sampling quality drinks and busting a quick move on the dance floor.



Saturday
9:30pm
Destination: The Knightsbridge Penthouse
Mort St, Braddon, 2601
Once known as "Mortis", this intimate lounge bar is set up like a house. It's as if you are entering someone's living room, only a little more funked up. With a fireplace, wooden floors, and a chipped away plaster wall exposes the redbrick foundations, really offering a homelike feel. Modern lounges and leather cubes disperse erratically, similar to a real living room. The most striking feature of this place is undoubtedly the creative use of lighting. Fiber optic cables hang from the ceiling over one section of the bar and give off the illusion of a starlit sky. Various lamps and extraordinary positioned light bulbs also feature, along with candles around each huddle of chairs. The bevies were delish and the music was house - how pertinent. The crowd did fizzle around 1am but the Penthouse was another quality hot-spot in the Bra.



Sunday
After a packed weekend of unhurriedly sampling the Capital's best nightlife, there was just one more stop. It was time to make the most of the summer sun that can be a rarity in this city, so we headed for a suburban pub for some laid back Sunday entertainment in the Inner North.

4pm
Destination: All Bar Nun
O'Connor Shops, Macpherson Street, O'Connor, 2602
A mere footy kick from the Australian National University, this bar obviously attracts the uni crowd, but its suburban location catches a few locals too. Most Sunday's, with the fine weather especially, "All Bar" hosts local Canberra band, the danbanksband. Playing their blues and roots from under a tree on the front pavement, outdoor tables and chairs are quickly snagged for a comfy pozy to soak up the afternoon sun and leisurely devour a bottle of white. Don't miss out on the beer battered fries, which help soak up a few of the weekend's aftermath. This was a perfect way to conclude the adventures spent in the Bush Capital - good food, good music, good company, and the summer sun warming my shoulders.

Who? All airlines fly daily to Canberra, and buses from the closer neighbouring cities are also available.
What? Lounge bars are fast growing on the young professionals of the city with the chic, fairly priced beverages and chill atmosphere either starting a night or to finish with after dinner drinks.
When? Aim for the summer months if you want to make the most of events such as OPH and All Bar Nun's Sunday sessions.
Where? The zones to hit are the Inner South, the Inner North and of course, the city which is known as Civic.
How much? The great thing about going out in Canberra is that there are rarely any cover charges which definitely allows for a little more cocktail cash.