With glass walls, plant life aplenty and a killer spirits list to go with sharp cocktails, Terrarium is teeming with vitality.

A newcomer to Perth’s small-bar scene, Terrarium proves that bigger is not necessarily better. Unassumingly tucked away in the heart of the Perth CBD on Howard Street, this latest offer from David “Xander” Stucken (formerly of Long Chim, Bar Lafayette, The Ritz & Alfred’s) raises the stakes in the cocktail and spirits scene, with a comprehensive and detailed list built out over a decade. 

Terrarium’s bartenders aren’t afraid of a challenge – a brief for a zesty and “just sweet enough” Whisky Sour is met with an uplifting and balanced iteration. 

If it’s cocktails, sticking to the menu (and a Strawberry Field that gives a Negroni a whack of berry flavour) is a safe bet, but Terrarium’s bartenders aren’t afraid of a challenge – a brief for a zesty and “just sweet enough” Whisky Sour, built from Terrarium’s extensive whisky offer is met with an uplifting and balanced iteration. 

Then there’s the tiny-but-mighty bar snacks list rolled out with gusto by a small kitchen team; pumpkin and goat’s cheese on local Mary Street Bakery sourdough sounds simple but hits hard in the flavour stakes. 

A minimal, sleek modern fit-out of black chrome and timber is softened with tropical plants and hues of green along the tiled bar, a fitting nod to Terrarium’s namesake. Venture out to the open-air roof terrace to soak up the atmosphere, but for some serious showstopping bartending, a seat at the bar is where you want to be.