The 10 best pubs In Perth

With late 2023 beginnings, Molly’s Irish Pub over in Highgate is an attempt to rebirth the traditional taphouse all while appealing to the youngins of Perth, and it’s working. A cadre of Irish expats are to thank for the Beaufort Street haunt, and although it’s noticeably new-wave compared to old-timey counterparts, at heart, Molly’s is just as Irish as the next. Timber fittings, memorabilia and a paint job reminiscent of the Emerald Isle spruce the interior, while a kitchen led by an Irish chef and the creamiest pints of Kilkenny and Guinness reinforce its guts. Hefty Sunday roasts, seafood chowder, proper chip butties, slow-cooked beef pies and the viral spice bags – otherwise known as an Irish-Chinese delicacy – are menu staples. Take the feast up a notch at Molly’s monthly trad sessions complete with fiddles, accordions and even the uilleann pipes – all musicians are welcome and encouraged to join the folky affair for a taste of the rare auld times. Balance it all out with a futuristic Guinness selfie, aka your face printed atop the head of your stout – drinkable and heavenly, no doubt. 

Built by a former Fremantle Mayor, George Davies, the since-renamed Norfolk Hotel opened its doors way back when in 1887. With many a changing of hands over the years and a few touch-ups, one thing is certain – the Norfolk has remained a Fremantle institution since day dot. The limestone corner pub houses a relaxed courtyard that welcomes beachgoers and market day explorers alike, along with a yesteryear cocktail bar by the name of Odd Fellow for those after a fancy feeling. The Norfolk Hotel not only has its drinks list down pat, but its woodfired kitchen and smoker churns out some of the best cuts around – think melt-in-the-mouth brisket and chunky snags that are on the brink of bursting. Elevated pub fare is also on the cards with the likes of Korean-style yellowfin tuna tartare. Live and local acts take over the courtyard on occasion, bound to have you on your feet and well on your way to boogietown.

Beachfront beverages – it doesn’t get much better than that. And blessed be, here in Perth our extended summers and an average of 138.7 annual clear days means that we’re the sunniest capital city in Australia – ideal weather for The Cottesloe Beach Hotel. Originally constructed in 1905, with a few major renos here and there, ‘The Cott’ is now a swanky destination that’s nailed casual sophistication. Step through the Art Deco facade and choose your player – The Beach Club, Verandah Bar or the restaurant. There’s something very Los Angeles about the ultra-white coat of paint throughout. Whether you’re up for a hip-shakin' time in the open-air club, a bite from the Mediterranean-inspired menu, or a loosey-goosey time out-front while watching the Sun disappear beyond the Indian Ocean horizon, The Cottesloe Beach Hotel is the breezy place to be.

Forget about the impersonal arena tours – if you want good old-fashioned, rock ‘n’ roll, intimacy-at-its-core live music, this is the place to be. Tame Impala, Bernard Fanning and Oh Wonder! are just some of the artists to grace this pub’s long list of hosted acts. The Rosemount has drink specials every single day of the week and a newly renovated beer garden to cool off after your rockin’ time at “WA’s go-to stage”. Think classic pub grub meets modern faves, like poke bowls, quesadillas and jerk chicken.

Give me a pub among the gum trees, and not a lot of plum trees… instead, a few resident bandicoots that hobble across the creaky floorboards. That’s the Mundaring Weir Hotel experience and we’ll take its timeworn charm any day of the week. The Perth Hills’ alehouse was constructed in 1898 to serve the workers of the nearby Mundaring Weir, and much of its old hat character remains. The hotel displays a collection of antiquated treasures, newspaper cutouts from a bygone era, marvellous stained glass windows, quaint log fireplaces and a grand ballroom that lowkey might lodge a ghost or two. An open-air amphitheatre can be enjoyed out-back, which in recent times has hosted acts with the likes of Kacey Chambers and numerous fair dinkum bush bands, too. No-frills pub classics, along with local and Irish brews, are served every day of the week. Scoffing them down atop the terrace or in the garden is more than welcome, as you gaze at the lush State Forest surrounds.

