Living in WA, with the first hint of sunshine comes an immediate urge to drink outdoors and the Sunday Session really is ingrained in our DNA. What better way to indulge than by spending an afternoon eating and drinking in your local garden bar, under a lush canopy of greenery. Here’s some top picks for this summer!
The Arbor, Fremantle
The Arbor is one of four venues situated inside The Old Synagogue, a state-listed site ingrained in Fremantle’s history. Sitting pretty in the heart of Fremantle at the top of the Cappuccino Strip, this iconic venue has been transformed into a leafy three-story pub serving snacks, pizzas and elevated pub grub. Hosting a Sunday session from 12pm on their iconic front lawn, pick a prime spot to people watch the characters of Fremantle and grab a $10 Spritz. The team love a visit from your pups too, so if you are after a dog-friendly bar, look no further. Or once the sun goes down, visit ‘The Naughty Corner’ downstairs to dance the night away to tunes from their resident DJs. With all they have to offer, The Arbor is sure to be Fremantle’s go-to Sunday session this summer.
Open Sun to Thu 11.30am–10pm; Fri & Sat 11.30am–12am
Pogo, Mount Hawthorn
Located at Hawaiian's Mezz shopping centre is Pogo, the latest offering from famous Perth restauranteurs Eamon Sullivan and Scott Bridger. Expect a modern and fun menu influenced by Mediterranean cuisine serving up crowd-pleasing favourites, such as the whipped hummus, spiced lamb, pomegranate, fried egg, crispy curry leaf and grilled Turkish bread. If you decide to visit on a Sunday arvo, expect Hip Hop & Hummus and half price sangria jugs running from 3.00pm to 6.00pm.
Open Wed & Thur 5pm - 10pm; Fri & Sat 10am - 10pm; Sun 10am - 4pm
Hadiqa
Tucked away in the east end of Perth, Hadiqa is a stunning Middle Eastern rooftop bar and restaurant, inspired by the Arabic word for ‘garden’. Vertical gardens and luscious greenery are spread throughout the venue, accompanied by velvet blue and earthy coloured décor. Their signature share style menu will bring a touch of spice and colourful fair to your meal - think hearty tagines, flavoursome salads and of course Baklava for dessert. The real showstoppers are their Botanical Spritz Trees. Made to be shared with friends and created to allow you to taste a range of their trendy cocktails, these Spritz Trees are too beautiful not to post on the ‘gram.
Open Wed, Thu & Sat 4pm - 12am; Fri 12pm - 12am
Sweetwater Rooftop Bar, East Fremantle
A garden terrace with panoramic views of East Fremantle and the Fremantle Port, Sweetwater Rooftop Bar offers delicious Asian-fusion share plates. Upon arriving at this hidden rooftop venue, you are greeted with bountiful plants and stylish interiors. Known for their dumplings and cocktails, it’s the perfect sunny spot for a long lunch with the gang.
Open Wed & Thu 12pm - 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm - 12am; Sun 11am - 10pm
The Windsor Hotel’s Garden Bar, South Perth
Enjoy an Ogdens pint straight from the tank at South Perth’s favourite local. The Windsor Hotel’s newly renovated garden bar is home to the Odgen Microbrewery which is surrounded by vine canopies and exotic flowers. With plenty of seating available, you will be sure to find a spot to bask in the sunshine and watch the brewery in action. The Garden Bar Table is available to book for casual groups between 20 and 30 people, with chic grazing tables on offer. Or if you’re searching for a central Sunday sesh, GB Sundays go off with live music from 2pm, $8 speciality cocktails, fresh oysters and $2 BBQs.
Open Fri - Sun 11.30am until late
The Standard, Northbridge
Serving up fresh and modern cocktails alongside Asian-fusion eats, The Standard is a trendy inner-city garden retreat. Sit on the colourful deck and take in the city views or find a spot in the wine garden under lush greenery and twinkling lights. The bar is stocked with craft beer and a variety of wines, plus cocktails such as the Yuzu Collins, with Tanqueray Rangpur gin, yuzu soda, elderflower and lemon. If you stop by for Hawker Wednesdays you can grab their weekly special dish and a drink for $25, past hits have been the filipino bbq pork loin, with Bahn xeo (turmeric wafer) filled with garlic broken rice and fried egg and pickled green papaya.
Open Wed - Fri 4pm - 12am; Sat 12pm - 12am; Sun 12pm - 10pm