It’s 5pm on a Friday!
You could go home and start your weekend chores (boo), or you could take to the bars and restaurants of Perth and grab a refreshing drink of your choice (yay!). But where? Say no more, we’ve got you covered!
The Lucky Shag
Perth CBD
Kicking back with a drink is most relaxing by the water, we always say, and we’ve found the best bar to do exactly that! The Lucky Shag sits along the Swan River, with views that stretch across the horizon and toward Perth’s south.
Find some shade beneath the umbrellas and breathe in the salty air, grasping a Splice On Ice (a yummy mix of midori, coconut grove rum, pineapple, lime and soda) or a Passionate Shag (a sassy blend of 42 below vodka, de kuyper triple sec, cranberry, passionfruit, lemonade and lime). If you want to keep it simple, grab a beer from the taps (nearly twenty of them!) or choose a wine from their Australia and New Zealand selected range!
Public House Kitchen & Bar
Perth CBD
In the heart of the CBD sits a slick, modern bar ready to serve up your drink of choice! Public House Kitchen & Bar oozes charm, pairing a moody, warmly illuminated interior with a vibrant alfresco dining space screened by plants, giving you your pick of the litter for the ideal space to set yourself down.
You’re also spoiled for choice with a nice lengthy drinks list (perfect for one of those work weeks), with plenty of beer and wine options filling a full page each. If (like me,) you’re making a beeline for the cocktails, do yourself a favour and order a Garden Martini (with taqueray gin, elderflower, apple, sugar, lime and aquafaba) or a Beehive Punch (with ketel one, orange bitters, honey, lemon, sugar, lemonade and soda).
Frisk Small Bar
Northbridge
This bright and bustling Northbridge spot is the perfect cocktail and gin bar for those seeking out a signature drink after a week of hard work. With contemporary décor, there’s lots to take in here at Frisk Small Bar, from the stunning jungle mural to the neon orange and yellow accents.
When it comes to the refreshments, you can down a classic Espresso Martini or Long Island Iced Tea, or sample something different from a Mulled Wine to a Chinatown Gibson. If you’re still in doubt, ask the lovely staff behind the bar!
Palace Arcade
Northbridge
Here at Palace Arcade, clocking off means one thing: game time! Stacked with retro games from pinball, to VS Sega Rally, to Space Invaders, celebrate making it to the weekend by indulging your inner kid for an evening. Perfect for those after some friendly competition, this is the best way to end your week!
To sit atop your machine and sip between games, the bar offers delicious cocktails from the Cookie Dough Old Fashioned, to the Mango Mescal Madness, to the slushies that are constantly on rotation. You’ve also got a selection of wines and stubbies if that’s more your vibe.
Running With Thieves
South Fremantle
Step into the world of distilling and brewing, and watch the magic unfold at Running With Thieves. Check out the stunning silver fermenter, traipse along the barrel-lined walls, or meander into the take away store stocked with bottles of their famous brews, caps and hoodies.
If you’re eager to try the fruits of Running With Thieves’ labours, they have a thirst-quenching range of beer, spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) mixers. The bar also offers wine and signature cocktails like the East 8 Hold Up (including their home-brewed vodka, aperol, passionfruit, pineapple and lime) or the Hanami Sour (with their trademark pink gin, lychee, cherry blossom and lime).
The Left Bank
East Fremantle
Along the banks of the Swan River, this local favourite has a history dating back to 1889, when the land was purchased to start a boat building business. Now, it’s the place to be after 5pm with a sun-drenched dog-friendly alfresco dining space, inviting you in with gorgeous waterfront views. Or step inside to find a classic interior with exposed brick walls and arched walkways.
Whatever post-shift pick-me-up you’re craving, The Left Bank is equipped with all of the classics. Pick from white, red, sparkling and rosé wines, cocktails by the glass or jug (who says you have to share it), beers or spirits. Feeling stuck? A Sex On The Bank jug is always a crowd pleaser, with a fruity harmony of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice.
Wherever you are across the city, you won’t want to miss out on visiting these gorgeous spots to kick off the weekend! So kick back, relax and explore!
