Featuring: Indigo Oscar, Indiana Tea House, Bar Rogue…

SHE was a proud and elegantly groomed matriarch (during her 2012 world tour, Taylor Swift described her as “one of the most beautiful places I’ve been…”); perched gracefully over Cottesloe Beach, Indiana Tea House – in her hey-day – was considered a design triumph when its doors opened to an adoring Perth public back in 1996.
Based on the Centenary Pavilion which defined the site from 1929 to 1983, the iconic design was intended to be reminiscent of the early British colonial architectural style.
The iconic landmark was the hottest place in town for sunset Cosmos, free-flowing Champagne, and a dozen oysters; where tourists marvelled at jaw-dropping views, and smitten couples went to woo and coo – quite simply, nothing else compared to its grandeur along Perth’s coastline.
But, like all good things, the fun times seemingly lost their shine, and the once bustling seaside palace went into a hibernation of sorts; neglected and left to gather dust while newer and hipper venues popped up around it. It was a sad sight to see.
Now, just over 20 years later, and the old girl, along with its surrounds, is receiving the attention it so badly deserves.
Owned by Andrew (Twiggy) Forrest’s Tattarang Group (property division Fiveight, in consultation with Woods Bagot, are responsible for the project’s vision), the building was originally slated for demolition to make way for an uber-contemporary, community-friendly development, however, over two years of planning and stakeholder engagement has ensued – including a public design competition – and the building’s western facade has been retained – all part of a rejuvenation project designed to deliver “a backyard for locals and a front door for visitors” according to its visionaries.
First steps have included the re-opening of the original dining room, which, since unlocking its grand timber doors in November, has been positively received.
Intended as a temporary pop-up during ongoing approval stages (this will include a multi-level terrace design featuring a promenade and public piazza and a million-dollar upgrade for Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club), Indigo Oscar is a delightfully tasteful, tropical themed oasis overlooking Cottesloe Beach with uninterrupted views to Rottnest Island, and just a hop-step-and-a-jump to the shoreline.
Designed and delivered by Tattarang’s lifestyle division, Z1Z, Indigo Oscar is one of the first major projects for culinary manager Tom Haynes (formerly executive head chef at Matt Moran’s Barangaroo House and Solotel, and head chef at Chiswick Restaurant) since joining the company in July 2021.

Head chef, Tom Harper, (formerly at West Leederville’s Besk), is working closely with Haynes to deliver a culinary vision for the venue; the two previously worked side-by-side at Chiswick and Aria Restaurants.
The menu has a Latin American thread with hero dishes like Spencer Gulf kingfish ceviche with melon, cucumber and green chilli; pineapple-glazed pork belly skewers with salsa hogao; and classic corn elotes with coriander, chilli mayo and feta.
Collaborating with neighbouring ice-creamery, Gusto Gelato, the menu includes a refreshing sangria sorbet with coconut and pisco which works delightfully well after a plate of roasted chipotle cauliflower served with salsa de Maní and crispy fried chickpeas in paprika salt.
A well-rounded beverage list, with – as expected, a funky cocktail selection complements the tropical vibes here – the Indigo Spritz (Tattarang Springs Butterfly Pea Gin, Cointreau and lemon) hits the spot nicely; while rum, Mezcal and tequila feature broadly alongside jugs of sangria and a diverse wine list with local and broader reaching labels. Non-alcoholic options from pioneer producers, such as NON, are also available.
For anyone returning to WA, Indigo Oscar is well worth a visit – if not for anything else but a Pina Colada and the best sunset sessions in town.
Indigo Oscar, 99 Marine Parade Cottesloe. Open: Wednesday & Thursday: 4pm – late; Friday & Saturday: 12pm – late; Sunday: 12 – 7pm. Bookings: indigooscar.com.au.
The anticipated opening of Bar Rogue in December last year was a welcome addition to Beaufort Street’s colourful bar scene. Created by delightful husband-and-wife team, Sarah and Liam Atkinson (creators of Le Rebelle), Bar Rogue, is a casual, no-bookings-required 75-person wine bar evoking “I’ll do whatever I darn want” kind of vibe.
And while Le Rebelle channelled all things Parisian-French, the new venue is a white-washed, two-tiered space reflecting speakeasy and modern Milan with a touch of Sydney/Melbourne grit and swagger.
It’s a fun and carefully curated menu of around 12 or so snacky dishes including finger sandwiches with cucumber and chicken skin; cold fried chicken with caviar and fromage blanc; sweet and sour short ribs; chawanmushi with abalone and mushroom, and the “drool-worthy” sticky date pudding reimagined in waffle form.
Bar Rogue, 515 Beaufort Street, Highgate. Open Thursday – Saturday 4 – 11pm; Sunday 2 – 10pm. Bookings: info@barrogue.com.au.