eat A fresh crop of new venues has opened over the last few months Gail Williams pays a visit to Subi’s new kids on the block.
for spring New beginnings
Diversity, thy name is Subiaco. When it comes to hanging out in Subi there’s plenty of venue choices in which to down your particular poison – from cocktails to fruit smoothies. I go into town to meet a few of the new kids on the block adding health, sophistication and a bit of grunge to their ‘hood. Gerry and Renata Downing
Pupa Fast Nutrition 162 Rokeby Road 0434 963 055
There are some groovy buzz words rolling off the tongues of Rokeby Road regulars. “Supercharged. Sweet and filling. Packed with protein. Bliss”. And these people aren't talking about cocktails. Although, with names like Blue Lagoon, Malteser Pleaser and Peanut Butter Delight, they could well be reeling off the drinks list of their local bar. No, these seductive bliss bombs are offering a natural high. And they’re on the menu at Pupa Fast Nutrition, Subiaco’s new haven for health fiends who pop in to the light, bright spot for a post-workout bevvy. Customers are met with a warm welcome by husband-and-wife team Gerry and Renata Downing, who recently opened Pupa (Renata’s 8
SUBIACO: EAT DRINK SHOP
childhood nickname) to fulfil their dream of working together in their own business. Wearing crisp striped linen aprons, the duo man a couple of huge blenders that mix up slap-in-yourface rocket fuel drinks to kickstart the day. Throw in recyclable cups and biodegradable straws and you’ll want to polish your halo on the way out. The idea to open a smoothie and juice bar came about when catering to the protein rich diet of their daughter, Sacha, while she was in training for the Australian junior swimming team. The Downings and their elder daughter, Brighton, fell in love with
Subiaco 16 years ago after emigrating from South Africa. When the prime spot became available on Rokeby Road they jumped at the chance to contribute to the local community. Gerry gave up his career as a mechanical engineer and walked
