What can we say, the forecast says rain and we’re on the lookout for the closest fireplace to cosy up next to… preferably with a delightful drink in hand.
Here are some of the cosiest bars and pubs around Perth perfect for winter.
Like the platonic ideal of a neighbourhood pub, Mrs Brown is perfect year-round… But there’s something extra special during winter about those exposed bricks, comfy armchairs and, of course, open fireplace. Curled up in the corner under the warm light of a charming vintage lamp with a glass of red… is there a better way to bring in winter? We haven’t even mentioned the courtyard fireplace – so don’t worry, you can get cosy out the back, too.
241 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
Since you’re already in North Freo, why not pop across the road for a nightcap at Open House Freo? While it’s worth a trip on its own, Open House – formerly Habitué – also makes the perfect spot for a cosy evening drink. Soak up the wintery vibes alongside a menu that celebrates Indigenous flavours.
1 Harvest Road, North Fremantle
As far as top quality pubs out in the Swan Valley, the Hen is right at the top of the pecking order. Even when they’re flat out (which is often) the service is impeccable and their hearty pub fare is outstanding. And to tap it all off, they’ve got a toasty fireplace inside that’ll keep you feeling very warm and cosy during the winter months.
9810 West Swan Road, Henley
We’re a little bit in love with Patio’s charming courtyard, tucked out of the way amongst Freo’s leafy streets. The cold weather doesn’t stop the easy-breezy vibes – in fact, the crackling pot-belly stove transforms it into a toasty spot to enjoy a restorative cocktail and plate of focaccia.
4/3-13 Essex Street, Fremantle
After a ripping summer of Sunday sessions in the Windsor’s garden bar, attention turns indoors to their multiple fireplaces for a toasty winter with good food and better brews. Perfect for the footy on game day, enjoyed even better with one of their huge $32 Sunday Roasts.
112 Mill Point Road, South Perth
There’s something about the Bread and Circuses gang that just knows how to nail a homey neighbourhood spot. With the aforementioned Mrs Brown’s Bar already under their belt, they took over what used to be the Stanley back in 2021, transforming it into Albert’s Respite and Refreshments. Complete with cosy fireplace, it’s still got some of that living-room feel, but a little bit sleeker, a little bit more refined – maybe the living room of your bougie friend.
294 Cambridge Street, Wembley
Throughout the years, Picabar manages to keep itself at the top of our list and our hearts – whether we’re people watching in the courtyard or enjoying the roasty, toasty warmth of the fireplace.
51 James Street, Northbridge
A historical building really adds to those fire-side vibes, and the almost 140-year-old Guildford Hotel has history coming out its wazoo. Built in 1886, and gutted by a devastating fire in 2008, the pub emerged like a phoenix with a refurbishment in 2016 that restored the old girl to her former glory. Grab a cocktail and a seat by the fireplace, and maybe even a barbecue platter to complete the smokey vibes.
159 James Street, Guildford
Decked out with plenty of antlers, faux fur and Chesterfield sofas, the aptly-named Cabin really nails the winter vibes. Sidle up to the fire with a restorative nip of bourbon and you can practically feel the lumberjack beard growing. If you love the outdoors even in the midst of winter, the Cabin also has a sizeable balcony with plenty of heaters, so you can enjoy that crisp night air!
174 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
It’s hard to notice anything else, what with the bar built into a 30-foot fishing boat. But if you can tear your eyes away, you might spot that Rodney’s is also home to a double-sided fireplace. Glass of wine in one hand, cheese plate spread out in front of us, warming our gills by the fire… the sea-faring life might be for us, after all.
598 Stirling Highway, Mosman Park
A Chesterfield and an open fire is evidently a winning winter combo…and this one is right up there. We’re fans of Percy Flint’s courtyard on a warm afternoon (who wouldn’t be, really), but a seat by the fire on a cold winter’s night… oof, we’re ready. Paired with one of their top-notch steak sangas, and you know where we’ll be all winter.
211 South Terrace, South Fremantle
With those seashell cocktails and coastal vibes, it would be easy to forget about SKØL until next summer – but that would be a mistake! As the weather cools, the fire gets cranked, the menu leans towards the comforting and the Scandi-inspired fitout becomes all the more appropriate.
35 Ewen Street, Scarborough
Samson’s Paddock has been a Mosman Park mainstay since 2014 thanks to a fantastic booze selection to go with their seasonal share plate style dining. Their bougie steak and whiskey pairings are levelled up by nabbing a spot next to the crackling open fire.
3 Glyde Street, Mosman Park
A stylish bar from the team behind Mrs Brown, Mechanic’s Institute and Albert’s, St Brigid has pretty quickly established itself as the bar from Cheers – a place where everybody knows your name. It’s filled with friendly faces, lacks any kind of pretension and features a carefully curated selection of wine and cocktails, a few tasty beers on tap plus plenty of tins and some insanely delicious food (hint: the fried chicken burger and/or the skewers are out-of-this-world good), there’s a reason its the Doubleview go-to.
257 Scarborough Beach Road, Doubleview
This family-friendly brewpub has been the talk of craft beer fiends and West Perth locals since opening back in January. As well as their signature boundary-pushing, award-winning beers that are brewed on site, Phat Brew Club features a kid’s play area and a toasty fire for the cooler months.
City West, 102 Railway Street, West Perth
Another beachside bar we more closely associate with the summer months, the Cottesloe Beach Hotel still brings the vibes when the mercury drops. The Terrace features not just one, but three fireplaces to keep you cosy as you sip, while the Verandah Bar offers fireside views of Cott Beach and a warming menu of chilli mussels, pasta and pizza.
104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe
Header image: Samson’s Paddock