Quirky Hidden Cafés And Bougie Boutiques: Discover Perth City’s Hidden Gems
While you already know you can find your favourite big international brands in the CBD, there’s more to the city than meets the eye. Venture through laneways, basements and up stairs to discover some cafés that are as quirky as they are quality, and boutiques that’ll have you in the freshest fits. And it’s never been cheaper to make your way into the city at night and on weekends, with free night time parking from 6pm, and three hours free parking all weekend (more info here).
Howard’s Groove
Just as groovy as its name would suggest, Howard’s Groove is hidden away down – you guessed it – Howard Street. The sultry space is a combined effort from the team behind another CBD favourite, Smooth Operator, as well as legendary local roasters Twin Peaks. With that in mind, the coffee is just as good as you’d expect – although you’ll definitely be tempted by a toastie.
22 Howard Street
Playa Coffee
We’ll admit, it took us a little while to find Playa – but once we did, we haven’t looked back. They might be tucked under an office block, but this itty-bitty coffee shop is like a blast of tropical sunshine, complete with neon palm tree. As well as some of the city’s best brews, you’ve also gotta make sure you get your hands on their bagels.
15-17 William Street
Telegram
Before Telegram cranks open their window each morning, you’d be forgiven for walking straight past this (admittedly very chic) timber box. Having built a reputation for high quality and attention to detail (which extends to roasting their own beans), a visit to Telegram is a perfect excuse to venture into the bougie surrounds of the State Buildings. They also offer a 50c discount if you bring a reusable cup, and won’t charge you for an extra shot of coffee!
State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth
Black Honey
Morning commuters will need no introduction to Black Honey, the beloved Raine Square coffee shop that reopened in January to much celebration. Their excellent coffee is matched only by their killer vibes – as well as some great value toasties that have earned a legion of fans.
Raine Square, 300 Murray Street
Standing Room Only
They might be called Standing Room Only, but we reckon you’ll be boogying when it comes to this teeny-tiny café’s big, pink, neon-soaked vibes. Situated in the freshly-refurbished Piccadilly Arcade, not only is their playlist filled with bangers, but their nitro coffee – brewed by their sister company Wild Child Coffee – will have you on your feet in no time.
Piccadilly Arcade, 700 Hay St
Community Coffee Co.
The first time we went hunting for Community Coffee Co.’s newest CBD outpost, wandering down one of the city’s laneways, we thought we might be losing it. Situated at the base of Parmelia House, you can do as we did and venture down Mercantile Lane, or pop in via the attached office building’s lobby. The espresso bar is their third location to their growing empire, and is serving up their signature coffee (with beans via their Subi roastery), alongside some conti rolls that will cure your hunger any time of day.
Mercantile Lane, 177 St Georges Terrace
55 St George’s Terrace
292a Barker Road, Subiaco
Lo-Fi
A neighbour of aforementioned fave Howard’s Groove, Lo-Fi are bringing style to both sides of Howard Street. With one store skate-focused, and the other on streetwear, they’re offering the best of both worlds – with brands on offer like Butter, Pop Trading Co, 4WORTHDOING, Andrew and many more.
15 & 18 Howard Street
Cold Wave
Ultra-cool Cold Wave will deck you out in the city’s finest vintage and consignment streetwear. You can expect to find a huge range of ‘90s movie and TV tees, alongside vintage sneakers and their own label apparel.
Wolf Lane, 3/321 Murray Street
Low End Therapy
While we wouldn’t dare presume to inform anyone about streetwear success story Highs and Lows, their slow-living lifestyle brand Low End Therapy flies a little more under the radar. Situated in their King Street store’s mezzanine, their range includes design-conscious homewares, art, books, accessories, music and more: you can even stock up on local roaster Double Double’s coffee beans.
75 King Street
King St. Collective
With a curated range of local makers, you’re sure to find something unique at King St. Collective. Dainty jewellery, charming ceramics, and deluxe soaps are all under one roof – along with indoor plants, floral bouquets and so much more. The one thing that unites them? They’re all hand crafted locally.
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Shop 1, 82 King Street
For more inspiration on where to go and what to do around Perth city, head to the Visit Perth Website.
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Header Image: Playa Coffee
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