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.

Young George - George Street, East Fremantle

A great small bar that transcends design and time, elegant, yet rustic, high end, yet comfortable. A brilliant place if you want to head out of the city to venture to one of the best local bars going, for good drink and excellent food.

This outstanding local bar really does hit the mark, it stands out and is head and shoulders above most of the competition. Those within walking distance are privileged to have this place so close by. Like 'The Stanley' in Wembley or 'Samson's Paddock' in Mosman Park, this small bar is at the heart of the East Fremantle Community.

A great beer selection and a fantastic wine list will appeal to most people, however, this is slightly let down by the lack of beer by the pint. Given how good the drink selection it must be stated that the focus of this bar is the excellent food on offer, which is produced by an innovative team in a great kitchen that consistently produces high quality and more importantly very tasty food. If you are only drinking then we recommend the Beef Crackers which are the perfect accompaniment to most drinks.

Elegant in design, this small bar pulls together a number of design ideas and styles in to a perfect form. The older features of the building are on display and give the place both depth and warmth in its decor. It is definitely at the top end of design when it comes to small bars in and around Perth and Fremantle.

Peter says "Blown away by this great small bar, not much I can say other than get yourself down there it is well worth the trip, the friendly, attentive staff will make you feel very welcome"

Tony says "Worth the walk if you are going to enjoy a few drinks or make a night of it, this small bar is extremely comfortable and the perfect place to relax"

Check out their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Young-George-800162656713726/timeline/ or their website - http://younggeorge.com.au

Cheeky Sparrow - Wolf Lane, Perth

Nestled away off Murray Street on Wolf Lane, this good small bar attracts a bubbly crowd and is pleasant place to drink and hangout with friends. It doubles as one of the cities best coffee shops during the morning and turns into a bar during the afternoon.

Being a 'Cheeky Sparrow' is a mighty claim for two reasons - the sparrow is an awesome little bird and cheekiness is one of the best and most endearing personality traits. This small bar does live up to the billing, it is good and the kind of place that goes on the 'to go back to' list.

The design leads you to relax and is really chilled out, there is a nice mix of decor that really does appeal to most tastes. This small bar is really comfortable, a lot of time has been put into making this place charming and engaging.

The friendly, helpful staff provide a really good level of service, they are really attentive to the needs of the patrons. The food menu is excellent and this is backed up with a solid but concise drinks menu, if you are up with the sparrows then head here for a coffee in the morning, with this place opening from 6:30am on weekdays.

Peter says "A good place to go with friends, not stand out but overall a pleasant small bar that will appeal to most people"

Tony says "Attentive service and a good ambience. As so many new establishments come along it is harder and harder for bars like Cheeky Sparrow to stand out, in saying that it is a good place for a drink"

Check out their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/The-Cheeky-Sparrow-140181282723505/timeline/ or their website - http://cheekysparrow.com.au

The Local Shack - Murray Street, Perth

What do you get when you mix great design and fun games together in one small venue? That's right, you get The Local Shack, a great small bar on Murray Street. Connect Four, Jenga or Guess Who, name your childhood poison and this place caters to it. 

This small bar is visually interesting, with lots of different elements and areas to focus on, each component comes together to make one coherent idea and that is the real charm of this place. You can easily sit here drinking your beer and forget you are in the city centre. The lighting really does add to the beach shanty town vibe and the corrugated iron ceiling is a real nice touch.

The food menu is extensive and very tasty and this small bar also have a very good drink selection. $7 tap beer is a nice touch as is the $10 cocktails on 'Ladies Night'. This really is a fun place to hang out with your friends and is well worth a trip into the city centre.

The pleasant staff are quick to serve and eager to please. They have a good knowledge of and know both the food and drink menu inside out. When you put everything together this really is a very good bar, where you just can't help yourself, the games well get played and the beers well get drunk. 

Peter says "I have walked past this place a few times and now regret not venturing in on an earlier occasion, this bar does stand out in very good small bar scene in Perth, I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for something that little bit different"

Tony says "Impressive little venue I had stumbled across on my many walks around the city. This was a good find. Well thought out decor and friendly staff couple with a selection of popular board games makes for a fun night ahead"

Check out their website - http://thelocalshack.com.au