Shopping - Roam Subiaco

RoamSubiaco

this summer

We’re keen to enjoy summer for as long as possible, so make sure you head to Rokeby Road and Hay Street for some extra special local shops, eateries and venues, who will all extend a warm welcome - just like the weather.

Plate Up

Rokeby Road is particularly blessed with some of Subiaco’s most inviting eateries and cafes. A relatively new addition – Noble Perth – has brought a strong statement of style to the locale, inhabiting the old site of the Funtastico restaurant. The vegan restaurant – owned by James Sparrow and his business partner Kartik Shah (who also owns La Vida, Perth’s only vegan grocery store) – has made quite a stir since it opened at the end of 2021. The matt black finishes on the floor, wall and tables envelop visitors into a cocoon of coolness – while the old wood-fired pizza and open kitchen and bar see brisk service throughout the day. There are pizzas of course, made in the traditional Neapolitan style with a very thin and puffy airy crust. Wines are all natural, mostly local and vegan and beer comes from down the road in Freo from Gage Roads Brewing Company.

A little further up the road, hugging the corner as it has done for many years, the Subiaco Hotel has enjoyed something of a renaissance since its new owners took over in 2020. The multiple bars are as popular as ever with sports screens providing entertainment across many codes.

The lunch and dinner crowd has stayed faithful to the Subi, as it’s known, and if you’re in the mood for traditional pub fare produced with pizzazz and flair, this is the place to head for a top feed and friendly banter with the bar staff.

A few steps further up the road and you’ll find The Boardroom. On balmy nights, you’ll find friends sitting on high chairs outside, giving the cocktail list a good look-see, while the wine list caters for broad tastes. There’s usually a good selection of tunes playing too, so pull up a chair and call your very own AGM at this particular boardroom.

Subiaco is rightly famous for its coffee bars and brunch hang-outs and Tastings Coffee House has been serving up excellent cuppas for many years. The Tastings’ faithful rock up on a daily basis – some of them not till 3pm – to order the Big Breakfast which is cooked lovingly by the part owner George Doropoulos and is the stuff of local legend.

“It has bacon, eggs, fried tomato, onion and beef sausages,” says Bill, his brother who is often seen waiting on tables out the front to local Subi identities such as former mayor, Tony Costa, entertainment icon Bob Maher and former football champion Bill Dempsey.

They go as much for the $15 omelettes as the Silvana coffee which many regulars say is the best in the suburb.

T-Junction is a popular destination for bubble tea fans. The bright and breezy venue has a selection of delicious options for those who like their tea bubbly.

Beauty from within

Head to Rokeby Road if you’re in need of some personal renovation work – or just the chance to indulge in a little personal TLC. Professionail Subiaco is the local branch of a world-wide brand (curiously enough, starting in New Orleans, Louisiana). Book or walk-in for a pedicure, manicure, a full set of acrylics, SNS or colour gels. They also offer spray tans and waxing, and locals swear by the professional approach taken by the team at the Subi salon.

Anthea James Hairdressing on Seddon Street is a colour and hair extension specialist, and with over 25 years’ experience, you can be sure your precious tresses will be in safe hands. There are some extraordinary examples of how extensions can transform your hair on the team’s Instagram page – so if you’re looking for a completely new look for 2022, head to the UKtrained salon for the opportunity to see a new you in the mirror.

Total Movement are not a gym, a Pilates or yoga studio – they’re something much bigger, they say. They’re a movement and as a boutique studio, they’re able to offer personal or private training, small group strength classes, holistic lifestyle coaching and physio and rehab options. If you’re sick of being just a number to your current gym, have a chat to Jo or Sam and discover the Total Movement difference.

Eyewear has come a long way from the days when frame choice was limited and not terribly flattering. The Subiaco branch of EyeQ Optometrists use their expertise to assess the best options for your eye care and continually strive to be industry leaders in clinical diagnosis with state-of-the-art equipment. Their eyewear brands include Calvin Klein, Gucci and Kate Spade among many others – just let the team know what you’re after and they will work hard to accommodate you.

