Our city doesn’t stop in winter, and neither should you! Finding weather appropriate things to do can be a bit of a task, so let me make it easier for you and break down some of the best, cosy bars to enjoy while we wait winter out…

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Perth is known to be a city of sunshine. Needless to say, 95% of what we do revolves around sunshine and warm weather. Come winter, you would be forgiven for feeling as if you should go into hibernation at the first sight of rain. We just aren’t used to doing anything when the weather is less than perfect. The weather might not necessarily be conducive with getting out and about, but there really is so much to do in winter in the city.

The bar scene in the CBD is still pumping all through winter. Just because it is raining, it doesn’t mean everyone packs up shop. They are all there waiting for us, we just need to man up and get out of the house!

Pop in to Pigeonhole to pick up an umbrella, pay Gorman a visit for a fun, printed spray jacket, get a pair of Betts boots on your feet, and get in to one of those cosy bars! The city has us covered.

They may not have roaring fire places (something something regulations), but my favourite CBD bars are still super cosy and homely. This winter, these are the spots to pay a visit…

Petition Wine Bar and Merchant

State Buildings, Corner St Georges Tce & Barrack St, Perth WA 6000

Is there anything more cosy than sitting amongst shelf upon shelf of wine? In the absence of a fire place, I think not.

The Treasury building itself is quite big, grand and somewhat cold – a lot of marble will do that. But, the wine bar is the complete opposite. Sitting down for a glass of wine at Petition feels like you are sitting in the world’s funnest/best library, or in the middle of someone’s very impressive home wine cellar. It is comforting to be sitting in such a cosy space, watching the rain fall in the courtyard outside.

In winter, I almost always opt for a red, and Petition has plenty for you to choose from! You can even grab a bottle to take back home with you later.

Varnish

75 King Street (basement level), Perth WA 6000

Blink and you might miss it. Varnish’s presence is indicated only by a small wall plaque, and an unassuming wood door on King St. When you do find it (look out for Audiofly as a landmark), you won’t be disappointed.

This small, cosy bar is heavy on wood and leather, just short of a fully fledged American cabin by a fireplace only. Their backbar keeps the American theme going, with a stellar range of American whiskey and rye to warm you from the inside out. It is the perfect underground haven from the rain and chill upstairs.

Although primarily an American whiskey bar they do serve a good range of beer, wine and other spirits too. The kitchen serves shared and larger dishes, but the bacon and whiskey flights will always be a firm favourite.

Alfred’s Pizzeria

37 Barrack St Perth, WA 6000

Find the red phone box printed door on Barrack St, and you have found Perth’s favourite pizza den.

I am probably the only person on earth who doesn’t get excited about pizza, but the always busy Alfred’s is testament to how much Perth loves their pizza.Just across the road from the Como Treasury building, Alfred’s is the sort of place you go when you just want some easy, tasty food and a great cocktail.

Much more casual than a lot of the CBD bars, Alfred’s is the perfect spot to stop in for a fuss free feed (and a side of rock and roll music). You can order by the slice, or grab a few friends and order a few pizzas to share over a beer or cocktail. They even do a home made GF base for a few dollars extra.

 

 

Fromage Artisans

Lower Ground Vault, 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000

There seems to be a pattern emerging here – cosy, winter bars and underground locations.

Less than 2 months old, Fromage Artisans is already making a name for itself. If you didn’t gather by their name, this bar is all about the food of the Gods – cheese. Yep, there is a bar in the city entirely dedicated to cheese. It is literally heaven on earth.

The bar itself is quite open but dimly lit, so you can easily hide yourself away in a corner to while the evening away.

In the front bar, you can opt to sample some of their finest cheeses in a flight (matched with wine, whisky, bubbles or beer) or build your own cheeseboard. Out the back, you can venture in to the cheese vault to make some selections to take back home. Yes, they have a vault full of cheese you can buy by the gram (or the kilo if you are like me). It is truly a marvel!

Helvetica

(off Howard Lane) 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000

Winter and whisky drinking go hand in hand. Needless to say, Perth’s dedicated whisky bar, Helvetica, makes the perfect spot for a winter tipple.

Although larger than a lot of the other bars mentioned, Helvetica still has a really cosy, homely feel to it.

Located down a cobblestone lane, it can be a little tricky to find at first. But, once you are aware of where it is, you will make a beeline for it in the winter weather. The whisky, the little ‘reading nook’, and all the wood, makes you want to curl up and settle in for the night. If you don’t drink the golden goodness, their selection of cocktails and wine will work to keep you warm.

Lalla Roohk Wine Bar

Lower Ground 77 St. Georges Terrace (entrance off Sherwood court) Perth, WA 6000

Another winter day, another cosy, hidden wine bar.

A little more bare than the Petition Wine Merchant, Lalla Roohk still has so much to offer. It is the sort of place you could spend an entire afternoon, eating pasta and trying delicious wines.

In fact, it is probably the best bar in the city to find new and interesting wines. They have the most impressive list of wines by the glass; including some incredibly special bottles from the most prestigious makers in the world. They are one of the only places I know that lets you buy such rare wines by the glass.

**In collaboration with City of Perth

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2 Comments

  • jenellewitty7 years ago

    You picked some of my favourites in here. Though, not a big drinker (particularly not after that time we tried the Thursday like it’s Friday concept!!), I do love some of these cosy spots. Good to unwind and for a fun night. So have to get onto some of that cheese too… mmmm!
    xx Jenelle
    http://www.inspiringwit.com

    Reply
    • Little Miss Mon Bon7 years ago

      Hahahahaha that was definitely more of a belter than we were expecting 😉 I am more of a 2-3 drinks max person these days too. I just can’t afford to be feeling spacey or gross the next day! Lucky most of these places are more of the ‘sit and enjoy one or two drinks’ sort of places, not massive party party places!

      Reply

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