195 Brisbane St, Northbridge, Western Australia
www.barlove.com.au | @barlovebar
For those who’ve wandered previous 195 Brisbane Road lately, you’ve most likely seen the flashy new digs the place the previous Harvison Gallery was once. As soon as a quiet, empty block, it’s now been remodeled into one thing that stands out—a cheeky, retro-styled bar with gold-foiled pin-up women and painted by hand indicators boasting “Chilly Drinks, Heat Service, and Sizzling Bartenders.” Yep, that’s Bar Love, the most recent and most enjoyable addition to the neighbourhood between Northbridge and Highgate.
The guts and soul of Bar Love are two of Perth’s most cherished bartenders, Pippa Canavan and Murray Walsh. The dynamic duo met whereas working at Mechanic’s Institute, one among Perth’s high cocktail bars, and their friendship rapidly changed into a shared ardour for all issues drinks and hospitality.
For these not within the loop, this patch of Perth is already a little bit of a hotspot. It’s dwelling to native gems like Golden Selection (the place tropical fruits reign supreme), a string of wine bars, and a few critically good Vietnamese eats. And now, with Bar Love within the combine, it’s formally the place to be for anybody searching for a cracking good time with a cocktail in hand.
A Dive Into Bar Love’s Vibe
From the surface, the daring colors and playful signage of Bar Love provide you with a good suggestion of what you’re strolling into—a unusual, maximalist, 70s-inspired haven that looks like entering into the wild front room of your most eccentric artwork instructor. Inside, it’s all about wealthy, heat colors—assume burgundy, tangerine, pale pink, and cream stripes working the size of the venue. Velvet love-seats are scattered round, and the décor is something however understated. Mirror ball panther statues? Test. Bric-a-brac galore? Double test. It’s kitsch, it’s enjoyable, and someway all of it works.
Bar Love leans exhausting right into a heat, retro aesthetic that invitations you to settle in and keep some time. Whether or not you’re lounging on a luxurious couch or grabbing a stool on the bar, the vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with a cheeky edge.
 
Meet the Minds Behind Bar Love
The guts and soul of Bar Love are two of Perth’s most cherished bartenders, Pippa Canavan and Murray Walsh. The dynamic duo met whereas working at Mechanic’s Institute, one among Perth’s high cocktail bars, and their friendship rapidly changed into a shared ardour for all issues drinks and hospitality. Between them, they’ve acquired many years of expertise, and so they’re no strangers to the nationwide cocktail scene. Now, they’re bringing their A-game to Bar Love, and it’s protected to say, you’re in good fingers.
Cocktails are entrance and centre right here, with a seasonal menu that highlights each inventive concoctions and rock-solid classics. Pip and Murray’s signature drinks embody the playful Peaches & Cream Negroni and the Vamos Martini, a hybrid between an Espresso Martini and the viral Mont Blanc layered espresso. Oh, and if you happen to’re after one thing a bit dirtier, Pip’s acquired you coated with what she proudly calls “the filthiest martini this facet of a New York subway.”
However don’t fear if you happen to’re not up for the flamboyant stuff—Bar Love retains it actual with a great mixture of craft beers and basic cocktails, all served with a wholesome dose of enjoyable. There are 4 faucets, together with brews from Shelter and a visitor rotation, plus a cocktail from Idle Palms Drinks Co. And in terms of wine, the record is brief and candy, with a concentrate on worth over rarity—as a result of at Bar Love, it’s all about having fun with an important drink with out breaking the financial institution.
Neighbourly Feels & Tasty Eats
Bar Love is all about group, and that extends to the meals, too. Whereas there’s no kitchen on-site, they’ve teamed up with their mates subsequent door at Peasants Paradise to ensure you received’t go hungry. Dwight Alexander, the chef-owner of Peasants Paradise, is bringing his Fashionable African twist to basic bar snacks. Anticipate loaded fries, focaccia with dips, and seasonal sandos, all designed to pair completely along with your drink of selection.
Whether or not you’re popping in for a fast drink or settling in for a session, there’s all the time one thing tasty available to maintain you going.
The Dream Crew
Pippa Canavan is not any stranger to the Perth hospitality scene. With over a decade of expertise, she’s constructed a fame as a bartender who doesn’t take herself too critically however is aware of learn how to make a critically good drink. Her resume is full of achievements, however one among her proudest moments has been co-founding Combine Haus, a not-for-profit devoted to empowering girls within the hospitality trade. Combine Haus’s efforts to advertise inclusivity and variety earned her the distinguished ‘Trade Chief’ award on the 2023 WA Good Meals Information Awards.
Pip’s not simply concerning the accolades although (although she’s acquired lots). She’s additionally been topped Host of the Yr on the 2023 Australian Bartender Journal Awards, and named in Australian Bartender’s Prime 100 Most Influential. Not dangerous for somebody who nonetheless manages to maintain issues gentle and enjoyable behind the bar.
Murray Walsh is equally spectacular, with 15 years of hospitality expertise throughout every part from high-quality eating to bustling rooftop bars. He’s been listed as one among Diageo World Class’s Prime 100 Australian Bartenders 3 times, and his bars have constantly been recognised in nationwide and state awards. However like Pip, Murray’s not right here for the glory. For him, it’s all about creating an area the place individuals can unwind, join, and revel in some good old style hospitality.
Bar Love: A Place for Everybody
Bar Love isn’t simply one other bar—it’s a spot the place everybody’s welcome and the main target is on making a heat, inclusive ambiance. Pip and Murray’s ardour for his or her craft is obvious in each element, from the expertly crafted cocktails to the colourful, eclectic décor. However greater than something, they’re all about making certain everybody who walks by the door feels proper at dwelling.
So, if you happen to’re within the temper for a drink that’s a bit of completely different, some top-notch banter, and an area that looks like your cool aunt’s front room (if she had a factor for disco panthers), head all the way down to Bar Love. There’s all the time a seat ready for you—and possibly even the filthiest martini you’ve ever had.
