Found at the city end of the Albany Highway strip is Dutch Trading Co. It’s a hip hang out for craft beer lovers and good news… it’s also family friendly! I was meeting some of my friends for a casual catch up, with kids in tow. As soon as I stepped inside the bar I knew I’d been here before, in a past (kid-free) life, back in the day when it was known as Manhattans. Chef was doing his apprenticeship at the Hyatt and this was a after work hang out, just over the Causeway.
Here is where I should insert snippets of knowledge about craft beer… except I have none. I made a mental note to bring Chef back here, as he’d really be able to appreciate a beer lovin’ spot like this.
The food menu is made up of mainly share plates and burgers. All the adults on our table (except for me) ordered the delicious sounding fried chicken burgers, $23. Everyone loved the burgers, served on brioche. Though the “spiced chips” were a little too spicy for a couple of the ladies. It would be great to have an option to order regular chips too.
Limited to gluten free options I chose the fish. The rosemary smoked rainbow trout was so tender and full of flavour. Served with bottarga (salted, cured fish roe), cauliflower, blood orange and a salsa verde, it’s a lovely dish for $26.
On the kids menu there are three options, which would please most kids. One of my friends asked for fish and chips for her son, as she wasn’t sure if he’d eat a taco and they were more than happy to do this. Little Chef chose the fish taco and while it tasted really good, he found the portion a little on the small side. The sizes will suit kids aged under 7, or for those with smaller appetites.
In the back bar you’ll find a kids’ corner with a whole load of things to keep little ones busy. There’s a table equipped with colouring in textas and paper. A mat with loads of toys and even a comic book rack! How cool is that?!
There’s a sandpit out the back, which is sheltered. Here there’s plenty of well-kept toys to play with, as well as a little see saw and blackboard. The only downside I could find was that it gets a little hot on warm days. There’s plenty of fans, but the large, open venue didn’t seem to have air con.
For the big kids there’s a pool table and retro video games.
Find Dutch Trading Company at 243 Albany Highway, Victoria Park, Perth.
Looking for other dining spot in Vic Park? Try Hey Griller or The Precinct.