Splash out

If you’ve ever needed something sparkly for a special event you’ll be familiar with the name Raimonds. A stalwart of the Perth fashion scene for the past 20 years Raimond Castellano has a passion for fashion – and the unnerving knack for correctly guessing your dress size, just by looking at you. Since relocating from Hay Street to Rokeby Road at the end of 2021, it’s even harder to resist the chance to linger a little longer outside his shop window. Sparkly gowns

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SHOPPING SPREE Shops like Raimonds, Flannel and Picnic are the perfect places to browse to your heart's content for a special occasion outfit or pair of shoes.

from Jovani and other world-class designs, are eye-catching and lure in those in search of something really special. Raimonds has dressed so many Perth women over the years for school balls, bridesmaid’s duties, cocktail events and weddings, that when you’ve got a special occasion to attend, you should put yourself in Raimond’s hands and the magic just happens.

Picnic offers women’s clothing that are designed to embrace the Australian climate and lifestyle, from relaxed basics to contemporary catwalk trends. Picnic’s range represents effortless style and it’s proudly WA owned and based, with a large proportion of stock made in Australia.

Flannel and Chance are also Australian, and the brand began in 2006 when designer Kristy Lawrence curated a chic lifestyle collection of pieces which could easily transition from home to the streets. It’s this effortless elegance and exquisite finishes which have been the keystone of Flannel’s success ever since. It’s also a brand which takes its eco-footprint seriously so if fashion without costing the earth is your jam, head to Flannel.

Hobbs Shoes on Rokeby Road has been a favourite destination for ladies footwear for over 30 years. Their seasonal collections reflect current styles both here in Australia and Europe, and there are international brands and exclusive Hobbs designs which appeal to a wide range of shoe fans.

Stride Subiaco is located on Rokeby Road (between Churchill Street and Barker Road) and the store has a large range of ECCO products and Hush Puppies, NAOT and Ziera. Kate and the team will assist you choose the perfect shoe for any occasion and help you put your best foot forward.

If you’re choosing a ball gown for this year’s Year 12 ball season, or just would like to be extra-glam for a special occasion, One Night Stand has an excellent collection of gorgeous gowns to rent for the party. You’ll have the chance to wear stunning dresses from Australia’s top designers including Ae’lkemi, Nicholas, Thurley and Nookie – and

wear them for a fraction of the cost of owning the gown outright.

Vanessa Leanda’s demi-couture and bridal atelier is a special addition to the Subiaco scene. Each season, Vanessa creates three unique garments, crafted locally by hand, using fine materials and tailored specifically to the client. She can also create bespoke orders and makes modern and bridal custom pieces for the entire bridal party. Design consultations take place at her studio on Rokeby Road, and once you’ve experienced the VL approach, you’ll never buy off the peg again.

Good Sammy’s is as familiar on Aussie high streets as a good pie shop and your favourite coffee house. The Subiaco branch is a thriving collection of pre-loved, sometimes designer togs and accessories as well as household items, which are sold for a great cause.

Broome may seem like a long way from Subiaco, but in the Willie Creek Pearls showroom, there’s a little taste of the Kimberley right here on Hay Street. Choose from necklaces, bracelets and rings, earrings and men’s jewellery, all showcasing the uniquely beautiful pearls sourced from the Banfield family’s Willie Creek pearl farm.

If you’re keen to see some live performances – and after the two years we’ve all endured, who isn’t? – head to the Regal Theatre on the corner of Rokeby Road and book via Ticketmaster for the next show. Comedy features frequently on the stage of this grand old theatrical lady of Subiaco, and there’s often the chance to catch matinees and kid-friendly performances throughout the year.

If you bank with CommBank, the Hay Street branch has been servicing its clients for years. The friendly team are able to assist with all your daily banking, borrowing and financial requirements – just call in to arrange a meeting today.

Meanwhile Lendable prides itself on being WA’s fast finance finder for home buyers. The team are able to match you with mortgage lenders and builders, to make owning your own home not only possible but easy too. Drop in for a chat and discover the Lendable difference.

For more information about our wonderful local businesses, visit seesubiaco.com.au

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Kulcat

Cheryl Burton’s eclectic store Kul Kul is a treasure trove of sparkly jewels and fancy objects, representing a life-long passion for jewellery all in one place.

WORDS | Gail Williams IMAGES | Matt Jelonek Cheryl Burton is well known in Subiaco for spreading the love. And she is not ashamed to share her passion for jewellery either.

