6 of the best places for cocktails in Perth

By Fleur Bainger

Dozens of small bars have opened in Perth in recent times, many of them dedicated to bringing a new level of cocktail sophistication to the West Australian capital. While you can find all the classic mixes, from martinis to negronis, it pays to be a little more adventurous, trying original creations that come with a speared marshmallow, or even a mini burger on top. Here's where.

Hadiqa

Where: Hibernian Place, Top Floor, Perth

Inspired by the Arabic word for 'garden,' Hadiqa is a Middle Eastern oasis hidden atop a Perth rooftop. Sit back in leafy surrounds and order yourself a cocktail from the thoughtful menu of drinks like 'Rooftop Perthection' and 'Turkish Delight Martini'. Don't worry if you get peckish; simply share a few dishes from the Moroccan, Mediterranean and Greek-inspired menu.

Helvetica

Where: Rear of 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Not easy to find, Helvetica is hidden down a laneway off Howard Street, itself a narrow street off St Georges Terrace in the main business district of central Perth. As you wander down Howard Lane, look up to see twin industrial chandeliers and then catch the street art characters sprayed by Perth artist Stormie Mills on the walls. Whisky is what they do best at Helvetica, but the cocktail list will likely sway you towards alternative libations.

Republic of Fremantle

Where: 3 Pakenham Street, Fremantle

Equal parts distillery and cocktail bar, Republic of Fremantle is a place to share in the love of local hand-crafted spirits. Located in the trendy heart of Fremantle’s West End, this bar offers an experience for everyone. Sit and sip under vines in the outdoor space or play distiller for the day and bring home your own bottle of gin. The food menu is worth a look, too – think fresh and tasty share plates.

Where: 16 Queen St, Perth

Soft leather seats, worn timber tables and a long bar illuminated by copper light shades fill the ground floor of this 100-year-old flour mill in the city centre. Lean on that gorgeous bar and order yourself a gin martini – The Flour Factory has the city’s largest gin collection, including Tanqueray on tap. As the night progresses, take the stairs up to The Sherry, an intimate cocktail bar of distressed brick, vertical gardens and a breezy, open-air terrace.

Mechanics Institute

Where: Rear of 222 William St, Northbridge

The cocktail whizzes at Mechanics Institute shake and stir all sorts of goodies, but espresso martinis remain the most requested drink on the list. Twice winner of the Best Small Bar in Perth award, this rooftop haunt is accessed via a street art splashed laneway that veers away from the Perth Cultural Centre, at the cul-de-sac mouth of James Street in Northbridge. A bonus: directly below the bar is Flipside, a burger joint that shares the same owners and will deliver upstairs. Order the Epic Bloody Mary to combine burger and beverage – it’s a drink with benefits.

Bar Lafayette

Where: 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth

This is a sophisticated lounge where the mocktails are as good as the cocktails, and the staff are friendly no matter what you order. Tucked into the Brookfield Place bar and restaurant precinct on the Swan River side of the central city zone, Bar Lafayette is an old world French-inspired space filled with leather armchairs, chesterfield lounges and al fresco seating that suits Perth's summer evenings. Order the Dark Berry Smash, blended with cognac and garnished with fresh mint.