Terrace Cocktails, Woodfire Grills & Spanish Tapas: Three CBD Faves Are Back!

Woodfired feasting and CBD views? Sangria and snapper ceviche? The flavours of Spain are returning to Perth’s city centre, with the long-awaited reopening of two beloved venues in the heart of the CBD.

Ascend above the hustle and bustle of Hay Street and head up to The Loft Lounge & Bar, reopening from March 1. One of the city’s hidden gems, the outdoor terrace overlooking heritage facades on Hay Street is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down after a long day at work, sipping on West Australian wines and a curated cocktail list – plus a few bites from that grazing-style menu.

And what’s better than sitting back, taking a moment and enjoying a crafty cocktail?

Downstairs things take a moodier, more intimate turn with Ascua (which reopened on February 1), continuing the Spanish flavours of neighbouring Heno & Rey (more on that later), but taking them up a notch in the dramatic wood fired kitchen, helmed by Chef and Director of Restaurants and Bars, Andrew McGie.

The leather-clad booths are crying out for date nights – watch the flames fly as you indulge in a decadent, 40-day dry aged Stirling Ranges tomahawk, imbued with the flavours of olive and banksia charcoal. Reee-oww!

Of course, if a hulking tomahawk is feeling a little ambitious, you can also delve into the rest of the refined à la carte menu, where you’ll find refreshing tomato gazpacho served with orange poached Exmouth prawns and olive oil caviar, or fresh goats cheese with torched tomato, fresh honey and crumbled walnuts.

Seasonal vegetables also benefit from the touch of the flame, topped with fried garlic and chilli, manchego, anchovies and garlic or a lemon yoghurt with cumin and oregano.

Next door you’ll find it’s fiesta time! Stop in under the palm tree for a little slice of Spain in the CBD at Heno & Rey. Perched on the corner of King and Hay Streets (perfect for people watching), bring in the weekend with a few juicy glasses of their signature sangria and dive into that vibrant tapas menu.

Expect to see fast-paced tapas favourites like charcutería, albondigas, snapper ceviche and deliciously charred bread topped with anchovies, sardines or fresh tomato. Feeling extra hungry? You can’t go past the Rey Pollo: succulently marinated and served with an almond picada, it’s a meal fit for a king.

Stuck at your desk and feeling thirsty? Whether you’re dropping in for a drink after work or on your way to a show at His Majesty’s across the road, if you get there between 5 and 6pm Monday to Thursday, you’ll be able to sip on a selection of happy hour specials for only $8 each.

If, like us, you’re salivating just reading that, you can book a table here and follow Ascua, Heno & Rey and The Loft Lounge & Bar on Instagram.