These unconventional gems dotted throughout Subiaco are a treat to uncover. Let us introduce you to the quirkiest businesses in the ‘hood.
Subiaco has always been laced with unique businesses, from the days of the much-loved Pavilion Markets, the 24-hour Oriole Café and Chokeby Road to now. We’re spoilt for choice with entrepreneurs lining our streets with one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants so enticing people drive for miles to dine there and a sauna that offers hangover-free Sunday sessions (Melt, 8am to 10am Sundays). We also have an assortment of businesses so full of character and whimsy, we’ve created a Subiaco ‘business with a twist’ list.
Caroline’s Pet Kitchen – Shop 1/420 Hay Street
Is your pet your favourite family member? Same. So hot foot it to Caroline Sheng’s store which is entirely dedicated to treating your pooch or kitty cat (she’s also been approached by bird mums and dads, so watch this space for bird treats). Like a lolly shop for pets, there’s rows upon rows of flavour, size and chew options to have Fido sitting, staying and rolling over like a show dog. Caroline has sourced her edible treats and toys from all the best producers globally, including local business Freeze Dry Australia, and brands from New Zealand, Korea, Japan and China. For a special occasion, Caroline also creates birthday cakes that are so fancy to look at, you’ll have to remind yourself they’re pure kangaroo meat flavour before cutting yourself a slice. A further layer of quirky exists in Caroline’s Instagram account where she showcases her cakes and her own cat enjoying the shop’s delicacies (see @perth_petkitchen).
Annabelle’s Antiques and Collectables – 54 Nicholson Road
There aren’t many 84-year-olds running their own business, but Annabelle carries on working in her antiques and collectables store purely for the sheer delight of her work. For 30 years, Annabelle has been operating from her pretty shop on Nicholson Road shop, and she’s been a collector since she was 17. Dripping in quaint and quirky (just peer through the front window at the antique dolls peering straight back), Annabelle’s boutique is a treasure chest with a charming variety of wares. Beyond the dolls, you’ll find jewellery, glassware, beads and water colour paintings for sale here and if you’re lucky, an enthusiastic greeting from Anna the silky terrier. Annabelle’s is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.30am until 3pm, so pop a visit into your calendar for the collector in your life.
Journeys of the Spirit
Holidays, no matter where we venture, provide a fresh perspective on the world. However, Julie Baker’s business offers travellers the possibility of a spiritual transformation via her curated trips among the world’s most sacred cultures. Julie has worked in travel since the 1980s and always focused her work on her passions, whether it was scuba diving or fine food and wine travel. She always had a special spot for spiritual wellness, so for 28 years her work has been creating a mixture of small group and private journeys in specific energy locations (from Sedona, home of three Native American tribes to the Arctic Circle to witness the magic of the Aurora Borealis). Each year, Julie offers 16 departures to all corners of the earth led by a variety of guides, each offering their own brand of spirituality and wellness, and local guides who immerse you in their culture. This is no ordinary travel agency, as stepping inside Julie’s world will lead you one step closer to discovering yourself.
La Vida Vegan – 60 Coghlan Road
Subiaco houses Perth’s only 100 per cent vegan grocery store and it’s a dreamy experience for those who eat plant-based food. La Vida Vegan’s fridge section has countless dairy-free cheeses and plant-based protein options while dry shelves are heaving with pantry and bulk food products with a variety extending far beyond regular supermarkets (some cater to gluten-free dietary requirements, too). The store has a small fashion section, largely dominated by the organic bamboo clothing brand Boody, and beauty products like vegan collagen eye masks. If all the shopping makes you hungry, the bakery section is made up of delights such as red velvet cupcakes with cinnamon cashew cream frosting and peanut butter chocolate fudge brownies. It’s a grocery store experience that you leave feeling like a better person, with all its products guaranteed to be cruelty free and sustainable.
Blacklist Coffee – Concept Store – 439D Hay Street
We are spoilt for choice in Subiaco for perfectly-made coffees, this is true. However, the pared back simplicity of Blacklist insists its patrons pay attention to the mastery put into every cup here. There are no newspapers strewn across tables and in a shocking state of affairs during my visit, nobody in Blacklist even glanced at their phone. Instead, guests were quietly conversing while experiencing every mouthful of their beverage. When I sipped my Blacklist Monty, I too might have experienced a special frisson. The strong and icy cold brew was perfectly paired with its frothy blanket of vanilla cream, dusted with dark chocolate, orange zest and nutmeg. Blacklist strays from the usual café model, it’s more like a winery’s cellar door and encourages coffee tasting sessions where they guide you through a selection of blends. However, if you’re in the mood for just one and it’s a Perth scorcher, sit down for an icy ‘Monty’ and focus all your senses on it.
Lucy in Disguise – 3/144 Rokeby Road
Can you even call yourself a Subiaco resident if you haven’t done a mad dash to Lucy in Disguise for a last minute but totally fabulous outfit for a dress up party? Far from a generic costume hire, this retro boutique allows you to rummage back through the decades to achieve a super chic outfit from the 1920s and beyond (the selection of flapper dresses is particularly impressive). It’s also once of Subiaco’s original second-hand fashion boutiques and has all sorts of vintage gems to purchase including dresses, jackets, boots and handbags.
By Lisa O’Neill
