The city’s ‘entertainment’ precinct was once little more than a large fight club sat across the railway from the city. But as with so much of the West Australian capital, this area is on the ascent. Today you’ll find a welcoming foodie hub that’s trading off the recent $73m redevelopment of the central Yagan Square (directly linking the area to the CBD) and the settlement of an increasingly strong community vibe that’s seen a spike in hipsters. And that’s a good thing. Here’s how best to navigate Northbridge. Words by Richard Clune.
Slick, affordable and what is surely the best-positioned hotel in Perth. The Alex Hotel’s rooms are light-filled and realistically all that’s needed (read: smallish) though in this location – opposite PICA and literally above the action – it’s about getting out and amongst it. Also – free hotel bikes to further explore (or head up to the nearby and alluring Hyde Park).
One of the originals that helped set in play the amelioration of Northbridge. Owner of The Standard Bar John Parker came to Perth after finding success with both London’s hallowed Milk and Honey and Melbourne’s acclaimed Gin Palace. Find a seat in the rear courtyard – Northbridge’s best – and dine on ‘conversational’ food that ranges from chilled, hibiscus cured mackerel broth to caramelised kangaroo. A Blind Corner Chenin or Eagle Bay Brewing Co. Kolsch is a further must.
Come to William St Cycles for the café and some decent coffee and eats – stay for the honest and passionate chat of owner Marc Nesbitt. He can talk more than just cycles – though it’s hard to get past a line-up that includes Bombtrack, Tokyo Bike and JRI Fixed.
This is Sicilian food done pretty damn well – yes please to more broad beans and polenta fritto – that’s served with a soundtrack of cool. It’s meant to be about the drinks – and the wine list is deeply impressive – though come to No Mafia for the food and then move from there. Also offers the best people watching this side of the train racks.
On an internal wall of The Hummus Club a neon sign radiates with a simple statement: ‘In Hummus We Trust’. And so do we after eating here, though don’t limit yourself on a menu that expands to some crispy WA octopus and memorable watermelon fattoush.
Attached to the Alex Hotel and quite the Northbridge ‘must’ is Shadow Wine Bar. Interiors belie the actual location – this is more sophisticated NY than most other Aussie efforts achieve – and a place to easily kill a few hours, indulge in some Italian wines and feast on a menu that predominately delivers a fresh dance across that same country.
No meat here, rather, aerosol cans. The vibe at The Butcher Shop is street creative, niche fashion labels and something more exciting – graffiti zines.
A stalwart and central party – and one that’s expanded its outdoor footprint of late. PICA does food, though it’s really about drinking in the sun, and then seeing some art (maybe), this being attached to Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and all.
Up the lane and up the stairs for an elevated city view and a Hillbilly Bob’s Ruckus Juice (lager, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, spiced rum and ginger beer). It’s one of the best drinks in Perth at a relaxed bar that forged the city’s small bar scene and which still holds firm today. The Mechanic’s Institute knows booze – and failing that, you can order up burgers from Flipside downstairs. Sold.
A micro-restaurant down a forgettable laneway that does what it says on the tin – spaghetti. The kangaroo bolognese makes this a worthwhile excursion, so too the feeling you’ve stumbled across a local secret. No reservations. Also, BYO.
