Featuring: Funk 2.0, TOMA, Servo…

PERTH trailblazer, Andy Freeman along with his Sneakers & Jeans (S&J) collective, has teamed up with South Australian brewing company, Pirate Life (founded by West Aussies Michael Cameron, Jack Cameron, and Jared Proudfoot), to open Perth’s newest brewpub in the heart of the city – Pirate Life Perth.
Located at the old Sony building on Murray Street, the three-storey, 1000-capacity venue – (the first basement brewery in the city) – includes the best of Pirate Life’s popular beers, alongside custom-designed Perth-exclusives, all brewed on site with a nod to local flavours.
Spreading the love across Freeman’s Sneakers & Jeans stable – American whiskey bar, Varnish on King; Middle-Eastern-inspired rooftop haunt, Hadiqa; eccentric Mexican hang-out, Caballitos and gin mecca, The Flour Factory – means these too are enjoying the brewpub’s liquid gold on tap.
Art murals and installs from local artists adorn the walls, with former Adelaide-based artist Mike Maka, creating the pièce de resistance – an impressive peacock suspended in the main bar; an affectionate ode to the iconic peacock mural at Pirate Life’s flagship Port Adelaide venue.
Freeman’s signature trademark as a “come-one-come-all” kinda-venue has it masquerading as a chameleon of sorts.
Described as the most significant investment for the collective, the venue includes three bars (inclusive of a 15-metre main bar, plus a basement bar), two kitchens, two exclusive private dining rooms (TANK and The Mezz), a restaurant and boardrooms.
TOMA is its casual fine-dining offering. Led by head chef, Charlie Vargas, its discerning vibe of linen-dressed tables and a curated wine list of over 120 local and international styles complements seasonal dishes influenced by a bespoke custom-made parrilla woodfired grill. The grain-fed Black Onyx tomahawk, cooked to perfection over jarrah and banksia, is rather heavenly paired with Toma’s garlic and thyme roasted potatoes, wood-roasted carrots and “beefsteak” tomatoes.
There are equally moreish bar snacks and lighter nibbles which go down a treat with a chilled chardie (or give the stellar cocktail list a nudge).
Freeman says S&J and Pirate Life will deliver a new standard in Perth hospitality, with the dramatic interior design overseen by Stickman Tribe’s Perth-born founder, Marcos Cain.
Pirate Life Perth, 440 Murray Street Perth. Phone: 1800 7632 5377. Open: Tues – Sat, 11am – late.
Leederville has enjoyed a thorough metamorphosis of late, and the once underused, and recently rebranded ‘Electric Lane’, just off Oxford Street, has been anointed by FJM Property (the creators behind State Buildings) as part of its Leederville Redevelopment initiative – a multi-venue food, drink and entertainment precinct generated by the iconic Leederville Hotel.

One of the lane’s first venues to pop up earlier last spring was Servo, an all-day diner, with an adjoining food-truck-inspired kebab kiosk (Servo Kebab) – designed to feed late night revellers in need of soaking up their sins via pita-wrapped goodness – plus a sunny alfresco – Servo Yard Bar.
Seasoned chef Michael Antonievich, along with executive chef, Damien Young and Jessie Blake, are responsible for Servo’s main menu which is intended to be shared affair; a cacophony of cross-pollination and quirky flavours that work.
Who’d have thunk, rigatoni tikka masala with buffalo ricotta, cheese steak carpaccio or crème ‘black rice’ brulee with rhubarb would be a thing?
Yoghurt fried chicken, barbecued fish and chips with wasabi butter and house chips with chickpea aioli, indicate the menu’s deep dive into experimental nirvana. Alternatively, try the “Feed Me” option ($55 per person) – a banquet of chef’s personal picks from the menu.
Wine guru and sommelier, Emma Farrelly has designed a colourful wine list of local and interstate finds along with some interesting European varieties, while mixologist, Eoin Kenny has whipped up a cocktail list worth exploring, if not for the Hibiscus & Ginger Sour – a euphoric mix of Ketel One vodka, hibiscus, ginger, honey and lemon, or, for the virtuous among us, try the non-alcoholic turmeric and mango lassi.
Servo, 9 Electric Lane, Leederville. Phone: (08) 9202 8288. Open: Wednesday – Sunday, 11.30am – late (Fridays & Saturdays to midnight).
Dustin and Martin Michael, the two brothers from Toodyay who created Funk Cider House in the Swan Valley, have recently opened their second venue in Henley Brook, aptly called, Funk 2.0.
As the name suggests, Funk 2.0 is all about honouring preservative free, unpasteurised cider (made from cold pressed apple juice) which is vegan friendly, free from sulphites, concentrates and gluten, and no added sugar.
The bar, fitted with WA’s longest beer tap, offers a quirky selection of around 18 ciders, hybrids, saisons and beers, along with experimental limited-edition flavours, on tap.
Their Sex Machine cider sounds fun – appley tones with hints of vanilla and smoky French oak, rounded off by a pop of natural sweetness – a perfect match with the blue cheese stuffed chicken breast with buffalo butter, fennel and celery remoulade, or a pile of braised and pulled duck waffles with a side of plum sauce.
Hearty and sophisticated pub grub designed by chef Cole Hall, complements the beverage list (including ‘Funk’ wine), with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options also in abundance.
Bring the kids, the dog and plenty of sunscreen.
Funk 2.0, 38 Swan Street, Henley Brook 6055. Bookings: (08) 9377 4884. Open: Sun, Mon & Thurs 11am – 5pm; Fri & Sat 11am – 9pm.