Commonly known as ‘The Mont’, this western suburbs hotel has been standing for 120-odd years, making it one of the oldest in Perth. With age, comes some serious aches and pains, but fear not, 2023 saw a full-bore restoration of The Claremont. The stogie carpets and cramped rooms are no more, and in their place, a contemporary fit-out with nods to the heritage fixtures that exude a touch of ritz. The 1,600-person venue covers some mammoth ground and includes three bars, a rooftop terrace, indoor and outdoor bistro areas, function rooms, a kids’ play space, plus a sports bar and lounge area – but who’s counting, right? Local produce is at the forefront of The Claremont’s menus feature classic pub grub across the entire venue, along with a dining room menu that sees more grande plates. Take for example, the Bush Chook Roll of roast chicken, stuffing and gravy with fries, or the pan-fried barramundi with ratatouille, persimmon salsa and fried kale. Wash it all down with a glass of Margaret River red, a tap beer, or a signature cocktail.

This old girl had a majestic makeover after being destroyed by a fire in 2008, and while she’s a pretty sight, she still retains that historical charm from her glory days. You’ll find a sense of familiarity with the pub’s original fireplaces, original exposed brick walls and other recovered decor. However, we suggest making new friends at the upstairs bar with a retractable roof for all-season silliness. Top tip: Win the day with The Guildford’s Whole Damn Lot platter, including one kilo of meat goodness (smoked in the on-site smoker, named Thomas) and seasonal sides.

There’s a Subiaco renaissance going on and nowhere's safe, in the best way possible. The Rockeby Road main drag has its retail and restaurant ups and downs, as with all high streets, but one thing is here to stay – the Subiaco Hotel. Going strong with its original Victorian-era facade and a 2024 renovation and rebrand, the 127-year-old corner public house gives bistro ambience with a contemporary flair. Perch up on a streetside stool and take in the Subi sights, or pull out a rattan seat in the dining room – whatever you do, the Subiaco Hotel is here for all your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs. Gargantuan cocktails that are borderline novelty jazz up the drinks menu while comfort fare sees a rebirth, such as the family Sunday roast complete with Yorkshire pudding, or the eggplant green curry.

Who doesn’t love a good three-for-one deal? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get at The Beaufort – Highgate’s newfangled, multifaceted hotel that’s got a little bit of everything going on. With hospitality at its heart, the three-storey venue focuses on beer garden nooks and leafy terraces, with a speakeasy hidden and a rooftop bar. The jungle-like interior is reminiscent of a Balinese retreat and houses a modern Southeast Asian eatery by the name of Lotus. But never fear, pub essentials like a chicken parmi or a scotch fillet hot off the charcoal grill are on the cards too. The new-wave hotel precinct might just be the thing of the future, allowing patrons to experience a full-blown night out without having to leave the venue – convenience at its finest – and an alfresco one at that. 

For a pub with a turn-of-the-century tram in the middle of it, Gosnells Hotel is surprisingly no-frills. And it’s exactly those two things that earn this true blue taphouse a spot in our guide to the best pubs in Perth. It’s all about the laid-back atmosphere at the Gosnells Hotel, and sometimes that’s just what the doctor ordered. With the live gigs, quiz and drag bingo nights, a sports bar and three pool tables, you’re in for a proper hotel affair. The 1907 tavern also maintains some old-world charm with its quirky decor, combined with a shed-like feel thanks to plenty of corrugated iron throughout – not to mention that historic tram that takes centre stage. Aptly named the Gosworts Express, the tram is complete with comfy benches and a flat-screen telly which is a hit with both little kids and big kids (adults) alike. But the outdoor playground is equally entertaining. A seasonally-rotating menu that enlists sizable pub staples is up for grabs, and the Gosnells Hotel’s drool-worthy beef brisket with mash, veg and gravy goes down a treat.