MINI BARS
INTERNATIONAL PINT DAY Drink Up! The friendly folks at The Wembley Hotel love a good pint, so much so that they’ve launched their very own International Pint Day, a massive celebration of amber ales from every corner of the globe. Set to take over the Wembley this Saturday, July 14, International Pint Day is sure to quench the thirst of every punter who walks through the Wembley’s doors, and foodies will be pleased to hear that there will also be pint sized beer matched snacks on offer as well. An A to Z of beers and ciders will be on offer throughout the festivities, including Becks, Beez Neez, Bulmers Original Cider, Carlton Draught, Carlton Mid, Dirty Granny Cider, Fat Yak Pale Ale, Little Creatures Bright Ale, Montieths Apple Cider, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Redback Wheat Beer, Tiger Beer, V.B. and many more. Some of the mouth watering pint sized snacks chefs will be dishing up during the day include Spanish style meatballs in a tomato tapenade, prawn and chilli scotch eggs, tomato bocconcini and basil mini
Pint sized snacks at The Wembley for International Pint Day calzones and crispy fried onion rings with Cajun salt. A day-out that won’t break the bank, International Pint Day will serve up pints for $7.50, with pint sized snacks $7.50 each or four for $26. The Wembley Hotel is located at 344 Cambridge Street in Wembley. Keep up to date with all things International Pint Day related at thewembleyhotel.com.au.
CHEAP EATS
THE WILLIAM STREET BIRD Put A Bird On It Ironic beards? Navy beanies? Vintage blazers cut from deadstock wool? Yep, you’ve found yourself at The William Street Bird. Since it’s inception in 2010, this inner-city bar and live music venue has become the den of choice for the city’s art set. This small venue is tucked away in an old brick building, hidden from the crowds of the Northbridge nightlife. Formerly an optometrist, the building was stripped back, torn down and transformed into an atmospheric performance space and drinking spot. With wooden floors, leather couches and a striking brick bar (built from bricks recovered from the removed internal walls), this intimate venue has a rustic, homely vibe perfect for catching some alternative tunes and up and coming new acts. One of Perth’s most popular small music venues, the Bird has been the launch pad for many indie artists and is favoured by local musicians for its intimacy and unique aesthetic. Fridays and Saturdays are the gig nights here, and past performers have included Detroit-born hip hop artist Waajeed and US psych-pop stalwarts Sun Araw. Regular mid-week event nights DTF (featuring the local scene’s hottest DJs), Bring It Up (an evening of vintage soul, funk and R&B), and Hip Hop Karaoke have
Pizza and Pint at the Flying Scotsman
also proved to be big draw cards, with the hippest of hipsters lining up around the block to gain entry. Even if it’s a haute dog you’re after, they even serve up Bird-Dogs (this isn’t the stale, greasy hot dogs that you might imagine – these people know food, and theirs is gourmet) every Wednesday night. The performance room fits less than 100 or so people, which means you’re likely to find the majority of the crowd sipping on cocktails in the courtyard.
