News and openings in Subiaco

We have our fingers on the pulse of Subi’s vibrant scene. Check out these green shoots livening up our City of Soul. news WORDS | Gail Williams

Bar Loiter

Bar Loiter

20 Rowland Street, Subiaco (08) 6228 1986 Subi bar hoppers love stumbling across hidden heroes. Bar Loiter, tucked away, at the rear of Dilly Dally with an entrance off Rowland Street, is just that. Punters with a penchant for a pre-show tipple or a postdinner prandial can make a dramatic entrance from the front through heavy velvet drapes and feel like they have gone down a rabbit hole. And, with ten locally crafted beers on tap and an extended cocktail list as well as great wines-by-the-glass, there’s even more reason to linger.

It opened in February with a new fit out by Michael Benson, one of Dilly Dally’s partners.

As for the chef? Step up to the plate Riccardo Annunziato, former sous chef, who takes up the head role with the departure of Peter Hajdu. Try the braised beef croquettes and grilled veal.

The Village Bar

10-531 Hay Street, Subiaco Why mention The Village Bar? Because nothing sums up the old village feel of Subiaco more than the aptly-named Village. Under various guises, it’s been nurturing Subi souls for four decades with chicken parmys, cheeseburgers and pizzas while trendoid cookie cutter venues have come and gone.

Going back to the heady 80s and its days as Henry Africa’s, it sported a stuffed leopard and was the go-to hangout for media celebrities such as Lionel Yorke and Terry Willesee. Today it continues to welcome a wide demographic of regulars who take up a spot near the fireplace. You’ll come across former mayor, Tony Costa, holding court with former footballers like the old shark, Andrew Purser, and the odd hard-bitten journo from the Subi Post.

Most treat it like their own living room and – depending on the night – they’ll often segue into a half price pizza or a $15 cheeseburger. If it’s Thursday, they’ll go for a $20 steak with chips and salad.

As their slogan says, “Why wouldn’t you?" Exactly.

Yours Truly Cafe

286 Hay St, Subiaco The rustic brick wall says Manhattan’s Meatpackers district, but the Reuben bagels say Williamsburg.

Yours Truly Cafe

The Village Bar

So, while you’re stretching the imagination to the northern hemisphere you may as well sing “Oh, Canada” in tribute to the Nutella s’mores on offer at this little hole in the wall in Hay Street’s east end. It opened in March, and along with great coffee, there are also salted caramel croissants, chocolate ganache tarts and Ferraro croissants, baked daily by Raisin Bakery in Shenton Park. Owners, Matthew Baldock and Harry Richards, are the dudes behind it and they’re on the money. Follow the queue of nearby office workers. Or just follow your nose. It’s mainly take away but there is room to linger over a long black and dream of New York ... or Toronto ... or even Subiaco.

Delisio Pizza Romana

175 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco (08) 9381 7796 There are those who think Rafaele Brotzu should be made a Freeman of the City of Subiaco. Why? Because of his services to our suburb’s pizza lovers by putting authentic light, bubbly Roman pizzas on our culinary map.

Delisio Pizza Romana

Delisio Pizza Romana

Brotzu’s pizzas, fettucine with slowcooked braised beef cheeks and arancini had quite the fan club at his old Churchill Avenue premises. But now there’s room for more in the new 80-seater restaurant he’s taken over on Rokeby Road. And the fan club is expanding on a daily basis as he’s constantly booked out. Passers-by of the old, long-empty Mr Gill’s look inside longingly and see rapture on the faces of those trying out the suppli (rice arancini with bolognese) and downing a Rocky Ridge from one of the five taps behind the bar. Those familiar with Mr Gill’s will welcome the change.

There’s more – it’s open for a few walk-ins. There are heaters for the outdoor tables which spill out onto the street, reinforcing the Italia vibe. But get in early. Dogs are welcome in the alfresco area. And it’s also open for breakfast.

Try a bacon and egg focaccia, and you too will be crying “Brotzu for Freeman!” Crimped Blo Bar

298a/300A Hay St, Subiaco 0415 329 319

When a hairdressing salon’s catchcry is “hair gone to hell in a handbag?” you know this is a salon that’s got your back. Crimped, the mobile hairdressing salon, has just popped up in Hay Street for those who want to drop in for a morale boosting, cut, blow dry or have a play with extensions. While you’re there you can have your make up done too. There’s a glass of Prosecco or herbal tea thrown into the mix, and Erin the owner’s experienced hand on the hairdryer and round brush. It’s quick, which will be a soul nurturing boon for busy young things who enjoy their pampering without an interminable chat or wait. Anyone else feel like they’ve had to pay rent after a four hour stint in a salon? Doesn’t happen here. Editor Gabi Mills is an instant regular and can highly recommend a weekly visit for a soul-nurturing beauty blow-up and natter with Erin (her new blow dry bestie). A new branch has opened in North Beach we’re told, but this little Subi spot will always be the OG. Book at crimped.com.au

