Published on Wednesday, 8 September 2021 at 3:54:27 PM
The Leederville Town Centre is roaring back to its pre-pandemic days with an influx of new businesses getting ready to open their doors.
With its vibrant, tree lined café strip, urban grit and unmistakable character it’s no surprise business owners such as Bali chef Will Meyrick are choosing to launch their latest ventures in the heart of Leederville.
The restaurateur behind Mama San and Sarong in Bali said opening his new 120-seat restaurant (Will Street) on Carr Place later this month was a no brainer.
“Leederville works as a location, it’s close to the City and there is so much happening at the moment, we are really excited to be opening here,’’ he said.
Joining Will is a number of exciting businesses including Vikka (Pizza Restaurant), Nabur + |||| (Wine and cocktail bar), Nuthin Fyshy (Vegan Fish and Chip Shop) and Tagine (Moroccan Restaurant).
Then there’s Leederville Hotel’s The Servo restaurant, Abacus Espresso, Eesome Hair Studio and other new businesses popping up along the new Electric Lane precinct.
Mayor Emma Cole said as had happened along most suburban shopping and entertainment strips, Leederville had experienced vacant shopfronts, but these had been filling up quickly over the last few months and investment in Leederville was strong.
“We welcome all our new businesses to the area and thank them for choosing Leederville as their new home,’’ she said.
“While it’s difficult to see empty shop fronts, I’ve always remained optimistic that this would be short-lived and Leederville would soon be thriving.
“The injection of life from the ABN building and Electric Lane has helped drive more investment in the town centre, and businesses have seen the potential and growth in Leederville once again.
“The shop fronts have been filling up over the last couple of months and will continue in the lead up to Summer. We celebrate every new business that joins our existing diversity of restaurants, small bars, cafes, Luna Cinema and independent stores, and we are excited for the new dining and entertainment opportunities they bring.”
Tagine opened this week at 127 Oxford Street (Formerly Caesar’s Pizzeria) with owner Elyas Bahbah praising the local Leederville community for their support and hospitality.
“We’ve had our eye Leederville as the location for our second Tagine restaurant for a while now,’’ he said.
“We see Leederville as an area really coming up and we want to be a part of it.”
Tagine serve up authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and a selection of homemade sweet and desserts.
Moving in next door to Tagine at 125 Oxford Street next month is Nuthin Fyshy.
Owners and best friends Erin O’Brien and Kylie Pogorzelski bring a fresh new concept to the dining scene in Leederville (and Australia) with their unique vegan fish and chip shop.
“You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy delicious vegan fish and chips,” Erin said.
“The idea behind the business is to reduce the consumption of fish and red meat and create something special everyone can enjoy.”
“We are still pinching ourselves that we got into Leederville. For me personally it has a similar vibe to Melbourne with its vibrant food scene and eclectic mix of dining options.”
Using mock fish, soy and plant-protein based products, Nuthin Fishy also make their own tartare sauce, mayonnaise and feta cheese.
As a tribute to the location’s former owners – Sweet Lips Fish & Chips – Erin said Nuthin Fyshy will also have deep fried feta on their menu.
From homemade fetta to homemade pizza dough – new pizza restaurant Vikka opens at 147 Oxford Street in October.
Run by husband and wife team Claire and Tim Barrett and their daughter Rachael – Vikka’s 80 seat-restaurant will offer pizza and small plates with a focus on shared dining.
Claire said they chose Leederville for its location, culture and vibe.
“We love the area, there is no place like it in Perth and we are excited to open our first business right here in Leederville where our family had an electrical retail business 40 years ago,’’ she said.
Vikka will make all pizza sauces and pickles in house and are passionate about only using locally sourced ingredients.
Another newbie to the neighbourhood is Naber + ||||.
Fittingly pronounced (Nay-Buh) the new wine and cocktail bar brings the friendly “Naber-hood bar” to Leederville.
Offering a selection of creative small plates, with a uniquely inspired cocktail and wine menu, the space will be focused around a large central communal table with surrounding banquet and nooks.
With no traditional "bar" beverages will be served around the communal table giving a real sense of connection to the guests.
The second part of the business |||| (pronounced four) is a 70-seat courtyard restaurant accessed via the newly upgraded rear laneway – offering comfort food and tap beers.
Brothers Nic and Kody Read and friend Kaden Pool are excited to bring their new concept to the heart of Leederville.
“We chose Leederville as the location because we really wanted to be part of the amazing redevelopment of the area,’’ Nic said.
“Years ago, Leederville was one of the strong entertainment precincts of Perth, and it’s coming back to its former glory with full steam.
“We’re really looking forward to the new feel that’s starting to happen in the area.
“We’ve also noticed a cultural shift where people come here specifically for a higher quality food and beverage experience compared to other areas.”
“It’s also funny how things have come full circle as The Leederville hotel was my first bar job nearly a decade ago.”
Leederville Connect chair Anna Kelderman said new businesses to the area brought with them a fresh new vibe.
“When something new arrives we see an influx of new faces and maybe they only visit once, but maybe they see something that makes them want to come back again, and if we can get more people coming into our little neighbourhood we know they'll fall in love with the eclectic mix of really great local offers,’’ she said.
“Leederville has that great mix of people, jobs and entertainment that keep activity running all through the day - I think that is why we see regeneration after down cycles, because there are multiple reasons to be here. “
With investment interest growing in Leederville the City of Vincent unveiled two new draft plans earlier this year to help guide development and breathe new life into the town centre, while maintaining its unmistakable character and charm.
Coupled with the opening of the ABN building in June and Electric Lane this month, one thing is for sure – Leederville is showing no signs of slowing down.
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