Mechanics Institute Small Bar

In the late 1800s the Mechanics Institute was a place for the lower class to upskill and elevate themselves into the working class. In honour of this, there are practice pieces of machinery stuck to the wall today.

Nowadays, though, the only mechanics here are those of the bartending variety. They know their spirits and drink mixing, but they don’t take things too seriously. The friendly, welcoming staff pack flair and panache into expertly mixed cocktails, while craft beers and a smattering of well-chosen wines are on hand as openers for anyone who pulls up a metal stool on the deck or sinks into a comfy lounge inside.

The tone is set to relaxed, part of the reason Mechanics has wormed its way into Perth hearts over nearly two decades.