Community Coffee Food truck

292a Barker Rd, Subiaco 0404 216 800 Wanna see a diverse community in action? Head towards the unassuming carpark off Barker Road and watch cyclists click-clacking while having a chin wag. There’s suits in full throttle, retirees doing Wordle and excited dogs soaking up all the fun. What’s got them going besides the sublime coffees and pastries at Community Coffee? They’re now lining up for south-east Asian fare – mushroom congee, beef cheek rendang and chicken curry and rice – courtesy of the food truck where Frankie Dawson and Daniel Lim strut their stuff from 7am till 2pm each day. And devotees of the truck will be delighted to know that souvlaki Fridays are back after a brief absence. Fridays just weren’t the same without it. And fans of the rotisserie will vouch for that. Rumble Boxing

doyourrumble.com.au Subiaco is set to be home to the first Rumble Boxing in Australia, so locals will be able to follow in the footsteps of Sly Stallone, Justin Bieber and David Beckham when they pull on the iconic white and red gloves. Powered by five core values - individualism, strength, persistence, consequence, and vibe - the owner of RumbleBoxing Subiaco, Alistair Borg - says the experience is unlike any other workout in WA. "Some other gyms may have a similar vibe or workout, but none have it all combined," he says. Each class is a 45-minute,10-round, fullbody workout around specially designed aqua boxing bags, with a banging playlist to encourage you to hit your stride in no time. Keen to give this new addition to Subi's fitness scene a go? We'll see you behind the bags: read our review a future issue.

Planning a night out in Subiaco?

Catch a show at the Regal Theatre and have a preshow drink at Subi’s newest wine bar, Bar Amelie.

Regal Theatre

474 Hay Street, Subiaco. Bookings at regaltheatre.com.au Bar Amelie

Candles = winter

Subiaco’s very own queen of the candle making process Jane Hough - AKA Bespoke Blends - is holding some make-your-own candle workshops over the next few months. It’s the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon - but make sure you book. These sessions are super-popular and sell out fast. GIN + CANDLES Wed 8 June 6pm - 8pm Sat 23 July 2.30pm - 4.30pm BLEND + POUR Sat 23 July 10am - 12pm MAKE A ROOM DIFFUSER Sun 24 July 11am - 11.45am THREE PART MASTERCLASS Tue 26 July, Tue 2 August, Tue 9 August 6pm - 7.30pm

Find Jane and Bespoke Blends, 162G Rokeby Road, Subiaco (upstairs, next to Brew Ha The Ritual). Visit bespokeblends.com.au Winter pep juice

Pupa Fast Nutrition has lived up to its name and fast become a favourite among the Rokeby Road beverage crew. It’s ever-changing creative take on dairy-free smoothies and sugarfree loaded teas are often seen in the hands of post-exercise boys and girls as well as hard-working locals in need of a healthy lift.

Their nutritional protein shakes as well as the hydrating energising ice drinks are suitable anytime of the year due to their positive impact on overall health, immune system, and weight management. However, for those cold and wet days Pupa has added to their with a range of hot protein drinks and herbal metabo teas for a warming pickme-up - without any compromise to nutritional values. Choose from:

HOT PROTEIN DRINKS: The Caramel and Hazelnut Hot Chocolate, Hot Chai Latte, Hot Chocolate Caramel Mocha or Hot High Protein Coffees in various flavours. Ranging from 130 to 285 calories with 15 to 32gr of protein, these healthy alternatives to the traditional model are dairy-free and so good for you.

HERBAL METABO TEAS: With a natural source of caffeine, these are delicious metabolism-boosting teas are less than 10 calories. In Lemon, Cinnamon, or Peach flavour, they are made with a blend of green and orange pekoe with hibiscus cardamom seed for improving digestion and gut health.

They all taste so good you’ll be asking how on earth they can be so good for you.

Find Pupa at 162 Rokeby Road and follow them on Insta @pupa_ fast _ nutrition to see the exciting new hot or cold, but always healthy, drinks they introduce on a regular basis.

Heather Levi Interiors

439 Hay Street Subiaco Visit heatherlevi.com.au Some sofa designs seem to come back into fashion and as you can see from the image above, this is undoubtedly the case with this gorgeous piece called Zanotti ($4,699). Based on a popular sofa design going back a few decades, the Zanotti (which also comes in black) has been re-introduced but with some detailed improvements They've added curves and stripes and introduced a luxurious boucle fabric, just to gild the lily. View this sensational sofa at Heather Levi Interiors until it's snapped up. And while you're in this Aladdin’s Cave of interior design accessories, fabrics and must-have items, grab yourself a bargain. If you've ever wondered what happens to ends of fabric rolls, wallpaper rolls, and samples, wonder no longer. Rather than chucking them into landfill, you can pick up something unique and become a friend of the earth. very happy to be there, having blinged up the old premises and turned it into a stylish little studio where other creatives can ply their artistic flourishes. The space can be rented for photo shoots, videos, podcasts or any project that clients need assistance with. Chandler and Davidson have a wealth of styling experience between them, and Thom is the snapper behind Shot by Thom and Spectacle Media. Need help? Just ask.

