When Liam and Sarah Atkinson opened Le Rebelle on Beaufort Street in 2019 it felt like this neighbourhood’s dining scene, once the exemplar of Perth’s burgeoning culinary confidence, was in its death throes, with closures and talk of “greedy landlords.” It was premature, the Atkinson’s proof positive that there was life here.

The popularity of Le Rebelle hasn’t dimmed, the draw a combination of Liam’s food and Sarah’s impeccable drinks savvy, both drawing multiple awards. With the opening of Bar Rogue they’ll take a little bit of that magic ingredient and lavish it on a small wine bar space with a 75-person capacity. Again, on Beaufort Street it will occupy the space formerly home to Jungle Noir and Mykonos in Highgate. 

“Beaufort Street continues to evolve and we’re excited to be a part of that,” says Liam Atkinson. “Bar Rogue will have the same attention to detail as Le Rebelle, in a space that is more relaxed. Somewhere you can come for one drink or stay the night.” 

While Le Rebelle is more French leaning their new venture will allow them to cross borders with a well-honed menu of bar food, using just two induction burners and a Big Green Egg charcoal BBQ. It comes down to “simplicity and good produce,” says Atkinson “The menu at Bar Rogue will allow me to showcase different ideas and a side of dining that I have always loved to cook and eat.” 

So, will there be something to compete with Le Rebelle’s much-imitated crab toast? Atkinson says that while there will be bar staples like fresh oysters, they’ll be offering up a one bite taco, ‘The Lobster Super-Crunch’ and the ‘COLD fried chicken,’ served with caviar and fromage blanc. 

Sarah Atkinson’s “Fancy List” at Le Rebelle was a pull for those serious about their vino and Bar Rogue will be no exception. “I like to focus on small producers, much like us,” she says of her approach to wine. The list will take a wide look at West Australian producers, other Australian regions and beyond. Classic cocktails and aperitifs are in the mix also, as well as easy drinking and low alcohol options. “Together we run our restaurant, and now bar, with a small, but mighty team of hospitality professionals,” says Sarah Atkinson. “I hope our guests can find something they might never have tried before.”

Bar Rogue
515 Beaufort Street opens on Friday
Thu – Sun, 4pm – late
@barrogueperth

Related restaurant news: Take a moment to check out Frui Momento, a slick new winery restaurant in the Margaret River