The Statesman Hotel

The Statesman Hotel brings accommodation, dining, drinks, coffee, sport and events together in one Canberra venue. Trading since 1967 and now fully renovated, it offers 64 motel rooms for travellers who want a convenient base, as well as locals looking for a meal, a drink or an easy place to meet. Its mix of spaces makes it suitable for a quick coffee, a family meal, a night watching sport or a larger celebration.

Policy Dining is the main bistro, with an open kitchen that lets diners watch the chef and team at work. The menu includes familiar pub-style choices alongside pasta, salads, seafood, desserts and woodfire-grilled options. Named dishes include the chicken schnitzel, fish and chips, vegetarian risotto, lamb shank and chocolate brownie. A hand-picked wine list is available, and guests can also bring a bottle from the venue’s bottle shop. The setting is contemporary, with a lively atmosphere and design details that reference Canberra’s history and the hotel’s long local presence.

There are several alternatives to the bistro. Nancy B is an intimate cocktail bar with vintage-inspired interiors, a double-sided fireplace and private-hire options; it is reserved for adults over 18. The Sports Bar screens major national and international games and has TAB and Keno, while the family-friendly Front Bar offers casual dining, drinks and a terrace. Downstairs, Ballot Box serves coffee and continental breakfast options in the morning and welcomes hotel guests, locals and remote workers.

The Statesman also caters for private and professional gatherings. Its spaces range from an eight-seat boardroom to function and dining areas for larger groups, with the listed capacities extending to 120 guests across the venue. Event options include the Nancy B cocktail bar, the Function Room, Policy Dining and associated breakout areas. The venue says catering can be arranged as canapés, shared platters, buffet or plated service, with dietary requirements accommodated. Free on-site parking, EV charging stations and on-site rooms add practical value for guests arriving from around Canberra or travelling from interstate. With family-friendly areas, adult-focused drinks spaces, sports viewing, accommodation and flexible event rooms, it suits a broad range of visits rather than a single type of occasion.