Three years is a long time for any small business. For a hospitality business, it’s like a 21st. So why not celebrate the occasion? Well, that’s exactly what Terrarium are doing this Saturday. But more on that in a little bit.
If you already know about Terrarium and its loyal following that feels more like family, then you can skip ahead to the bottom part that tells you when the party is and how to join the cosmic festivities. If you don’t, well here the spiel about their three years of making Perth’s best cocktails.
And, yes, we know that everyone claims that they make the best cocktails, but Terrarium has enough awards from the last three year to confidently back it up. From Cocktail Bar of the Year and a Top 20 Bar nod in the WA Good Food Guide to featuring in So Perth’s inaugural Top Ten Guide: Cocktail Bars, Terrarium has earned its spot as a CBD favourite.
From massage therapy to cocktail bar…
It’s not your usual career journey or origin story, that’s for sure.
David ‘Xander’ Stucken has been a staple behind the bar of most of Perth’s top venues for a number of years, from Bar Lafayette to Songbird. But what most don’t know is that he was started out studying to be a massage therapist when he fell into bartending, and that’s where his creativity was unleashed. After a few years in the industry, he realised his real ambition was to build something of his own.
“I decided that if I was going to stay in this industry, I can’t be a bartender forever. I wanted to do something that leaves a legacy and makes the industry better for the next generation coming through,” Xander shares.
That’s where the journey of opening his own bar started.
A terrarium in the CBD
Xander lived and worked in the city and was everything he knew so it made sense that if he was going to open a bar, it would be a city bar.
The current location on Howard Street had been vacant for a number of years, but upon seeing the spot, it was decided that this was the right place. The space even inspired the bar’s name for him. And so Terrarium Perth was born.
“I just wanted to create a place that’s welcoming and genuine, where people come back because they feel like part of something. A place where everything is based on old school hospitality.”
Since opening in 2022, it’s quietly become the go-to spot for post-work knockoffs and a strong dose of cocktail creativity with 76,402 cocktails and 46,707 beers poured (we’re guessing).
More than awards — it’s about the people
While the trophies are nice, Xander is quick to point out that Terrarium’s real success is in its community. The bar has become a second home for so many — industry friends, local city workers, and anyone after something a little different from the usual CBD fare.
“Awards mean a lot, but seeing people come back week after week? That’s everything.”
Xander also has a philosophy of improving the industry for everyone. Over the years, he’s organised and hosted a range of industry events from cocktail-making workshops to competitions that champion young talent.
The cosmic birthday bash
Now for the important part; the party.
For this year’s big celebration, Terrarium is going intergalactic. On Saturday, the venue will transform into a cosmic playground for Terrarium’s Third Orbit. A one-night-only party that promises celestial cocktails, galactic styling, and a few surprises that we’re not allowed to talk about.
Each level of the venue will channel a different galactic energy, so you can expect themed drinks, mystical experiences, and a sense of playfulness that’s signature Terrarium. The party is all about making the experience special but accessible, says Xander: “We wanted a theme that felt fun and a little bit artsy, but still very us. It’s about celebrating the people who’ve supported us, and making sure everyone feels welcome, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.”
Tickets are only $25.00 (and entirely optional), but they do come with a little extra magic: you’ll score a token for an exclusive birthday cocktail, a sweet treat, and a personalised souvenir if you share your birthday with them.
Walk-ins are welcome, too, so if you’re the spontaneous type, you’re more than welcome to join the orbit.
When: Saturday, July 26th, from 7:00 pm until late
Where: Terrarium, 99 St Georges Terrace, Perth (entry off Howard Street)