The Bird
As the Shit Perth People Say video attests, eating out in P-town isn’t always an affordable exercise, with some restaurants charging a small fortune for a tiny slather of meat and a chip or two… which is why X-Press has tracked down some of the best bargain eats in Perth, so that you can fill up without having to mortgage your house (if you haven’t already done so to pay for last night’s dinner). The Hyde Park Hotel is a great place to start. Nestled on the corner of Fitzgerald and Bulwer Streets in North Perth, The Hydey has daily lunch and dinner specials that are delicious and budget friendly; including lunches under $15 from Monday-Friday between 11am and 2.30pm. If you’re serious about parmas, there’s no better place to be on Monday nights than at The Hydey, where you can choose from 15 different parmas served with chips for only $17.50, or with chips and salad for $20. If protein is your vitamin of choice then Chewsday Steak Night at the Hydey is a must. Chow down on a 250gm rump steak for just $13 or a 400gm rump steak for $18; and for an extra $5 you can upgrade your dish to include crumbed calamari, egg and bacon, soft shell crab, pork ribs or grilled prawns – yummo! If you’re dining with friends and have a serious appetite, the steak sandwich for four at the Hyde Park Hotel is great value. For $66 you get enough steak
sandwich and chips to feed an army, and split between four friends it only costs $16.50 each. If cheap pizza and pasta is your idea of heaven then there’s no going past The Moon in Northbridge. Wander into The Moon from Wednesdays to Fridays between 11am-4pm for $11.95 pizza or pasta with a glass of house wine or soft drink; or on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6pm ’til late for $11.95 pizza and pasta plus cheap drinks. Our top picks from the menu include The Spinster pizza, which is adorned with spinach, mushroom, fried onion, fetta and parmesan; and the Arrabbiata Penne, which is chock full of cacciatore sausage, mushroom, kalamata olives, chilli and napoli sauce - perfect fare for cold winter evenings. The Moon is always busy, so reservations are recommended. Lock down your spot by calling (08) 9328 7474. A staple for those who are pinching pennies, Govinda’s Restaurant in Northbridge is probably the best value eatery in Perth. Serving up belly filling vegetarian fare, including more curries than you could poke a samosa at, Govinda’s is open for lunch and dinner from Monday-Friday, with an all-you-can-eatbuffet only costing $10, or $8 if you’re a student. Check it out for yourself at 194 William Street in Northbridge. When the week draws to a close, Sunday sessions at the Flying Scotsman are great value, with the $10 pizza and pint deal attracting plenty of hungry and thirsty punters every weekend. Get your fill at 639 Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley. The key to saving money while eating out is to hunt down weekly specials – we suggest liking your favourite venues on Facebook to keep up with their meal deals, your wallet will thank you!
Steak Sandwich For Four at the Hyde Park Hotel
I HEART PERTH Local And Loving It Kat Black of VJ ZOO When I’m strapped for cash, my favourite free attraction/activity in Perth is…? The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a great place to visit, and apart from big travelling blockbuster exhibitions, it’s free entry.They’re often changing stuff around so there’s always more to see of their world-class collection. And they have great air conditioning so fellow VJ ZOO owner, Jasper and I spent a lot of time there in summer when we were poor art students. When I’m short on cash and thirsty I drink at…? Home until I can save up for a cocktail or two at one of Perth’s brilliant small bars. Or I keep an eye out for specials nights at some of my faves - eg Martini night at 399 Bar. When I’m after a cheap feed I head to…? Utopia. I’m a vegetarian and Perth’s still a bit lacking in that department, but Utopia is always good for a delicious, inexpensive meal. And they were the first Bubble Tea shop in Perth when they opened 11 years ago, so there’s some history there too. When I need a new outfit I make my way to…? Any one of the regular vintage markets held around Perth. And sometimes they have the bonus of entertainment!
Kat Black of VJ ZOO
Drapht When I’m strapped for cash, my favourite free attraction/ activity in Perth is…? Naturally the beaches. Starting the day with a swim and a run along City Beach in summer is something I only realise I take for granted when I’m on tour. When I’m short on cash and thirsty I drink at…? Flying Scotsman, it’s my local and is run by good folks. Plus when I did drink a Sunday rarely went by that I missed the $10 pizza and pint combo. Stella value. When I’m after a cheap feed I head to…? The Greenhouse on St Georges Terrace in the CBD. I have been there twice this week as it is, so I would have to say there. Food is amazing, with the use of seasonal and minimal produce, nice warm fit-out and overall put together really nicely. I recommend the oyster mushrooms. They come with these little potato things that are making my mouth water just at the thought. When I need a new outfit I make my way to…? Highs and Lows in Mt Lawley, really good people, stock a heap of cool gear. One of the best boutique sneaker/ Drapht street wear stores in the country. Invaluable to this city. www.xpressmag.com.au
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