Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage to bring wine, cheese and a little bit of Europe to Lake Burley Griffin | HerCanberra

Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage to bring wine, cheese and a little bit of Europe to Lake Burley Griffin Posted on 8 September, 2022 Excusez-moi, did someone say ‘wine and cheese and espresso on Lake Burley Griffin’…? Oui, oui! That’s right—taking over the West Kiosk at Lake Burley Griffin (and just a stone’s throw from The Jetty) a new European-style relaxed dining experience will open in November, just in time for summer. Named Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage (Margot), the bar will specialise in local wines, curated cheeses and quality morning espresso, offering the perfect bridge-to-bridge motivation both day and night. Serving coffee and grab-and-go food from the early morning and showcasing local wines and delicious cheese in the evenings, Margot is the brainchild of Nick Tyrrell (who founded our other favourite lake experience—GoBoat) and James Souter (owner of the Boat House Restaurant). According to Nick, the pair were inspired by the relaxed outdoor dining experiences of European capitals. “It was a trip overseas in 2015 that sort of inspired me to start GoBoat and you can get some great ideas based on what people are doing in Europe,” he says. “Both of us had talked about how much we enjoyed that European experience of sitting out on the sidewalk, enjoying a relaxed glass of wine on holidays and how there’s not really something with that sort of vibe in Canberra, but people really enjoy being around and on the lake.” “Then earlier this year when the opportunity came up with the West Kiosk, we thought maybe it’s time to see if Canberra is ready for what we enjoy about sipping wine on the sidewalk in summer.” With plans for regular wine tastings and an ever-changing menu, Margot will focus on local wines, offering a very limited range curated for the four seasons of Canberra. Pairing each session with matched cheeses, the idea is to keep the offerings very simple—but there’s no denying it might be the perfect way to end a long summer’s day (remember them?). “It’s very much a wine and cheese vibe, so there’ll be plenty to please everyone on the lake this summer,” says Nick. “The plan is to really focus on local wines. We’re smack bang in such a great wine-growing region and as two small businesses ourselves, we want to support other local businesses.” And of course, as a regular lake walker himself, Nick says we can also expect quality coffee and some European-style food during the day. With a name that pays tribute to one of the more famous cafes in Paris, Les Deux Magots—a favourite of famous novelist, Ernest Hemingway—according to Nick, those visiting Margot can expect an experience akin to rivieras found in Italy, France and other parts of Europe (including the addition of new and colourful pedal boats available for hire from the West Jetty annually from October until March). “That’s the vibe—outdoors, enjoying the sunshine,” says Nick. “We’ll have plenty of umbrellas, some nice French-style furniture and on Sundays, we’ll have some sort of acoustic entertainment as well.” But if you think Margot is only for the summertime, you’d be very mistaken. Planning to operate year-round, the winter will see dining domes and mulled wine keeping visitors warm—reminiscent of the Pop-Up Raclette Melted Cheese Igloo Village that had Canberrans saying ‘Le Noms’ in July this year. So why the name Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage? “Margot means pearl,” says Nick. “We figure we’re right on the lake and we hope that people will see it as a pearl by the oyster that is Lake Burley Griffin.” “I’m really looking forward to creating a new institution in Canberra by the lake for people to recognise, both locals and visitors. It’s a popular spot for tourists down there and we want to show off the best that Canberra can do.” Très excité? Keep an eye on Margot’s social media and website for all the opening details. THE ESSENTIALS What: Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage Where: Lake Burley Griffin, Commonwealth Place When: November – date TBC Web: margot.bar Instagram: @margotbar.cbr