Beyond the desert
WORDS MATT KINDER

Things can get pretty hot out west in Perth, lucky for you we’ve rounded up the best bars and clubs for cooling down


Cold beers, a warm breeze and
a hot sunset, the “OBH” offers
a little perch in paradiseFor years, Perth, the world’s most isolated capital city, has played second fi ddle to Australia’s larger cities. However, times are changing – and fast at that. With Western Australia in the midst of the biggest resources boom ever, more and more people are heading west and discovering that the once sleepy Perth is evolving into a cosmopolitan city with a buzzing nightlife scene. From spacious beer gardens with million-dollar views to cocktail sipping elegance, local Matt Kinder gives you a run down of the best bars and clubs Perth has to offer.

Best Sunday Session – Ocean Beach Hotel

Sunday Sessions at the “OBH” are a Perth institution. The oceanfront venue swells to capacity by early afternoon with everyone eager to take part in Perth’s number one summer ritual. To soak in the awesome atmosphere, choose from three bars: the upstairs and back bar turn into a giant dance floor with a cover band, while the front bar plays funky house beats. On a hot day enjoy a swim at the beach then arrive early to score a table and soak up the amber nectar with their famous steak sandwich.

Best Cocktails – Luxe Bar

This swanky venue is one of the few genuine cocktail bars in Perth. Relax on elegant couches sipping the latest creation by former world champion cocktail bartender Andy Freeman, or groove away to the sultry tunes of the resident percussionist and saxophone player. “We have all the classic cocktails here, but also a number of Luxe specialities, like the Shiraz Slipper and English Garden Martini,” says Freeman, whose latest concoction is a piña colada shooter with a “special twist”.

Funkiest Pub – Little Creatures

Located within an old converted boat shed, Little Creatures has established itself as one of Australia’s most popular independent boutique breweries and one of Perth’s funkiest pubs.
With the brewery open to the public, you can watch your pale ale or pilsner being poured straight from the conditioning tank – beer doesn’t get any fresher than this! While the beautiful people glisten in the sun in the front beer garden, the back of the brewery overlooks Fremantle harbour and upstairs features books and artworks from Perth’s up and coming artists. Peckish? Try one of the gourmet pizzas or delicious bar snacks.

Best after-work drinks – Tiger Lil’s

What do you get when you mix authentic Asian decor and a traditional Aussie pub? Tiger Lil’s, the newest addition to the CBD. The intimate setting of Tiger Lil’s is decorated with traditional Asian statues, carvings, paintings and dozens of Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling. There’s also a good mix of national and international beers, funky cocktails and a comprehensive wine list, fresh Asian cuisine and cool resident DJs – all the ingredients required for that well-earned after-work drink.

Best Location – Quokka Arms

Built in 1864, this stately colonial-style mansion was once the offi cial residence of the governors of Western Australia. Today, the Quokka Arms is arguably the best beer garden in Australia – just metres from the Indian Ocean after a cruisey 30-minute ferry ride from the mainland. You can even grab a quick swim while waiting for the next round to arrive. Summer holidays, this is the place to be.

Best Beers – Sail & Anchor Pub

What do you get when you mix authentic Asian decor and a traditional Aussie pub? Tiger Lil’s, the newest addition to the CBD. The intimate setting of Tiger Lil’s is decorated with traditional Asian statues, carvings, paintings and dozens of Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling. There’s also a good mix of national and international beers, funky cocktails and a comprehensive wine list, fresh Asian cuisine and cool resident DJs – all the ingredients required for that well-earned after-work drink.

For those who love the hand-crafted beer movement now sweeping the nation, you can thank the Sail & Anchor. It was Australia’s fi rst microbrewery when it opened in 1984 and the fi rst brewery to open in Australia for 50 years. This heritage-listed pub is still going strong, thanks to the microbrewery’s quality and recent renovations that have only enhanced its charm. In between tasting the range of hand-crafted beers on tap, take an interactive brewery tour and meet the famous brewers in action.

Best Sports Bar – Greenwood Hotel

“The Greenie” claims to be the number one sports bar in the west. With 16 plasma TVs, two mega screens, an onsite betting offi ce and sporting memorabilia as far as the eye can see, there’s no better place to watch your game of choice. The local pub for Australian boxing star Danny Green, it has also been inducted into the WA Hotel Hall of Fame, and is regarded as having the best pub food around – from beef pies to dukkah-crusted salmon and giant tiger prawn salad.

Best Party Bar – The Leederville Hotel

If you’re looking for a big night out, The Leedy is the place to head. “With nine bars, live bands, DJs and plenty of drink specials throughout the night, weekends here are always packed to the rafters,” says Hutchy, The Leedy’s owner. Perth’s number one kebab store is just around the corner for that late-night lamb sandwich.

Best People-Watching Bar – The Brisbane Hotel

After its recent renovation, The Brisbane has become one of the most popular pubs in Perth with a mix of chic décor, impressive wine list, excellent cocktails and a spacious beer garden. Sit inside at the classic long bar or on one of the cosy couches around the open fi replace – and watch the cool people wander in.

FIND IT:

Ocean Beach Hotel
Cnr Marine Parade & Eric St, Cottesloe, tel: +61 (8) 9384 2555
Luxe Bar
446 Beaufort St, Highgate, tel: +61 (8) 9228 9680
Little Creatures
40 Mews Rd, Fremantle, tel: +61 (8) 9430 5555
Tiger Lil’s
437 Murray St, Perth, tel: +61 (8) 9322 7377
Quokka Arms
Thompson Bay, Rottnest Island, tel: +61 (8) 9372 9732
Sail & Anchor Pub
64 South Tce, Fremantle, tel: +61 (8) 9335 8433
Greenwood Hotel
349 Warwick Rd, Greenwood, tel: +61 (8) 9246 9711
The Leederville Hotel
742 Newcastle St, Leederville, tel: +61 (8) 9286 0150
The Brisbane Hotel
292 Beaufort St, Highgate, tel: +61 (8) 9227 2300

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