Don’t underestimate the capital of Western Australia, as it is fast-proving that its cocktail, culinary and hotel scene is just as dynamic and vibrant as anywhere else in the country.

Endlessly derided as Australia’s most isolated, lacklustre town, Perth has long suffered from an unfavourable comparison with Sydney. But proud Perthites will quickly point out their benign climate, pristine landscape and gorgeous beaches. They’ll also remind you – constantly – about the frenzy of new hotel openings, a culinary movement going into overdrive and a thriving arts community. Most importantly, they will never tire of talking about their revitalised bar and cocktail scene – now one of Australia’s best and most dynamic.

Indeed, keeping abreast of new bar and restaurant openings in Perth is almost a full‐ time occupation, with new venues popping up regularly in the central business district and the surrounding hubs of Northbridge, Subiaco and Leederville. These neighbourhoods are fast becoming destinations in their own right, and each has its own distinct vibe and character.

Such is the local passion for social drinking that no one is likely to go thirsty in the capital of Western Australia. For a start, Perth is the birthplace of many of Australia’s best‐loved craft beers and microbreweries, while a newfound obsession with artisan gin, vodka and whisky is also keeping bartenders on their toes of late. Recent hotel arrivals, such as the six‐star Crown Towers and Como The Treasury, have provided Perth with a new firmament of upmarket, if anodyne, lounge bars boasting the usual accouterments of polished service and luxury spirits brands.

But to really get under Perth’s skin, head to the inner‐city suburb of Northbridge, where a surfeit of bars, both edgy and chic, supply classic and experimental cocktails, small plates and atmosphere by the bucketload. The A‐list hotels may offer more creature comforts, but Northbridge represents the true heart and soul of this grossly underrated city.

Click through the following pages to see our top bars in Perth, Australia.

*Some of these venues are temporarily closed due to government restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic

Wolf Lane

Rear 321 Murray Street

Achingly trendy, Wolf Lane is the new face of Perth’s burgeoning cocktail scene. The space was clearly designed with hipsters in mind – distressed brick, vintage armchairs and fairytale murals suggest that Wolf Lane is a place for the cool‐and‐classy set, rather than raucous stag parties.

Cocktails are first rate and the service is always friendly.

Halford Bar

Cathedral Avenue

A chilled bohemian bar with friendly staff, Halford Bar is a good place to mix with locals over a Manhattan or Whiskey Sour – its whisk(e)y selection is among the best in Perth.

Sumptuous, comfy velvet chairs and low lighting ensures that you’ll drink in style.

399 Small Bar

399 William Street

This fashionable and lively spot sets the tone with painted brick murals, open spaces and mood lighting. The cocktail list is one of Perth’s best and the staff members are incredibly generous hosts.

W Churchill

125 St Georges Terrace

Gin lovers – welcome to paradise. W Churchill is a classic neighbourhood bar, immaculately transformed into a contemporary gin den and restaurant at the heart of Perth’s vibrant centre.

Sophisticated and yet relaxed, W Churchill offers some of the best service in Perth, in keeping with the historical charm of the heritage‐listed WA Trustee building, reimagined for a contemporary audience.

If more than 100 gin brands doesn’t get you excited, then the wide selection of craft beers ought to. The food is awesome as well.

Bar Lafayette

Brookfield Place, 125

St Georges Terrace “Bar Lafayette is a classic, old‐world cocktail bar for those with an evolved palate,” enthuses bartender David Stucken. SB would have to agree.

Located on the ground floor of the beautifully restored Perth Technical School at Brookfield Place, Bar Lafayette caters for all occasions and boasts many intimate spaces to relax and unwind.

There are classic and contemporary concoctions on offer, as well as a list that champions the best of Australian wine and beer.