Glen Collins and Donnie the Dog love to go hiking. Photo: Glen Collins.
Who are you?
Glen Collins, co-owner of The Dock and The Jetty.
Tell me about your businesses
The Dock is coming on 10 years old now. It’s a pub for everyone with a focus on sport, quality food and cocktails.
We had the opportunity a few years ago to take over that cafe kiosk at the lake and activate the outdoor wharf space, so that became The Jetty.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
My family owned the Lighthouse, and I’ve been working in hospitality since I was 16. I studied psychology at UC and thought working in bars would be temporary, but when the opportunity came to open up a pub from scratch on the Foreshore, my sister and I decided to roll the dice. It just looked too good to be true, but it’s proven to be a bit of a success over the years!
Did you have a dream job as a kid?
Apart from maybe being a professional golfer, I aspired to be either in the federal police or defence force.
What is your food philosophy?
I think it’s very important to share a meal with your loved ones every day. Sometimes that’s the only time you really get to sit down and chat.
Pick from a variety of dishes at The Dock. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
What is your favourite ingredient to use when cooking?
I’m big on my red meat, tomato and greens: I try to sneak a bit of spinach in whenever I can.
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
There’s a little cafe called You and Co in Kaleen. I get my regular coffee there.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
For the food scene, the guys from Double Shot and Locale. They’ve had really good products for a really long time.
In terms of pubs, I’d say King O’Malley’s, Capital and Bentspoke. They’ve stayed owner-operated and haven’t sold out. They’ve stayed true to their product and brand. I admire anyone who’s done the same thing for over 10 years with the ability to adapt and reinvent themselves in harsh climates.
Where’s the best place for a drink in Canberra (apart from The Dock)?
Best place to let your hair down is listening to a live band at King O’Malley’s.
Glen admires local businesses like Bentspoke. Photo: Bentspoke.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
Lionel Ritchie and Tina Turner. I reckon we could listen to some of their vinyls while we eat. And put Jerry Seinfeld in there, too. He’d be good value.
I’d make Rigatoni Ragu. I take a nice eye fillet cut and slow cook it for the ragu. I make it most weeks.
What is your current food obsession?
Honey halloumi with rice and chicken breast, or even with avo and eggs on toast.
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
A Brodburger from Capital Brewing Co.
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
All variations of cereal! I would eat cereal at any time of day (still do actually!)
What’s a normal breakfast for you?
Iced latte and a bacon roll.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
I take a lot of food home from The Dock!
Where are you travelling next?
I’ll probably hike in New Zealand the next time I travel. I like to have active holidays.
The Knox is a pet-friendly cafe in Watson. Photo: Daniella Jukic, We Are Found.
Where do you go for a post-hike meal?
The Knox after a Mount Majura Hike is always good for breakfast. And it’s dog-friendly too!
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra
The endless amount of physical activities you can do: riding, running or even golf. And the relaxed nature, being the bush capital you’re never too far from a mountain or a lake.
What TV show are you watching right now? And what podcasts are you enjoying?
I usually just throw on Seinfeld when I’ve got some time to kill at home. And I’ve just started listening to Sunday Sippers, which is a local Canberra podcast.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
And iced latte, all year round.
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