Hood Studio

18 Hood Street Subiaco 0418 930 871 Visit hoodstudio.com.au Hood Street is fast becoming the coolest little enclave in Subiaco. Is it something to do with the name? After all, Hood has a certain ring to it. And Honey Beanz coffee shop and Cupid Catering are more than happy to welcome newcomers Hood Studio to the, well, to the ‘hood. And the team – Clare Ryan, Corey Chandler, Thom Davidson – are

Watch this space ...

Cool hand Clint is coming to town with a Mexican hotspot

483 Hay St, Subiaco

If anyone can take over an old longneglected site and return it to its glory days when it was the darling of Perth’s cafe society, it’s hospitality king, Clint Nolan.

And he promises his new Mexican venue, La Condesa, taking over where Rice Baby left off, will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before.

Nolan, the Lavish Habits man behind popular venues like Pleased to Meet You, Henry Summer, La Cholita, Sneaky Tony’s, Alabama Song, Johnny Fox’s, Lynott’s Lounge, Toots and Joe’s Juice Joint gets the keys in June but will not open till later this year.

Subi-ites of a certain age will remember the old Oriel (which morphed into Rice Baby) in its heyday during the 90s when it was the trendiest hub of Subiaco – all wicker furniture, statues and hanging flower baskets.

But, darlings, prepare for a shock when the doors open after the makeover as Nolan promises a Tulum-meets-SoCal Mexican cuisine. Don’t worry, we had to google that one too. Tulum is a port city on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, known for its beaches and Mayan ruins and SoCal is well, Southern Californian shared plates, street-style food. Of course!

“Expect seasonal fruit cocktails, locally-sourced seafood and nourishing sides,” says Nolan, who doesn’t have an opening date yet.

“It’s really difficult to get equipment at the moment. And everything is three times the price. But we are hoping it will be sometime later this year.”

Nolan was also eyeing off the Buddah Bar Curry House in Rokeby Road but abandoned that idea because of the equipment issue.

And he is thrilled about the move to Subi.

We asked him why and he said: “Well, you know. Small town, not much to do in the evenings.” No, just kidding. He didn’t say that. That was Luke in Cool Hand Luke.

“Subiaco is great,” says Nolan. “I have always loved it. I feel it's right for a comeback. It’s finding its feet again as a prominent destination precinct. Get ready for a fun, casual SoCal Mexiccan experience.”

Nolan, over a 20-year career in the industry, has been called Mr Cool, a Bar Genius, a Serial Entrepreneur and just plain old chef and restaurateur.

We’re just pleased that he’s finally coming. SoCal. So Cool.

things brides should consider if they’re tying the knot in winter

WORDS | Sophie Linardopoulos, Zolotas Bridal

There’s a lot to be said for planning a winter wedding - thing the romance of venues with fireplaces, fur and feather accessories and the opportunity to simply be different from the rest of your friends. Here are some things to consider if you’re opting for walking down the aisle in the cooler months.

No Humidity Frizz, begone! This is a genuine concern for curly girls and those ladies who struggle to tame their manes in the warmer months. Winter hair is so much easier to style and is much less likely to drop thanks to 40 degree days as you navigate your dream day.

Stunning overcast photos Those legendary Perth blue skies are of course dreamy, but there’s something to be said for a metalgrey backdrop, especially if you’ve got some dramatic scenery thrown into the mix too. So don’t write off the winter months just because you’re worried the weather won’t play ball. A photographer worth their salt will know how to make the most of your special shots, rain or shine.

More venue date availability As couples begin to plan weddings with confidence again, post-COVID, it’s likely all the spring and summer dates for the next few years will get snapped up first. Picking a winter weekend or mid-week spot is likely to give you much more choice in terms of your venue - and could be cheaper too.

Better priced accommodation If you’ve got family and friends joining you on your special day, perhaps from out of town or further afield, it’s a genuine consideration to make sure they can stay nearby without breaking the bank. Winter accommodation prices are cheaper than the hotter months - another great reason to pencil in a chilly wedding date.

Different from the rest Summer and spring weddings may be the traditional choice, but if you’re the kind of gal who likes to buck the trend, a winter wedding opens up a whole new opportunity to create your own colour palette, from the choice of flowers and to décor styling. Think dried flowers and leaves, candles and opulent throws - if recreating your very own Game of Thrones vibe is your thing, then this is your moment to shine. Winter wedding dresses are next level gorgeous too - with layers and hooded cloaks, fur wraps and a completely different approach to designing your wedding planning look.

At Zolotas, we love to style a winter wedding - just come in for a chat, and we’ll help you achieve your dream day. To book a consultation, visit zolotasaustralia.com/ bookbridalconsultationperth