Lovers of Beaufort Street’s Five Bar will get a shiver of déjà vu at the Cultural Centre now that Gary Beadle and Andrew McIntyre have spread bring their well-honed brand of hospitality to Northbridge.
It’s a long time since Northbridge was the wrong side of the tracks, and Lot Twenty demonstrates how new and old can co-exist. Neighbouring the State Theatre Centre at the intersection of James and William Streets, Lot Twenty is playing to a mixed crowd, from the hip kids of Northbridge to a pre-theatre set and after-work drinkers. It’s not merely location that pulls in the punters but a keen selection of local drinks and food.
There are two compact floors with a bar on the ground and an open kitchen and dining room on the first, and most of the action is actually outdoors. The expansive ground floor deck offers table service for those that can’t drag themselves to the bar and, as with Five, staff are all on their game. Glass barely drained, an offer of one more for the road isn’t far away: a blessing or a curse, depending on your willpower.
Chef Jeremiah Schoemaker’s menu jumps from Dutch Fries ($9) to Son-In-Law Eggs ($10) to trusty takes on a Continental Roll ($14) and of course a house burger ($18). There’s a nice attention to local produce, which includes a cheese selection showcasing WA producers like Cambray. A welcome touch, when many tout overpriced imports rather than home produce.
In a move sure to pack in the crowds, summer sees the return of Jerry Fraser, king of oysters, shucking a couple of days a week.
