Aussies Cafe

Ph: (02) 6277 5047; Parliament House, Capital Hill, CANBERRA 2600

Coffee cake, $
Open Mon-Fri parliament sitting 8am-8pm, parliament not sitting 8, Closed public holidays; Licensed, BYO; No cards, Seats inside 60, Outside seats 70, Kids welcomed

Mietta's Review
This is where the real action in Parliament House takes place - it's where pollies deal, lobbyists pitch, journos gossip, and everyone meets. From its very beginning Aussies has had inside connections - originally operated by, and named after, Bob Hawke's former driver, Ozvaldo - its now run by Tony, Pat, big Dom, little Dom and Sarah. Service is invariably friendly, helpful and professional. Located in the bowels of Parliament House, Aussies' regular customers are the staffers and public servants based in the House, but its clientele swells during sitting weeks, when Parliament House accommodates up to 5000 itinerant politicians, support staff and public servants. Best known for its coffee, for which there is a constant queue, Aussies also sells a range of home made pasta dishes, sandwiches, rolls, salads and muffins. It's also a store offering everything from newspapers, wine, and chocolate to tissues and painkillers - all the essentials of political life.