We’re keen to enjoy summer for as long as possible, so make sure you head to Rokeby Road and Hay Street for some extra special local shops, eateries and venues, who will all extend a warm welcome – just like the weather.
Plate Up
Hugging the corner as it has done for many years, the Subiaco Hotel has enjoyed something of a renaissance since its new owners took over in 2020. The multiple bars are as popular as ever with sports screens providing entertainment across many codes. The lunch and dinner crowd has stayed faithful to the Subi, as it’s known, and if you’re in the mood for traditional pub fare produced with pizzazz and flair, this is the place to head for a top feed and friendly banter with the bar staff.
A few steps further up the road and you’ll find The Boardroom. On balmy nights, you’ll find friends sitting on high chairs outside, giving the cocktail list a good look-see, while the wine list caters for broad tastes. There’s usually a good selection of tunes playing too, so pull up a chair and call your very own AGM at this particular boardroom.
Subiaco is rightly famous for its coffee bars and brunch hang-outs and Tastings Coffee House has been serving up excellent cuppas for many years. The Tastings’ faithful rock up on a daily basis – some of them not till 3pm – to order the Big Breakfast which is cooked lovingly by the part owner George Doropoulos and is the stuff of local legend.
“It has bacon, eggs, fried tomato, onion and beef sausages,” says Bill, his brother who is often seen waiting on tables out the front to local Subi identities such as former mayor, Tony Costa, entertainment icon Bob Maher and former football champion Bill Dempsey.
They go as much for the $15 omelettes as the Silvana coffee which many regulars say is the best in the suburb.
T-Junction is a popular destination for bubble tea fans. The bright and breezy venue has a selection of delicious options for those who like their tea bubbly.
Beauty from within
Head to Rokeby Road if you’re in need of some personal renovation work – or just the chance to indulge in a little personal TLC. Professionail Subiaco is the local branch of a world-wide brand (curiously enough, starting in New Orleans, Louisiana). Book or walk-in for a pedicure, manicure, a full set of acrylics, SNS or colour gels. They also offer spray tans and waxing, and locals swear by the professional approach taken by the team at the Subi salon.
Anthea James Hairdressing on Seddon Street is a colour and hair extension specialist, and with over 25 years’ experience, you can be sure your precious tresses will be in safe hands. There are some extraordinary examples of how extensions can transform your hair on the team’s Instagram page – so if you’re looking for a completely new look for 2022, head to the UK-trained salon for the opportunity to see a new you in the mirror.
Eye ware has come a long way from the days when frame choice was limited and not terribly flattering. The Subiaco branch of EyeQ Optometrists use their expertise to assess the best options for your eye care and continually strive to be industry leaders in clinical diagnosis with state-of-the-art equipment. Their eyewear brands include Calvin Klein, Gucci and Kate Spade among many others – just let the team what you’re after and they will work hard to accommodate you.
Splash out
If you’ve ever needed something sparkly for a special event you’ll be familiar with the name Raimonds. A stalwart of the Perth fashion scene for the past 20 years Raimond Castellano has a passion for fashion – and the unnerving knack for correctly guessing your dress size, just by looking at you. Since relocating from Hay Street to Rokeby Road at the end of 2021, it’s even harder to resist the chance to linger a little longer outside his shop window. Sparkly gowns from Jovani and other world-class designs, are eye-catching and lure in those in search of something really special. Raimonds has dressed so many Perth women over the years for school balls, bridesmaid’s duties, cocktail events and weddings, that when you’ve got a special occasion to attend, you should put yourself in Raimond’s hands and the magic just happens.
Picnic offers women’s clothing that are designed to embrace the Australian climate and lifestyle, from relaxed basics to contemporary catwalk trends. Picnic’s range represents effortless style and it’s proudly WA owned and based, with a large proportion of stock made in Australia.
Flannel and Chance are also Australian, and the brand began in 2006 when designer Kristy Lawrence curated a chic lifestyle collection of pieces which could easily transition from home to the streets. It’s this effortless elegance and exquisite finishes which have been the keystone of Flannel’s success ever since. It’s also a brand which takes its eco-footprint seriously so if fashion without costing the earth is your jam, head to Flannel.
Hobbs Shoes on Rokeby Road has been a favourite destination for ladies footwear for over 30 years. Their seasonal collections reflect current styles both here in Australia and Europe, and there are international brands and exclusive Hobbs designs which appeal to a wide range of shoe fans.
Stride Subiaco is located on Rokeby Road (between Churchill Street and Barker Road) and the store has a large range of ECCO products and Hush Puppies, NAOT and Ziera. Kate and the team will assist you choose the perfect shoe for any occasion and help you put your best foot forward.
If you’re choosing a ball gown for this year’s Year 12 ball season, or just would like to be extra-glam for a special occasion, One Night Stand has an excellent collection of gorgeous gowns to rent for the party. You’ll have the chance to wear stunning dresses from Australia’s top designers including Ae’lkemi, Nicholas, Thurley and Nookie – and wear them for a fraction of the cost of owning the gown outright.
Vanessa Leanda’s demi-couture and bridal atelier is a special addition to the Subiaco scene. Each season, Vanessa creates three unique garments, crafted locally by hand, using fine materials and tailored specifically to the client. She can also create bespoke orders and hand makes modern bridal custom pieces for the entire bridal party. Design consultations take place at her studio on Rokeby Road, and once you’ve experienced the VL approach, you’ll never buy off the peg again.
Good Sammy’s is as familiar on Aussie high streets as a good pie shop and your favourite coffee house. The Subiaco branch is a thriving collection of pre-loved, sometimes designer togs and accessories as well as household items, which are sold for a great cause.
Broome may seem like a long way from Subiaco, but in the Willie Creeks Pearls showroom, there’s a little taste of the Kimberley right here on Hay Street. Choose from necklaces, bracelets and rings, earrings and men’s jewellery, all showcasing the uniquely beautiful pearls sourced from the Banfield family’s Willie Creek pearl farm.
If you’re keen to see some live performances, head to the Regal Theatre on the corner of Rokeby Road and book via Ticketmaster for the next show. Comedy features frequently on the stage of this grand old theatrical lady of Subiaco, and there’s often the chance to catch matinees and kid-friendly performances throughout the year.
If you bank with CommBank, the Hay Street branch has been servicing its clients for years. The friendly team are able to assist with all your daily banking, borrowing and financial requirements – just call in to arrange a meeting today.