It’s written all over her walls in a heartwarming welcome for customers who – lured by the wafting aromas of natural soy candles – wander into Kul Kul, her Rokeby Road boutique.

“All you Need is Love . . . and jewellery”.

It takes just a five minute chat – but many customers linger a lot longer – to discover Burton has both in spades.

“I actually have a slight shopping addiction,” she laughs. “This is how I cure it; even though I'm selling, I still get to shop.”

There’s ample evidence of many other glittering passions dotted, like diamantes, through the seductive 100sqm space on Rokeby Road’s cafe strip.

Owls, koalas, hedgehogs, sewing machines, typewriters, elephants, candles, oils, hats, bags, trees, linen garments and even branches collected from her property in Casuarina have their special and prominent places.

And jewellery. A treasure trove of jewellery. Tasteful, stylish one-off pieces, sourced from all over the world are displayed in beautiful, showcases fashioned by her cabinetmaker husband, Dean. Each cabinet is devoted to the country from which Cheryl sources the divine sterling silver, semi-precious stone and pearl pieces. She is the only WA stockist for some of the designers working away in Mexico, Israel, France and USA, while the intricate creations of four local designers are also represented.

Cheryl has found her true calling after ditching a career as a pharmaceutical rep seven-and-a half years ago to take over Kul Kul – now a 17-year leading light of the Subiaco gift shop scene – when it

was operating from Hay Street. Just over two years ago she moved to the longtime vacant premises, formerly an organic cafe, in Rokeby Road.

“I wanted a tree change from pharmaceutical work,” she says. “I decided the last part of my working life should be spent doing something I love and am passionate about. I didn’t have any background in this area. It was just something that interested me to step outside my comfort zone. When people say they want a tree change they’re often standing at the bottom of the tree and looking up. I wanted to climb the tree and get a view from the top. I was in Lake Como when I saw the (Hay Street) shop was for sale when I flew back to Australia with this little buzz in my head, drove into Subiaco and I knew immediately this is what I need to do.”

The “tree change” brought with it a bucket load of international travel and Cheryl’s ability to connect with people attracted a legion of new friends – artisans and agents in exotic locations such as Mexico, Indonesia, Spain, Morroco and USA.

Of course, COVID changed all that but she has kept in touch with suppliers and regularly takes delivery of boxes of jewellery to sort through for her shop.

Ask her to pick a favourite brand and her gaze immediately turns to a showcase featuring colourful items from Ayalabar from Israel.

“Over the years so many ladies have been in and said “I couldn’t wear something so bold and dangly,” she says. “They are statement earrings. I love to see the look come across their faces when they hold them up to the mirror and see how lovely they are. It’s the biggest high for me.”

She is also the only WA supplier for a precious antique button jewellery range by USA designer, Elizabeth Ngo, another favourite.

“These rings are made from buttons which date back to the 1800s,” she says. “In those times buttons were a symbol of wealth and were made from carved pearl, bronze, gold, amber or silver. When men were going off to war the wife would sew a perfume-sprayed button from their own garment into the inside of the husband’s uniform. These beautiful rings are made from those buttons. The romance of these stories is wonderful. Who wore the button? Where has it been? Did the soldier survive the war?”

Since becoming a major part of the social and retail fabric of Subiaco, Cheryl has also become passionate about the suburb. Some of her favourite businesses on the strip are her neighbours – The Secret Closet, pre-loved fashion boutique, Pupa Fast Nutrition, Dallimores and Cherubino City Cellar.

“They’re interesting little independent businesses, all adding to the village vibe in Subi,” she says.

With Mother's Day fast approaching, Cheryl has some advice for those wondering what to buy their Mum.

“Choosing the best gift for Mum does not necessarily mean to choose the most expensive,” she says. "The other thing to remember is not to go shopping in a hurry. Spend the time choosing something she'll really love.”

And remember .. all Mum needs is love . . . and perhaps a little jewellery.”

Kul Kul Jewellery, 151 Rokeby Road, Subiaco. Call 08 9388 7900 or Visit kulkul.com.au

JEWEL IN THE CROWN Kul Kul on Rokeby Road is not the place to visit if you're in a hurry - it's easy to spend lots to time perusing the gorgeous collection of items.