Shirley’s

Shirley’s is the younger sibling to Manuka Woodfire Kitchen, a food-centric venue where drinks play second fiddle. But Shirley’s zeros in on a rotating cocktail list and nostalgic small plates that use topnotch ingredients.

While the food is here to play, the classic cocktail list is the star, leaning heavily on local and small-batch spirits and ingredients. The Myrtle is a delicate blend of Old Youngs 1829 gin from the Swan Valley, Lillet Blanc and a house-made marmalade. There’s a short list of spirits, aperitifs and craft beer that also makes the most of Western Australian producers. The wine list branches out to include bottles from across Australia and Europe.

Owner-chef Kenny McHardy curated a clean-cut interior; retro and uncluttered, less glamour and more comfort. It has a long granite bar and high-top seating, and the fit-out is accented with touches of cherry and gold. It's perhaps the one-size-fits-all style of bar that every neighbourhood needs. Whether it is just for a quick drink, or if you want to lose an evening to small plates and a thorough investigation of the drinks menu, the team at Shirley’s is well versed in hospitality.