Meet Parker Group (And The Team Behind Your Favourite Venues)

There are a few eating and drinking joints in town where we can’t help but think to ourselves… “Damn, they really know what they’re doing.” 

Not by chance, quite a few of those joints happen to have third-generation publican John Parker at the helm. Now, these venues are officially coming together under his recently-launched Parker Group. If you haven’t met before, let us introduce you to the family!

In the heart of the CBD, Perth’s oldest pub The Royal Hotel reopened in 2019 – polished and restored to its former glory. It’s since become one of the city’s most reliable spots for elevated pub feeds and great drops on tap… Plus a stunning private dining room, and of course who could forget the secret karaoke room, decked out in retro, Studio 54-inspired velvet – perhaps one of Perth’s best hidden gems.

Downstairs, Willi’s Bar shifts the gears from classic Aussie pub to old-world-meets-new European wine bar – at once rather cheeky and seriously good. If you’re looking for a wine and cocktail menu that’s a little more refined – it’s a great spot to find drops sourced both locally and afar, and also friendly bar staff who’ll happily talk you through them. Same goes for their devilishly good cocktail menu, featuring all of the classics with a little Willi’s twist.

Next door, Fleur has just revealed a brand new and meticulous European bistro menu celebrating the autumnal change in the air. Although the approach is decidedly modern, old-world touches like tableside Crêpes Suzette or a towering absinthe fountain lend an unmistakably decadent flair.

Just across the tracks, you can spot The Standard. About to celebrate its 10th birthday, the eatery fuses the industrial cool of Northbridge with lush leafy splendour – and a darn good feed. Pop in for a drink in the courtyard or indulge in their incredibly reasonably priced Lazy Weekend feasts… Just make sure you leave room for some of those house-made potato gems.

Dandelion opened in Karrinyup’s well-heeled West Deck just over a year ago, and since then we’ve rarely stopped thinking about their 12-hour slow roasted beef short rib. The menu is hugely influenced by the wood-fired rotisserie and grill, along with a geographical sense of adventure – its commonality is mainly found in its distinctively bold flavours.

On the drinks-front, the gleaming showstopper distillery downstairs is responsible for the venue’s own gin and vodka: Dandelion Spirit Co., distilled in-house and featured throughout Parker Group venues.

After 10 years in Northbridge, Karrinyup may seem pretty far afield, but Parker Group is only just getting started: a huge new 700-person restaurant, pub, distillery and cellar door in the new-look Busselton Central redevelopment is set to open this October!

To keep up with all the latest good eats and delicious drinks from Parker Group, follow Parker Group on INSTAGRAM.