Budburst Small Bar, Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn

Budburst Small Bar in Mount Hawthorn is unassuming and spartan in design and it is in this simplicity that it does excel. Billed as a small bar offering craft beers, wine and small plates this really is a local bar that extends beyond the Mount Hawthorn neighbourhood.



Friendly and polite staff greet every customer on entry, the smiles are genuine, the conversation engaging and the service is to a high level. The staff are keen to offer advice on drinks and have a good knowledge of the menu. There is a nice selection of beers and wines to suit most tastes. The kitchen also serves up good food in perfect sized portions.



The winner here is design and decor, it is well thought out and extremely comfortable, it leads you in and is very pleasing on the eye. Warm, minimalist and rustic are the first words to come to mind when describing Budburst. Whitewashed walls, stained glass and plenty of timber this place is perfect for chilling out on a weekday evening or setting up shop for a Sunday session.



With an atmosphere that will appeal to most, this really good small bar is worth a visit. Grab some food, get a drink or two and enjoy the surroundings, you will end your night content and with a smile on your face.

399 Bar - William Street, Northbridge

A short walk along William Street away from the city brings you to 399 Bar. This is a small bar that can best be described in three ways - firstly it has a very laid back, chilled out atmosphere, secondly it serves up one of the best beer and cocktail menus in the city and thirdly it is well worth the walk.



399 describes itself as an urban oasis and we couldn't agree more, it is that perfect little watering hole where you can sit back away from the stresses of life and enjoy an ice cold beer or well made cocktail. A pitstop on your walk into or out of the city is very likely to become a final destination.



The beer list is excellent and on par with the best around, they have an exceptional selection of craft and boutique beers that are complimented by a range of ciders and a good wine cellar. The cocktails on offer are well made, watching the staff at work you can see the time and effort that goes into preparing each and every one.

Food is expertly served up from a number of different kitchens as Pizza, Asian and Indian are all on the menu from surrounding restaurants, order at the bar and in a flash, your food as arrived from local eateries. We think this is such a good idea, increasing the choice available to customers while providing something that little bit different. In addition to the varied order-in menu 399 also has a simple tapas menu that can soak up some of the booze.



We tried a selection of beers including Mountain Goat Pale Ale, Colonial Kolsch, Temple IPA and Kooinda Porter but a special mention must go to the Colonial Small Ale, an excellent mid strength that has a nice citrus hint and a refreshing bitterness. It is a great beer that won't leave you disappointed and is perfect for afterwork drinks when a hangover the next day just isn't an option.



The ambience was relaxed and fun with nice background music. The staff were attentive and eager to please, they are really engaging and all take the time to interact with the patrons beyond just your standard service. On a final note it has to be said that this is a well designed bar, time and effort has gone into making this a place to relax and hang out with your friends. Our suggestion is round up a group of friends, take the short walk from the city and turn 399 Bar into the place to be for the whole night.

Varnish on King - King Street, Perth

Varnish on King is an exceptional small bar, a place where you are immediately hit by the style and sophistication of a bar that is trailblazing its way to the front of the pack in the busy Perth Small Bar Scene. The excellent staff provides exemplary service that is really hard to match. Attentive and polite they are chatty and eager to please.

The design and décor is outstanding, using the bare brick walls as the background feature, the natural unvarnished woods and worn metals bring this place to life. When you throw in a random turkey, beaver and perfect lighting this place just oozes class. Our advice play random curio bingo, some of the items on display are very quirky and perfectly placed.

Whilst Whiskey is clearly the focus the rest of the menu whether it is food or drink will leave your mouth watering, even our pet peeve of no pints being available is forgiven here. With over 180 Whiskey varieties it will be impossible for you to be disappointed. They offer a fine selection of American Bourbon, Whiskey and Ryes, in addition there are Scottish and Irish single malts, taking all of that into account there is a drink for all palettes and most importantly all wallets. The cellar is well stocked with good wine and they have an outstanding selection of beer.

The kitchen produces a steady stream of really good food from a menu that intrigues and delights. Another note worthy mention is the sublime music, it was one good song after another, every aspect of this bar is well thought out and nothing is left to chance.

We highly recommend settling in for the evening, ordering your favourite drink and selecting something from the menu that may take you from your comfort zone and enjoying an experience that will ultimately delight all of your senses.

Elba - Napoleon Street, Cottesloe

A decadent, showy, glitzy and ostentatious small bar that has the charm to bring you back time and time again. Right in the middle of Cottesloe it is perfectly located, close to the train station and walking distance from the beach.

 

Whether you are after Champagne, Cocktails or good wine, this cracking small bar serves them up with good services and a warm smile. Add into the mix a couple of good tap beers and that most exotic of boutique European numbers 'Stella Artois' and you are onto a winner. With good music playing in the background the friendly bubbly ambiance of this bar was palpable even on a quiet evening. It is easy to spend a lot of money in this place, but surprisingly for a very good bar sitting in cashed-up Cottesloe it caters to all tastes and wallets.

