Tilley's is the hidden face of Canberra that every non-Canberran should experience. She is dimly lit, with plenty of secluded booths, perfect for a romantic liaison or writing the first chapter of your novel. The famously female-only staff march around moodily to a soundtrack of classic jazz in crisp white shirts and askew ties delivering mountainous plates of food and schooners of local beer.
Never afraid of courting controversy, she originally banned men unless they were in the company of a woman and although that rule no longer applies, she still wears her colours with pride.
She is wood-panneled and mirrored to her eyeballs and wears her dusty velvet curtains as a badge of honour. With a grand piano front and centre on the stage, Tilley's is the grand dame of the local live music scene, although her reputation as a serious venue has meant her performers come from all over the world.
Don't leave Canberra without experiencing Tilley's, preferably with a band playing the venue. She is the perfect antidote to the Canberra nay-sayers. Forget conservative and boring, Tilley's is the heart of real Canberra.
Tilley's Corner of Wattle and Brigalow Streets, Lyneham Shops, ACT, ph: o2 6247 7753
She's a grand broad. Love her to pieces.
Posted by: katiecrackernuts | August 04, 2010 at 11:41 AM
Only been there once but thought it had great character!!
Posted by: Judy Edmonds | August 04, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Dear Ms Rummage,
Your wordsmithery and moody pictures has me pea-green with envy, and busy plotting an excuse to get to Canberra again soon.
Autumn is always my favourite time there, but what's it like in late September???
Posted by: Amber | August 04, 2010 at 01:22 PM
Oh I love Tilleys. I grew up falling asleep under the table when it was the size of a single bedroom. It has slowly taken over half the shops in Lyneham.
Originally men weren't allowed in at all. Letting them in when accompanied by women happened later. Recently they have even hired a couple of male floor staff! My father still hasn't caught up. He still asks if I'm going to wear my overalls when I mention going there.
It was always a great place to study. They never give you 'the eye' and you can really spread out in those booths. The big tables are also perfect for Reading the whole weekend paper with friends over a slow brunch. Not that I've been able to do that for a while.
I bought my first alcoholic drink at Tilleys on my 18th. It was about 3:30pm. They gave it to me on the house.
Posted by: Cristy | August 04, 2010 at 05:45 PM
one of my favourite places to hang out. reading this post has bought back many memories. We are visiting down south for christmas.... want to catch up? Maybe here?
Posted by: fliss | November 08, 2010 at 10:46 AM