9 Cosy City Hotspots for the Winter Season

Cosy up and enjoy a day/night out in Perth City at one of these 9 winter warmer hotspots

9 Cosy City Hotspots for the Winter Season

Cosy up and enjoy a day/night out in Perth City at one of these 9 winter warmer hotspots
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This time of year has a certain je ne sais quoi about it.

There’s a tremble in the trees, a whisper of chill in the air, and the beckoning call of curling up in your favourite bar or restaurant with a glass of red in hand and some soul restoring food.

I find it so exciting that Perth never really sleeps. There’s always something to do, and even when the sky breaks and rain falls, you can still count on our beautiful city turning it on to keep you dry, warm and entertained.

While some people go into hibernation during winter, I actually tend to be out and about just as much as the hotter months. You’ll tend to find me snuggled up in my go to chunky knit (beanie optional) tucking in to the beautiful comfort food that emerges on menus, followed by a cheeky tipple afterwards.

And to help you explore Perth during winter, I’ve put together some of my favourite comfy bars and restaurants to frequent during this time of the year.

Halford Bar

Halford BarIf you’re pottering around Cathedral Square, do yourself a favour and head down the stairs (much like Alice going down the rabbit hole) into Halford Bar. It’s a sexy little venue with plush velvet lounges, intimate lighting and quality cocktails on offer. There’s pokey corners offering you a hiding space to get lost down there for hours.

Halford has a real sense of decadence, and what I love in particular is that they don’t take themselves too seriously. The staff working are professional, fun and all too ready to recommend the exact drink you had no idea you were craving. Come for the cocktails, but also remember to stay for the oozy brioche toasted sandwiches, which are what I think is Perth’s best kept food secret.

Location: State Buildings, Corner Hay St and Cathedral Avenue, Perth
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 4pm-midnight, Thursday-Saturday 4pm-2am
Visit Perth: http://www.visitperthcity.com/eat-drink/halford

Seizan Karaoke Bar

Like Japanese food? How about with a side of karaoke? Grab your mike (with a cocktail to warm up your vocal chords) and belt out your favourite classic sing-a-long songs from the likes of Mariah Carey, Journey and ACDC. Whatever your singing style is, it’s so much fun coming here with a group of friends and forgetting any nerves you might have. After all, no one is allowed to judge singing styles in karaoke – it’s just about the overall performance you put on.

Location: 566 Hay Street, Perth
Hours: Monday-Sunday 5.30pm-9pm
Visit Perth: http://www.visitperthcity.com/eat-drink/seizan

Varnish On King

VarnishEver heard of a bacon flight? If you duck down into Varnish, I definitely recommend it. Four different styles of bacon paired with four different styles of American Whiskey can only mean one thing… a good time!

And if whiskey is your thing, there’s also a fun whiskey 101 masterclass you can check out on the first Monday of each month where you’ll walk out a pro at all things related to this amber liquid.

The food menu here is also nothing to sneeze at. A southern hospitality slant to the cuisine, plates are cheffy yet unpretentious. There’s grits with fried marrow, roasted jalapeno with blood pudding and of course their sweet ending must try of Valrhona chocolate mousse. These are the kind of comforting dishes that you can

Location: 75 King Street, Perth
Hours: Monday-Friday 11.30am-midnight, Saturday 4pm-midnight
Visit Perth: http://www.visitperthcity.com/eat-drink/varnish-king

Sneaky Tony’s

It might seem a bit strange to stumble down an alley in Chinatown amid parked cars and rubbish bins to knock on an unmarked door (and then have to whisper a password), but once you’re inside Sneaky Tony’s it’s obvious it was worth the effort. It’s dark, loud and there’s a whole lot of rum on offer.

It almost feels like you’re stepping out of the Perth world and into someplace new when you visit Sneaky Tony’s (hint: it’s behind Pleased to Meet You), and the heat of bodies pressed inside washes over you. Conversations are usually at a throat tingling shout, but that’s where the soothing spirits come in handy – and you can always replenish your energy levels with a delicious cheeseburger. Settle in and enjoy the eclectic mix of people who frequent the venue.

