Despite a couple of challenging snap lockdowns and the persistence of border closures, there have been some exciting developments within the Perth hospitality scene in 2021. We’re not even halfway through the year yet and there are already eight new bar venues in the Perth city centre alone for you to try. From secret bars hidden behind convenience store doors to the re-launch of a Mount Lawley institution, with these new venues expanding the horizons of our local bar scene, who knows what the rest of the year holds in store! Here’s a roundup of some of the newest bars to open in Perth in 2021.
Clarences Company Store
An icon of Mount Lawley’s Beaufort Street, more than a few tears were shed when the original Clarences Company Store closed its doors in May of 2020. First opened in 2009, this bar was hailed as the original small bar within Perth that started the boutique bar trend. Relaunched in January 2021, Clarences Company Store has kept its original layout, but with a funky New Orleans jazz vibe. Fittingly, the bar will be hosting jazz music evenings starting on May 23, and has a cocktail menu inspired by New Orleans classics including the Banana Drama, Company Sour and of course the New York Sazerac. The Sazerac is a heady combination of Hennessy, bourbon, absinthe and bitters, that is sure to guarantee an eventful night out for all involved!
Opening Hours: Wed-Thurs, 4pm-10pm; Fri- Sat 4pm- 12am and Sun 4pm-10pm
566 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley
Vincent Wine
This Parisian-inspired Wine bar first opened on January 21 and has been hailed as THE place for a late afternoon wine that stretches out into a dinner date, as is the European way! Vincent Wine features a wine list that is arranged by country and region, with many wines coming from small producers and new generation wine makers. Let your taste buds be warned, 80% of this wine list consists of French and Italian winemakers. Local wines are carefully handpicked but sized down to keep with the European focus. They also mix up some show-stopping cocktails and have G&T on tap. The French bistro inspired menu offers all the French classics of baguettes with butter, pate, and charcuterie. Cure that never-ending wanderlust and transport yourself to the idyllic streets of Paris at Vincent Wine.
Opening Hours: Wed-Thurs, 4pm-late and Fri-Sun, 12pm-late.
465 William St, Perth
Toots
Located somewhere in Northbridge Chinatown is a secret bar WITHIN a secret bar that requires a password to get in: Toots! This retro-themed disco club and bar has only been open since April 22 and is an absolute nod to the disco era. Sip on quintessentially 80’s cocktails including the Fruit Tingle, Midori Illusion Shaker, Blue Hawaiian and of course the White Russian as you listen to Diana Ross and Gloria Gaynor. Toots also pours shots that were popular at clubs in the 80s, such as the delicious B52 or creamy Buttery Nipple. Be sure to look for supersized cocktails too! If you’re hungry, Toots offers a retro Italian menu including a Chorizo Bocadillo, Tuna Crudo and a Melanzane Panino. Dress in your finest disco outfit, find the location, say the password “is Toots in” then prepare to be transported into an 80’s time capsule!
Opening Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 6pm-12am.
Somewhere in Northbridge Chinatown.
Lynott’s Lounge
Fremantle’s live music scene has been brought to the DJ centric area of Northbridge with the freshly opened (since March 19) Lynott’s Lounge! Slip down the side of Melbourne St to this lounge bar, a nod to Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. A solid roster of rotating taps with everything from dad-style lager to the very craft end of the spectrum means that all gig-goers will be happy. After you’ve been thrown around in the mosh pit and sung at the top of your lungs for a few hours, an open-air balcony and all-night menu with a selection of ‘one-handed food’ will be a welcome reprieve. Expect diverse programming with a grunge rock slant; this new music venue is set to become a home of budding local artists and gig goers alike.
Check opening times and see what events are happening here.
100 Melbourne Street, Northbridge
Johnny Fox's
The only Irish Pub in Perth to be open after midnight, Johnny Fox's opened in Perth just in time for Fringe World in January 2021. Head in on a Wednesday for their burger specials of $25 for an Angus Beef Burger and a beer. Launched in May, the pub also hosts a weekly quiz night in authentic pub fashion. Grab a drink during their Happy Hour from 5pm – 6pm during the week, or try one of their monthly cocktail specials such as the ‘Whisky and Apple’, ‘Passion Club’ and the ‘Apples ‘n’ Cream’. You can also enjoy seasonal freshly shucked oysters for just $2 each, or $3 for Kilpatrick.
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs, 12pm-midnight and Fri-Sat 12pm-2am
205 James St, Northbridge
Samuels on Mill
Open since February, Samuels on Mill is the new bar/restaurant inside the newly refurbished Parmelia Hilton hotel. A new brasserie concept, the bar draws its name from Samuel Kingsford, the man behind the Mill St flour mill of 1833. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails on the menu; “Fruit of the Earth” and “Samuel’s Smoked Negroni.” Fruit of the earth is a delightful combination of; Chivas Regal, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, smoked black truffle & portobello syrup, truffle honey and Earl grey tea. Their smoked negroni is a signature blend of wandering distillery gin, Campari, cinzano rosso and applewood smoke. To compliment these refined drinks is the bar’s very own menu which offers some delicious comfort food such as arancini, burgers, and steak. Open every day from 11am onwards, Samuels is a great spot for a relaxed, long lunch.
Opening Hours: 11am-late
14 Mill Street, Perth
Your Local
Take your taste buds on a journey at Your Local in Subiaco. Open since April, this bar is set in an old heritage building and is the perfect place to sit and relax after a day in the office. As its name suggests, Your local is dedicated to supporting local producers, meaning that everything is made with local ingredients. You’ll also find at least eight hand-picked WA craft beers and ciders on tap at all times. The menu takes inspiration from English gastropub that has been refined and given a local twist, with dishes featuring Abrolhos Islands scallop, leek terrine, roe, and chive oil.
Opening Hours: Wednesday- Thursday, 11am-9pm; Friday- Saturday, 11am-Late and Sunday 11am-9pm.
75 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco
Old Faithful Bar & BBQ Fremantle
Newly opened in the building of the historic wine and liquor merchant, Trolley and Company, Old Faithful Barr & BBQ Fremantle is the second offering from King Street favourite, Old Faithful. Opened in February, this moody basement bar includes a booze store with a 32-tap cool room, meaning you’ll be spoiled for choice with plenty of local craft beer, cider and seasonal brews to explore. They have a large selection of whiskeys from around the globe, from heavily peated Scottish single malts to special edition American bourbons. Cocktails are made the old-fashioned way and can be turned into boilermakers (check out their signature cocktails here). Renowned for their slow cooked American-style barbeque, their meat is brined and then rubbed with their secret house spice blend. All we can tell you is that it is made with paprika that they smoke themselves! If you love Old Faithful in the city, be sure to check out their Freo instalment.
Opening Hours: Wed-Thurs 5pm-Late and Fri-Sun 11am-late
1 Pakenham Street, Fremantle
