If you’re looking for a Canberra pub where you can relax, catch your favourite sport, and feel part of the crowd, you’ll find it at The Statesman Hotel. Not every venue delivers the same mix of comfort, atmosphere, and community that locals, sports fans, and travellers are looking for.
Here, you’ll find the right mix of energy and ease. Big screens, great food, friendly faces, and a relaxed environment that makes everyone feel welcome. You can come for game day, unwind after work, or enjoy a family meal. Our sports bar is more than just a place to watch the action. It’s a Canberra favourite.
The Perfect Game Day Destination
A great sports bar isn’t just about having screens on the wall. It’s about atmosphere, comfort, and the shared excitement of every play.
Multiple screens and seating options for uninterrupted viewing
Wherever you sit, you’ll have a clear view of the action.
- Big screens make sure no one misses a key moment.
- Projector screens let larger groups enjoy finals or big matches together.
- Smaller TVs around the bar mean everyone can follow along from any table.
There’s space to settle in, order a drink, and enjoy the game your way.
Group-friendly spaces for Socialising
Watching sport is always better with company.
- Pull a few tables together and make it a group event.
- Order some share plates or classic pub meals while you watch.
- Bring your mates, your colleagues, or even your family – there’s room for everyone.
At The Statesman, every match feels like a shared experience.
Where Strangers Become Friends
Sports have a way of bringing people together. Even if you arrive solo, you won’t stay that way for long.
Shared moments bring people together
When something big happens, a goal, a try, a close call, the whole room erupts. You’ll find yourself laughing, cheering, or groaning with people who feel the same rush you do. That’s the magic of live sport in a real pub setting.
It’s not just about teams and scores; it’s about connection. Fans from both sides celebrate or debate, and those friendly conversations often turn into familiar faces next time you visit.
Instant connections are formed
A last-minute goal, a nail-biting finish, or a surprising upset – these moments spark instant connection. It’s the kind of energy that turns a room of strangers into a crowd of mates.
You’ll see groups laughing, clinking glasses, and swapping stories between games. That’s what gives The Statesman its down-to-earth charm.
Solo Visitors Feel Right at Home
Even if you drop in on your own, you’ll find someone to talk to. Regulars are always up for a chat, and there’s an easy, welcoming tone that makes conversation natural.
Grab a seat at the bar, order your drink, and you’ll be part of the action before you know it.
Weeknight and After-Work Appeal
It’s not just about weekends. The Statesman has a steady buzz all week long, giving locals and travellers a comfortable spot to relax, connect, and enjoy Canberra’s friendly pub culture.
Trivia Tuesdays
Tuesday nights are all about friendly competition. Trivia at The Statesman is the perfect way to break up the week. Bring a team or join one when you arrive. Questions cover everything from pop culture to sport, and the vibe is relaxed, fun, and welcoming.
Enjoy a meal before it kicks off, grab a drink, and test your knowledge for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights.
Thursday Meat Raffe
Thursday evenings have that classic pub feel. The weekly meat raffle draws a cheerful crowd, with locals grabbing tickets and hoping for a win. It’s relaxed, lively, and always a good time.
Grab dinner, enjoy a drink, and join in — it’s a Canberra pub tradition that never gets old.
Knock-Off Beers Friday
By Friday, the bar is buzzing with people wrapping up the week. Workmates, regulars, and new faces drop in for knock-off beers, a feed, and a chat before the weekend begins.
The atmosphere is easy and familiar. You can stay for one drink or settle in for the night, either way, it’s the perfect way to close out the week.
City Centre Energy Meets Sports Passion
With so much going on in Canberra city centre, a popular sports bar suits the needs of a variety of guests:
Attraction for both locals and visiting tourists
The best pubs Canberra city centre attract a mix of people, and this is a major part of their charm:
- Canberra locals regard their pubs as a social hub and meeting point, or somewhere to drop in for the big match or to celebrate a birthday.
- Visitors to the city come to relax and share the unique hospitality vibe of the ACT.
- A friendly people’s pub or sports bar is a natural stop-off point after visiting local attractions, like markets, galleries, festivals or even business meetings or conferences.
A hub for crowds from nearby venues
Entertainment, cinemas and sports venues in the heart of Canberra are within easy reach of great local pubs:
- Sports or music fans heading to stadiums or live events like to meet in a pub beforehand to catch up and start to build the atmosphere for their event.
- After a game or show, attendees continue the celebration or reflect on the evening’s highlights in a nearby pub or sports bar.
- The regular weekend crowds create a lively, inviting atmosphere for sports fans, workmates or a family gathering.
A blend of business travellers, locals and visitors
In the best pub in Canberra, you will find a mixed group of happy customers:
- Clients travelling on business use sports bars for unwinding after a busy day or networking, with the screen-filled interior and the big match atmosphere helping to break the ice with others.
- Canberra locals bring visiting family and friends, taking advantage of the convenient locations and reliably great food and drink choices.
- Visitors from across Australia flock to a great venue, attracted by their reputation and enjoying the friendly, chatty, sports-loving clientele.
Family Friendly and Welcoming
The Statesman isn’t just for sports fans or after-work drinks, families love it too.
As a true Canberra pub, we welcome everyone. Kids are comfortable in the dining and areas, and there’s plenty of space for groups to spread out. Parents can enjoy a meal and a drink while children tuck into their favourites from the kids’ menu.
The vibe stays relaxed and easy. It’s an ideal spot for weeknight dinners, birthday celebrations, or casual family meals before an event.
Make the Most of Your Visit to the Statesman Hotel
At The Statesman Hotel, the sports bar is just one part of what makes the venue special.
After the game, head to Policy Dining for a sit-down meal featuring local ingredients and classic flavours. For something smoother, visit our Nancy B’s Lounge – a cocktail bar perfect for winding down or catching up.
If you want to make a night of it, stay in one of our modern hotel rooms and enjoy the full Canberra experience. Before heading home, stop by the Bottle Shop for takeaways to keep the good times going.
Everything you need for a great night out is right here – food, drinks, accommodation, and that genuine Canberra hospitality.
Visit us at The Statesman Hotel and see why it’s Canberra’s go-to pub for sport, food, and good company.