Location: Nick’s Lane, rear Roe Street, Northbridge
Hours: Monday-Saturday 4pm-midnight, Sunday 4pm-10pm
Visit Perth: http ://www.visitperthcity.com/eat-drink/sneaky-tonys

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Lalla Rookh

Lalla RookhCold weather begs for comfort food to be eaten – and there’s nowhere more comforting than Lalla Rookh. Chef Joel Valvasori’s dedication to producing beautiful Italian fare has seen this restaurant climb to number 71 in Australia’s Top Restaurants for 2016. It’s definitely cosy inside, with steaming plates of gnocchi or rich, gooey bone marrow to enjoy washed down with a thick-bodied red. Yes, definitely get the marrow.

There’s a special wine store at the rear of the venue where you can buy bottles to enjoy over plates of antipasto, and at a cheaper price than if you were sitting in the restaurant. It’s a little hidden section that’s warm, welcoming and perfect to watch the rain fall down outside from.

Location: Lower Ground, 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Hours: Monday-Friday 11.30am-midnight, Saturday 5pm-midnight
Visit Perth: http://www.visitperthcity.com/eat-drink/lalla-rookh-bar-eating-house

Bobeche

Step right up, Bobeche bar is a carnival escape nestled in the heart of the city. The winds are gusty in Brookfield, but deep inside this venue there’s the sound (and mouth-watering aroma) of fresh popcorn popping away. It’s a complementary snack given to you when you order drinks here, and trust me it’s definitely addictive. There’s people drifting in and out all night, and conversation is as free flowing as the popcorn between friends, strangers and the charming bartenders working.

For a little added quirkiness to your night order a cocktail teapot, which is exactly what it sounds like… teapots full of delicious libations. The signature Bobeche iced tea is just the thing to bring some warmth into your bones with it’s sweet spices and kick of cherry brandy.

Location: Basement, 131 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4pm-midnight, Friday-Saturday 4pm-2am
Visit Perth: http://www.visitperthcity.com/eat-drink/bob%C3%A8che

Alfred’s Pizzeria

Alfreds Pizzeria_0This newly opened venue sits below ground level on Barrack Street and is easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. But once you depart down the stairs into the cosy bar, you’ll find a hidden treasure trove of kitschy fun. You may recognise the owner as Michael Chang from Frisk Small Bar, which is renowned for their gin collection – and here at Alfred’s there’s also no shortage of booze to choose from (though not quite as much gin this time round!). It’s dark and full of eclectic details that show a love of all things pizza, cocktails and American gangsters.

It’s still early days, but there’s a great vibe – and of course pizza made to order! You can buy it by the slice or share a few pies with some friends. Tuck yourself away in the dining area with its pensive lighting, gingham tablecloths and some retro decorations that play up the overall theming.

Location: 37 Barrack Street, Perth
Hours: Monday-Sunday 3pm-midnight

The Dominion League

Thursday nights at Dominion League are a time to roll up your sleeves and get involved in some good, old fashioned competition. Darts! Known as ‘Whiskey & Darts’ nights, there’s 20% off the back bar all night which is even greater value. It’s the perfect venue to forget your troubles, relax and enjoy people watching from the front window if you’re so inclined.

From the same crazy kids behind everyone’s favourite watering hole Mechanics, at Dominion you’ll find all the fun but with the added bonus of gourmet pub grub. Try the ever popular smoked chicken wings or if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous the grilled ox tongue. And of course, wash it down with a whiskey of choice.

Location: 84 Beaufort Street, Perth
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-midnight, Friday 12pm-midnight, Saturday 5pm-midnight
Visit Perth: http://www.visitperthcity.com/eat-drink/dominion-league

Food Loose Tours

Food Loose ToursWhile the colder months of the year are the perfect time to cosy up indoors and shy away from the rain, those of you brave enough to battle the weather should definitely check out walking food tours such as Food Loose. Roaming from venue to venue on foot, you’ll discover hidden dining options throughout our city while meeting some great individuals and sharing fun.

They have different tour options to suits your specific interests, so book one in, don some comfy shoes and bring your appetite!

Visit Perth: http://www.visitperthcity.com/see-do/food-loose-tours