17 Courtyards Around Perth Just Begging For A Few Wines With Friends
You’ve done the Perth beer gardens tour, and now you’re looking for something a little more refined, a little more…sophisticated? Honestly, we just got halfway through our beer gardens article and realised there’s actually heaps of cool little courtyards around Perth perfect for sipping on a few vinos with your pals, so decided to split the two up! And in the interest of keeping things fresh, we’ve updated the list with a couple of brand-spankin’ new joints that we’ve already fallen head over heels for – Salud!
SKØL
So the Scarborough Esplanade has copped a bit of a bad rap lately, and if you’re looking to give it a little space then why not head a little east for the laidback surrounds of SKØL. In the relatively short time since opening, it’s already become a fast favourite for locals. To be fair once you’ve spent a lazy afternoon in its Scandinavian-inspired surrounds indulging in a few cocktails and tasty share plates you’ll understand why.
35 Ewen Street, Scarborough
Vincent Wine
Vincent Wine has been a big winner this year. Bringing the mediterranean vibes we can no longer travel to, their wine list is 200-strong with a focus on France, along with plenty of homegrown specialties. The courtyard is just perfect in the afternoon sun, the vibe is wonderfully un-pretentious, and the food is delish – see you there.
465 William Street, Perth
Pep’s
One of Perth’s newest kids on the small bar block – Pep’s in Peppy Grove. It’s just opened on Stirling Highway and is an absolute delight. The exposed brick and jarrah floorboards give way to a sparse little courtyard that we get the feeling is going to see a lot of action this summer.
492 Stirling Hwy, Peppermint Grove
St Brigid
A stylish new bar from the team behind Mrs Brown, Mechanics and Propeller, St Brigid is already a favourite for locals. It’s got all the winning elements from their previous ventures, including a sunny and chic courtyard designed by Finespun Architects – but most importantly, a warm and welcoming vibe.
Image via Finespun
257 Scarborough Beach Road, Doubleview
Corner Dairy
There’s obviously something in the water in Doubleview, and with the opening of these great small bars… Maybe we should be moving? Another significant enticement to the area is cosy neighbourhood spot, The Corner Dairy. Easy, breezy; a dependable drop-in. That’s the vision for the Corner Dairy – and one we’re pretty keen on, especially when paired with that sunny alfresco.
260 Woodside Street, Doubleview
Albert’s Respite and Refreshments
There’s something about the Bread and Circuses gang that just knows how to nail a homey neighbourhood spot. As well as the abovementioned St Brigid, they’ve also taken over what used to be the Stanley, transforming it into Albert’s Respite and Refreshments. It’s still got some of that living-room feel, but a little bit sleeker, a little bit more refined – maybe the living room of your bougie friend.
294 Cambridge Street, Wembley
Jetty Bar & Eats
Okay, we might be pushing the limits here, but we cannot resist including East Freo’s newest bar, Jetty. Perched on the East Street jetty, it’s an ideal spot to while away an afternoon in the sun, taking in the water views with a glass of wine (and maybe some of those fried school prawns…).
126 Beach Street, Fremantle
King Somm
The Maylands-based masters of pino and pizza, King Somm is a ripping neighbourhood bar and has a wonderful little courtyard to boot. Their bottleshop is stacked with handpicked delights to drink in it or at home: “Lo-fi, small batch, natural, new world, old world, local, international, vegan…whatever the label, as long as the wine is of exceptional quality and delicious, we will drink it (and sell it, of course!).”
13 King William St, Bayswater
Si Paradiso
It’s hard to go past Si’s stunning amphitheatre, which will transport you to the Amalfi coast with not only their décor, but love of fine wine. It can be easy to lose a day here, sipping on wines and dining on delicious breads and pizza in the afternoon, before switching into Italo disco mode when the sun goes down.
1/466 Beaufort St, Highgate
Mrs Brown Bar
North Freo fave Mrs Brown’s has been doing North Freo proud for over a decade now, and while the cosy fire inside is great in winter, their sun-drenched, leafy-green courtyard outback makes for an irresistible summer proposition. The friendly – and knowledgeable – staff will guide you through their amazing wine selection too.
241 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle
Samson’s Paddock
Part of what we like to call the Mosman Park Small Bar Mafia (also featuring Rodney’s and O Brother), Samson’s Paddock is the oldest kid on the block, yet no less cool. Their food offerings are delicious, and their multi-tiered little back garden offers private little nooks at every turn.
3 Glyde St, Mosman Park
Cottesloe Beach Hotel
So the Cott’s Beach Club might skirt the line between beer garden and wine courtyard, but its more sophisticated vibes definitely tend toward the latter. If you want to rub shoulders with the golden triangle’s finest this is the place to be on a Sunday afternoon, otherwise try to nab a seat out front and watch the sun go down in the more casual Verandah Bar.
104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe
Strange Company
We guess you’d call Strange Company more of a Vino Alfresco area but whatever the case its leafy green outdoor area makes for a brilliant home base to pull up and indulge in some delightful wines, something they take a lot of pride in.
5 Nairn Street, Fremantle
The Old Laundry
A bit of a hidden spot on Angove Street, while The Old Laundry has a lot of breakfast-faring fans it’s also a killer spot for an afternoon wine in their bright little courtyard. The solid selection definitely helps, plus they also make a mean Bloody Mary.
22 Angove St, North Perth
Little Way
Little Way has been livening up Broadway on Nedlands for a couple of years now, boasting plenty of charm thanks to its heritage-listed building location, street side vibes and beautifully shady herb garden/courtyard. While they’re pretty well catered for with regards to all booze options, their wine list is exceptional.
161 Broadway, Nedlands
Percy Flint
As far as cute courtyards go, Percy Flint’s is an absolute treat. They don’t have a massive wine list, but it is constantly rotating so no doubt you’ll find something new every time you pop in, to be enjoyed while the South Freo sun slowly sets on a warm Sunday afternoon.
211 South Terrace, South Fremantle
The Standard
While we’re quite partial to a Sunday Lazy Susan at the Standard (say that ten times fast), their courtyard is also the perfect spot for a wine or two with mates before your night gets too out of control. An urban oasis, it’s lush while still reminding you you’re in the middle of Northbridge – in the best way.
28 Roe Street, Northbridge
More like this:
Perth’s Best Beer Gardens
Perth’s Best Wine Bars
The Best Boutique Bottle Shops Around Perth
Header image: The Standard