Detours ahead for London Circuit's dining scene - but you can help

The latest round of road closures associated with stage 2A of the light rail are in full effect in the city, and London Circuit from Baileys Corner all the way to the QT hotel is foot traffic only.

With the full impact to the businesses now surrounded by construction fencing playing out over the next few years, there is something you can do to support those affected: Take to your feet and continue to dine and shop in this area.

Not one to be easily deterred by a little fencing, I recently took to London Circuit on a mission to fall in love with the area, despite it not being at its best.

Aside from a few eyesores and some convoluted road crossings, it is business as usual for traders in the area and, after 5 pm when construction has ended for the day, the lack of traffic makes for a surprisingly peaceful experience.

Making your way from the start of the construction at Baileys Corner, the nightlife section of London Circuit should feel the pinch a little less – their primary clientele is generally on foot by default.

Crossing Northbourne Avenue at the London Circuit intersection now requires three road crossings instead of one, with the primary crosswalks being closed, but the detour is no more than 30 or 40 metres.

At the Melbourne Building, you’ll be greeted by an ongoing facelift to this historic building which is getting a new coat of paint. You’re also immediately hit with some big players in the Canberra dining scene and a couple of Canberra dining institutions that make the convoluted Northbourne crossing worthwhile.

Lemongrass Thai has been serving classic Thai favourites since the dawn of time. I had my first date with my husband at Lemongrass 18 years ago and it was well and truly established at that point.

A little further along you come to Mezzalira, the Italian restaurant opened by the Pasquale brothers almost 30 years ago. If the road crossings have got the best of you at this point, you could stop in for some duck liver parfait, a little hand-cut pappardelle and finish big with the lamb rump with Jerusalem artichoke, roasted peppers, watercress, pickled eschalot and mint.

The always-incredible, always-cool Bar Rochford also resides here, already hidden up a barely marked staircase; the road closures should just add to its mystique.

The bar’s nearby neighbour, Highball, will be ploughing through the upheaval with salsa on its weekly Latin Tuesdays, regular cocktail classes and two-for-one daiquiris from 5 pm until 6 pm Tuesdays through to Saturdays.

Crossing Hobart Place, you’ll see that the parking here is still open, making it a good central spot to grab a carpark if you’re driving into the city.

We’re now getting to the end of the city that will find these road closures the toughest, but is a part I love to frequent for affordable dining.

The building straddling Hobart Place and London Circuit houses a range of primarily Asian restaurants and cafes. There is grab and go style eating like Two Peck Crispy Chicken, which started in Taipei and now has outlets all around Australia; their menu is as the name implies.

You’ll also find here Fav Cup, who have bagels on lockdown with their brekky bagels and lunchtime sandwich bagel. Their must-try is the Tom Yum prawn bagel, which has a moreish Tom Yum cream cheese.

Little Steamer will dish you up a whole roast duck with 24 pancakes and all the accouterments of a Peking Duck feast. Tucked around behind these restaurants you’ll find Bashan, which specialises in the street food of Chongqing, China; a deep bowl of spicy soup will set you back less than $20.

On the next block down, Saint Malo and its second venue, Alia Bar, have prepared for the light rail disruptions by becoming private event and function centres, they tell Region that this will see them survive this tumultuous period.

Across University Avenue, The Cupping Room has expressed its uncertainty to Region; the lack of parking and changes to the outdoor dining setup will affect business but it’s unclear to what extent. Locally owned by ONA founder Saša Šestic, this is world-class coffee right here in Canberra.

Even further down the street is Roy Jr. It should be buoyed by the public servants in nearby buildings, but if you haven’t been here yet it’s worth the trip on foot. Open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, the chilli scrambled eggs are a delightful spicy brekky served in a pretty little swirl, and the service is impeccable. The team is always keen to help.

Dotted through the surrounding streets on your way to QT Hotel, you’ll find more cafes and restaurants. Rebel Rebel is tucked away in this area of New Acton, but with its reputation for innovation, I don’t think anyone will be forgetting about them anytime soon.

If you’ve made it this far, you can reward yourself with a wood-grilled steak and Italicus cocktail at QT’s Capitol Bar and Grill.

Spare a thought for all the businesses in this area, not just on London Circuit. The cost of living crisis is already exerting unprecedented pressures on the industry and the next two years will be a tough period, your support may be the thing that gets them through.