Combining contemporary design, Asian fusion fare, and a modern approach to cocktails and wine, Fremantle’s newest dining destination is set to open this September. Moon & Mary is the eighth — and latest — hospitality project of Perth entrepreneur Jacquie Chan, who’s also the name behind Miss Chow’s, Lucy Luu, Lena’s Bar & Eats, and Lygon Lane. Plus, a host of successful modern Asian canteen and bars across Perth.
Over the past 10 years, Chan has well and truly nailed the brief and her most ambitious — and did we mention chic — venture yet is set to raise the bar, once again. Moon & Mary is Chan’s nod to the vibrancy of Fremantle and her tribute to its little-known Asian heritage.
Located at the Old Fremantle Lockup on Henderson Street, Moon & Mary takes its name and inspiration from Western Australia’s first documented Chinese settler, Moon Chow, and his wife Mary.
Chow arrived in WA aboard a spice-trade ship in 1829 — in the Swan River colony’s earliest days. But found himself stranded when the ship sank off the coast of Fremantle in May 1830. Since then, his life in Perth and the port city has become part of urban legend.
Designed by leading Perth architects, Mata Design, the venue will open as a three-part harmony including a modern Asian restaurant, casual beer garden, and speakeasy distillery.
Best Behaviour
Best Behaviour won’t be just a speakeasy bar, but an in-house distillery as well. Here, premium spirits including vodka, gin, spiced rum, and whiskey will be crafted and distilled for blow-ins and locals to take home.
The Dining Room
The Dining Room — the most formal of the three — will offer an elevated restaurant experience. The menu will be seafood-focused with an emphasis on aged and cured dishes. Here, two former cells have also been transformed into private dining and “experience” spaces.
Group Executive Chef Aldren Teo will be at the kitchen’s helm. He’ll work alongside Fremantle local and Head Chef Zane Morrison, who was previously at the nearby Running With Thieves.
The Rec Yard
Outside, The Rec Yard — with its heritage walls bearing the etchings of convicts — will be Moon & Mary’s relaxed beer garden. A place to stay and soak up the sun from the afternoon and well into the evening.
