I was SO EXCITED to be a guest of the City of Subiaco, joining fellow food bloggers on a cocktail and canapé tour of Subi. I really had to contain my inner fan girl, as the tour was hosted by Max Veenhuyzen, a food writer extraordinaire who I have long admired. Max writes for Broadsheet, Qantas, STM and Australian Gourmet Traveller no less. Max is a fountain of Perth hospitality knowledge, tit bits and foodie facts. Ok, I’ll stop gushing now…
We kicked off the tour at a new small bar at Subiaco Square, opposite the train station. Refuge is a beer lovers haven. If you’re a fan of the beer range at Petition Beer Corner or Baby Mammoth – you must pull up a stool at the bar of Refuge. They seriously know their stuff.
Admittedly, I’m not much of a beer lover, but I was pleasantly surprised by all the local craft beers we tried. On the paddle we had samples of:
- Cheeky Monkey Brewery (Wilyabrup) – Travellin Monk, Midstrength Amber Ale
- Boston Brewery (Denmark) – Rauchbier, German style smoked beer
- Wilson Brewing Company (Albany) – Rough Seas, Australian pale ale
- Gage Roads (Palmyra) – Little Dove, New world Pale Ale
My pick was the Little Dove, which had tropical aromas. At Refuge, as well as beer, they specialise in charcuterie. A platter of cured meats and pickles complimented the beers. 
Refuge Small Bar is an inviting little space, with booth seating and quirky electrical/industrial inspired artwork. Refuge is also open for coffee, breakfast and lunch. I’d quite like to check out their brunch offerings – the menu looks really tasty.
Refuge is a good spot for pre-theatre drinks too. We walked up Rokeby Road and made a surprise stop at the historic Regal Theatre, where cabaret Blanc de Blanc was showing. We actually got to get up on the Regal’s stage and hang out with the cast – what an amazing experience!
NEXT STOP ON THE SEE SUBIACO TOUR… Double Double Small Bar
As a side note, See Subiaco were so kind to gift me a couple of tickets to Blanc de Blanc and it was an absolute hoot. The risqué cabaret and circus was jaw-droppingly shocking and sexy – in equal measure. I loved every second – though I may not look at maracas in the same light again *wink*.