The designer of this place has gone to town, and created something rather special. It would be easy for this place to look cheap and trashy, it treads the line very carefully, but in all instances it looks sharp and sophisticated. The red lights, velvet & velour leather adorned walls, focused lighting and plenty of mirrors could be leading you into a tarts' boudoir or a madams parlour but instead you are transported into one of the best designed and set out bars in Perth.

The outside area is a perfect and well shaded place to watch the comings and goings on Napoleon Street. What could be better than a Saturday afternoon, glass of bubbles in hand, watching the world go by and chilling out with friends. This place attracts a nice friendly crowd and is well worth the trip.

Peter says "A great little small bar that serves up good drinks and good service, perfect for those early evening drinks enjoying what is left of the sun in the outdoor area, this bar could actually become a regular drinking spot for me"

Tony says "The decadence has a real charm, it draws you in and will add to the good vibes on a night out, whether you choose to start your evening here or set up camp for the night, this place will not fail to disappoint"

Check out their facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Elba-Cottesloe-146633802050824/?fref=ts or their website - http://elbacottesloe.com.au

Angels' Cut by Trustee - St George's Terrace, Perth

With some of the most quirky and eclectic decor around this small bar really does stand out and will appeal to most people, add in the friendly services and you have the kind of place to go back to on a regular basis.

High ceilings, large windows and what can only be described as the largest 'Bar Angel' in Perth combine to make a pretty unique venue. The Doctor Who fans may be slightly worried but for the rest of us the amazing collection of random curios, knickknacks and trinkets make this place a feast for the eyes. The lighting sets the mood that leads into the temptation of the excellent drink and food menus.

Rum is the speciality of the house and the cocktails are superb. Serious amounts of time and effort goes into making your choice of drink. The staff are knowledgeable and are able to lead you through the menu and help you select a drink perfect for your palete. Overall the drinks list is extensive and you will be spoilt for choice.

During our drinking session the music consisted of cheesy pop classics intermingled with the random new romantics or alternative tunes, all of which bring a smile to your face and leave you feeling that little bit happier. This is the kind of place to enjoy with your friends, the music is that right level to enjoy group conversation and the layout means you can find somewhere comfortable to sit and relax.

Peter says "First impression is key in this great little small bar, some of the features and the decor are 'stand out' designs within the Perth Small Bar Scene. The menu and staff were very good and I will definitely be returning in the near future"

Tony says "Blown away by the stand out feature that makes this bar very attractive. The little curios aid in the theme but sometimes feel a little like and after thought. A great menu both the drink and eating kind, Angels' Cut his well worth a visit"

Check out their website - http://www.thetrustee.com.au/angels-cut-by-the-trustee/ or their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/angelscutbythetrustee to keep up to date with what is going on.

Pepper Wine Bar - Canning Highway, Applecross

A small bar that excels through quirky design and a friendly ambience. Sitting in the heart of Applecross this bar is a good place to spend time with your friends and enjoy a nice glass of wine.

A feature wall that is stunning and colourful in design, the bar is well thought through and makes its mar well. Away from the CBD but only a short walk from the Canning Bridge station across the river this bar attracts a local and transient crowd in equal measure.

The wine list is well thought out and caters to mosts tastes, this is complemented by some good beers and all the spirits you could need for a decent cocktail. The $15 dollar red wine tasting is also a great idea it includes a Shiraz, GSM, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Rosé. The wine list works perfectly with the Tapas menu that is on offer.

Tony says "A wine bar full of good design and this is what makes it for me. The feature wall a stand out and the well thought out seating placement allows you to enjoy the space with friends. Good music accompanied a nice atmosphere"

Peter says "If I lived closer this would be my local, really enjoyed my evening here. Good little venue that doesn't do much wrong"

Check out their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pepperwinebar or their website http://pepperwinebar.com.au for what is going on!

Swallow Bar - Whatley Crescent, Maylands

Sitting just outside the city in Maylands is this 'tiny' bar called Swallow. In one word, outstanding! The buzz of this bar attracts an eclectic crowd that permeates through every part of the bar.

For starters, the staff provide a great welcome with a friendly smile. They also possess a superb knowledge of what's on offer and are able to suggest something different for those adventurous enough to try. Their concept is simple, the service great and the warm and pleasant environment seems to draw in the locals and those from further afield.

This place sets the bar high and stands out in Perth's crowded field of small bars. The decor is varied but is well thought out, it is finished to a high standard in a way that smacks of class and sophistication. Somebody has spent a lot of time and effort getting this place just right and it shows.

On the busy evening we're there, our photos just doesn't do the place justice. It is best to head down and experience everything for yourself. Better still, take some friends along with you as this place has an extensive food and drink selection. When you add it all together, you truly have one of the best bars in WA.

Peter says "The train ride from the city only takes a few minutes and is well worth it for this little gem. I was amazed that such a small place could pack such a big punch. You will spend the whole evening here enjoying the food, drink, music and company with your friends."

Tony says "A great small neighbourhood bar, though Swallow Bar is much more than that. Amazing decor with great attention to detail, friendly staff, good food and drinks, this is a bar that keeps on giving. A must visit."

Check out their website - http://swallowbar.com.au or their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SwallowBar to find out whats going on.