This is not a place to throw back a VB or a Coldie with a bunch of rowdy mates. Boutique beer is the speciality here, lovingly brewed right on premises.
Taking its name from the numerous law firms that surround it, Wig & Pen has been a Canberra institution for more than a decade.
This place is the creation of Lachlan McOrmish, who was once quoted as saying, "life is too short not to enjoy the finest quality beer". This is certainly a sentiment that he has picked up and run with - really run with - straight into the line of success with this award-winning brew-pub.
More than 10 beers are brewed on the premises (including some that are highly unique), offering Canberrans schooners of the highest quality. Wig & Pen is a place where university students rub shoulders with lawyers, and aspiring musos with weary backpackers. The common denominator? A love for the amber brew.
Inside, the traditional wood furnishings and richly embellished carpet evoke an intimate ambience. Twelve varieties of beer flow from the brass taps that flank the bar, including favourites such as Kamberra Kolsch and Kiandra Gold Pilsner.
Wig and Pen also offers a rare variety of uncarbonated beer - known as a cask-conditioned real ale - proving that it is indeed one of the country's most distinguished taphouses.
Victoria Brooks
