Perth’s leading bartenders know how to find the good stuff, on shift and off.
On their (rare) days off, the city’s most thoughtful pours are still chasing flavour, atmosphere and small pleasures, just in different forms.
From Terrarium’s Xander Stucken to Bar Love’s Pip Dowden and Gibney’s James Gentile, this is a glimpse into where they go to reset: coffee spots, easy lunches, a bit of shopping, time in nature and a quiet dose of culture.
Pip Dowden, owner/operator at Bar Love
Where do you go for coffee, and what are you ordering?
If I’m up and about in time to get coffee, I’m going to March in the city, and ordering whatever Cam or Ziggy tell me to – they always have something weird and wonderful going on.
Where do you go when you want some fresh air or a nature fix?
For nature fixes, I’m absolutely obsessed with going for a swim at Serpentine Falls.
Where’s your go-to for an easy lunch or late brunch?
For an off duty easy lunch, I’m obsessed with Angelwood Pies in Leederville, and the guys there are so lovely.
Angelwood
If you’re browsing – clothes, records, books, design – where do you end up?
Old Values in Fremantle. It’s a very curated second-hand store which has the best vintage furniture and knick knacks. It’s where we bought half of the decor for Bar Love!
If you’re in the mood for some culture – a gallery, cinema or live music – what are your go-tos?
I love to head to Luna Cinemas in Leederville. They have a great selection of independent films. Or if someone I like is playing at Red Hill Auditorium, I’ll always go- the view overlooking the city is insane.
What’s your ideal day-off spot for drinks and dinner?
My day off spot has got to be Si Paradiso. I’m there on a Sunday more than I care to admit- the wine and food are both delicious.
Si Paradiso
James Gentile, Director of Bars for Kailis Hospitality Group (Gibney, The Shorehouse and Magic Apple Wholefoods)
Where do you go for coffee, and what are you ordering?
Cheerio Coffee in West Perth. A large batch brew and one of their amazing cinnamon scrolls.
Where’s your go-to for an easy lunch or late brunch?
For an easy lunch, my partner and I always seem to end up back at Run Amuk Hotdogs in South Freo, and late brunch I really can’t go past one of the amazing bowls at Magic Apple.
Magic Apple Wholefoods
If you’re browsing – clothes, records, books, design – where do you end up?
For clothes, I really like Providence in North Perth & South Freo. Mills in Freo for records, if I can’t find anything great at a thrift shop. I tend to walk into every bookshop I walk by. You never know what you’ll find when you aren’t looking.
If you’re in the mood for some culture – a gallery, cinema or live music – what are your go-tos?
The Art Gallery of WA is so close to my house, it’s a great place to walk through. Palace Cinemas in Raine Square will have an international film festival or showing that is great to catch when I have the time.
What’s your ideal day-off spot for drinks and dinner?
Bar Love is always a good stop for a cocktail or a beer. I love Phở Phong in Girrawheen for an easy weekday meal, or heading to Madalena’s or Heritage Wine Bar for a more serious affair.
Heritage Wine Bar
Tell us what’s on your current read or watch list
Currently, I’m watching the Fallout series on Amazon Prime, and I’m reading The Japanese Way of Whisky by Dave Broom & Whisky and Scotland by Neil M Gunn.
David ‘Xander’ Stucken, Director or Terrarium
Where do you go for coffee, and what are you ordering?
Howards Groove. Some sort of single origin espresso or an iced latte. If not there, Leeway Coffee or Offshoot. If I’m not in the city, Runyeh in Heathridge is my absolute go-to.
Howards Groove
Where do you go when you want some fresh air or a nature fix?
The beaches between the CBD and Ocean Reef. Plus there’s a million parks where I live to unleash my toddler onto some swings or other back pain inducing play grounds.
Where’s your go-to for an easy lunch or late brunch when you’re off duty?
Wu-tang Chicken. Hands down. Big favourite right now. Something kid-friendly. Or The Corner Dairy. I love that place.
The Corner Dairy
If you’re browsing – clothes, records, books, design – where do you end up?
Lego Store. I’m a big man child. Raiding Boffins never goes astray for books.
What’s your ideal day-off spot for drinks and dinner?
For the last year and a bit, I’ve entered full dad mode. It’s mostly something local and quick so I can spend time with my little guy. That said, I’m itching to get to Shadow Wine Bar for dinner. And a few drinks at Alfred’s and Bar Love.
How do you switch off at night – Netflix or a book? Tell us what’s on your current read or watch list
I just started re-binging The Walking Dead. Or copious amounts of Bluey. It’s a diverse range. Vintage video games are big plus right now if I get a spare hour