What better way to celebrate the sunshine than sitting outdoors and enjoying a beverage. Jacqui Bahr rounds up 10 of the best beer gardens and rooftop bars in town.

Mechanics Institute

222 William Street, Northbridge.

Vibe: Relaxed and cool retreat within the urban jungle.

Drinks & bites: The skilled bartenders change the cocktail menu daily. There are some great craft beers on the list and you can get Flipside burgers delivered to your table.

Try: Fresh apple juice with Zubrowka vodka. Perfect for summer!

The Urban Orchard

Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge.

Vibe: Chilled-out garden space with great city views. There’s a small pop-up bar in place all summer and even more going on during the fringe festival (additional bars, food vendors, the spiegeltent, silent disco and roaming carnies).

Drinks & bites: Basic beer and wine, chips and peanuts at the moment but come fringe time there’ll be more to choose from.

Try: You can’t beat a tasty IPA beer in a plastic cup as you watch the sun set over the city skyline.

Bob’s Bar

Brookfield Place, 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Vibe: The attractive rooftop terrace above Print Hall in The West Australian’s former digs is surrounded by skyrises and decked out with places to sit, lounge, perch or stand.

Drinks & bites: The tasty Mexican- style menu features loads of fresh seafood. There are plenty of local draught craft beers and cider, plus wines and spirits from all over. They also do sangria and Pimms jugs to share, various styles of margarita and classy cocktails.

Try: The Beard-House Kick to the Round cocktail with whiskey, apricot brandy, chipotle, Tabasco and lime will put hairs on your chest.

Lot 20

198-206 William Street, Northbridge.

Vibe: One of the city’s newest small bars just off from the cultural centre has a delightful beer garden made from upcycled materials.

Drinks & bites: A big selection of craft beers, cider and wine, plus fancy cocktails and jugs. There are loads of food options to suit most dietary requirements and they use locally sourced seasonal produce.

Try: Share a peach and vanilla Bellini jug with friends.

The Brisbane Hotel

292 Beaufort Street, Northbridge.

Vibe: An old favourite with one of the leafiest little courtyards in town.

Drinks & bites: Loads of Australian and French wines on the menu, plus beer, cider and traditional cocktails. Reliable modern Australian-style food with share plates, pizzas and more.

Try: Share a fruity Pimms Cup with gin thrown in for extra kick.

The Garden

742 Newcastle Street, Leederville.

Vibe: The classy indoor/outdoor greenhouse-style venue is as gorgeous as they come.

Drinks & bites: A well-edited list of draught beers and wines. Modern Australian menu, which includes yummy pizzas to share.

Try: For a special occasion, order a glass (or bottle) of French champagne.

Rose & Crown Hotel

105 Swan Street, Guildford.

Vibe: Heritage buildings and leafy trees make it pretty enough to be a wedding venue but the laidback atmosphere gives it broad appeal.

Drinks & bites: Hearty pub food, big wine selection and beers on tap.

Try: A pint of Sly Fox summer ale by Swan Valley microbrewery Feral Brewing Company.

Elmar’s in the Valley

8731 West Swan Road, Henley Brook.

Vibe: The Kaiser of beer and hearty German grub has a large field out the back with picnic tables and plenty of room to run or laze around.

Drinks & bites: Elmar’s brews a variety of European-style beers, pilsners and ales. Best to skip a meal before tucking into the delicious German stodge, which includes the famous Schweinehaxe (pork shank).

Try: The light Kick Back wheat beer goes down well in the hot sun.

Matisse Beach Club

148 The Esplanade, Scarborough.

Vibe: The former Lookout nightclub has been transformed with a kitsch outdoor space featuring candy-coloured cabanas, a wading pool, fake palm trees and dining booths. The shallow pool is not just for looks — you can swim in it too!

Drinks & bites: The summery drinks menu includes fresh citrus and fruity cocktails, lychee beer and lime cider alongside a casual resort-style dining menu.

Try: The perfect setting for a pina colada.

The Windsor

Mill Point Road, South Perth.

Vibe: What used to be Sluggers (aka Perth’s seediest hook-up club) at the back of the hotel has been home to a delightful beer garden for some time, with a water feature, plenty of shade and lovely relaxed indoor/outdoor spaces.

Drinks & bites: Lots of beers on tap, cocktails and a classic pub menu.

Try: A pint of Fremantle-brewed Little Creatures pale ale.

 

© The West Australian

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