It’s only been open for a matter of weeks, but HaHa Bar is well and truly the ‘buzz bar of the season.’
With a shift from the norm and a lean toward the creative, the Haha Bar team have created a haven for Canberra’s urban crowd, in a superb lake-side location.
We chat to HaHa Bar co-owner Aaron, and get the goss on this groovy little hub.
What was the inspiration for opening HaHa Bar?
The gentle buzz of caffeine, a restless imagination and an ethos of taking risks to enrich the surrounds we live in.
Why did you choose this location?
Belconnen residents are poised for a local cafe/bar, a place to laugh with friends and enjoy fine local and imported produce. We also loved the water views, they suggest relaxation and keep the vibe unbuttoned, an atmosphere we were working to achieve.
Why the name HaHa Bar?
‘Ha Ha’ embodies good times. Rather than generate a name based on our products or location, we wanted a name that represented our purpose, to be purveyors of good times.
Tell me about the mural? Who is it by?
A smiling mask being carried away by two humming birds has been a central motif for the Ha Ha bar and featured in our initial teaser campaign. The story unfolds in a mural by Tim Lynch from Inklab. A mythical figure with six arms towers on one side of the bar, each arm holding a mask. A broken cage lies in the background and an empty out stretched hand reaches for the happy mask recently stolen by the two birds.
The birds chuckle Ha Ha.
The story represents what we are trying to achieve with our venue. The mythical figure represents life, each arm holding an emotion. The birds represent Ha Ha, stealing the happy mask and delivering it to patrons.
How is HaHa Bar different to other lounge bars in Canberra?
A large deck offering scenic water views, custom details by talented artists, our feature lights by Brian Henshaw of Brimus design and the fresh illustrations from Inklab. Our versatile nature of products including Campos coffee, the tapas creations from our kitchen, or Haha’s chocolate Martini. & Of course, we are located in Belconnen.
Do you have plans for theme nights?
Theme nights & special events are cooking in the background, we are looking to move away from tired ideas and host events that support, showcase and enrich Canberra’s creative community.
What’s your background in the industry?
My background in the industry had been purely on the other side of the counter. Hunting out Canberra’s best coffee, finest drop or latest kitchen creation. I am a designer by trade, so Ha Ha is a mixture of passions.
HaHa Bar is open for lunch from 11am and for tapas and cocktails until late, Tuesday – Sunday. July will also see Haha commence a mean weekend breakfast. Click here for more info.
