Local hospitality operators Nokturnl announced their move to bricks-and-mortar in late 2019 with the three-level reinvention of The Old Synagogue, a Fremantle site that had laid dormant for twenty years. Followed by The Beaufort, The Station and Stories, their latest project is a traditional British pub in the heart of the Perth CBD. Set to open in late September, The Queen’s Arms takes over the former Queen Street home of The Flour Factory.
I spoke with Nokturnl founders Ross Drennan and Drew Flanagan about their vision for the new pub, which seeks to fill the gap left by the closure of the popular Moon & Sixpence in 2017.
“We’ve seen so many Irish pubs opened over the last five to six years, it’s obvious there’s a gap in the market for a British pub,” says Ross.
“We were actively looking after Stories, our most recent opening, which is coming up to two and a half years. In the last twelve to eighteen months we’ve been looking for opportunities but not had much luck,” adds Drew. “When we saw this, we felt the style of the building and where it is leant itself to the concept.”
I was given an early look at the 500-capacity venue, and while still under construction, it’s clear the end result will be impressive. Built in 1928, all three levels of the heritage building are being transformed and put to use.
Renovations are extensive both inside and out, and Nokturnl purchased the building to warrant the expense. In a fast turnaround, acquisition was completed in two days and the whole project has come together in just three months. The completed venue will have five distinct areas, and a few “rabbit warrens”.
“Clearly it’s not an easy spot. We were reached out to a couple of times by different leasing agents,” explains Ross. “The last time, we said we wouldn’t be interested in leasing, but might be if they looked to sell the building. If it’s your own building, you feel better putting money into it.”
Nokturnl are inviting Perth locals to become part of The Queen’s Arms story, encouraging anyone with British memorabilia, family heirlooms or nostalgic keepsakes to sell, loan or donate items for display throughout the venue.
The social aspect and atmosphere of a British pub is as important as the drinks, which are in turn as important as the food.
Customers will find imported and local beers, a familiar pub-style menu, live entertainment and interactive darts lanes. Expect regular events such as quiz nights, curry nights, pies and pints and Chase the Ace. Bottomless events will be aimed at the younger crowd, and a Sunday carvery is set to be a highlight of the food offering. The pub’s steak program will feature between six and eight options.
“It will be a great place to watch the footy or have an after-work beer. There will be some designated dining spaces but it’s also a homely pub. It’s not a cool bar, and will have a very different feel for someone who just wants a warm welcome,” says Drew.
“We’re trying to find the sweet spot between appealing to the British community but also Aussies and the corporate crowd,” adds Ross. “We’re providing an alternative for mid-week lunches and beers that’s comfortable. We’re not going to do anything over the top or too fancy on the food front, just try to deliver the staples well.”
Beer, of course, is an important part of any British pub’s offering. The Queen’s Arms will have over 30 taps featuring UK favourites such as Tetley’s (beer, not tea!), Old Speckled Hen and Tennent’s. Local brew aficionados, fear not – Swan Draught will be there, too.
“Drew’s been flat out for the last few months trying to get some good imported beers, and dealing with the cost of transporting beers when they don’t come into Perth. I’m sure that’ll change in the next few months, once we open and suppliers get more confident,” says Ross.
“We’re trying to tick a few boxes and bring some tastes from home the community might not have seen for a while. But as we’ve said, it comes at a cost,” adds Drew.
The Queen’s Arms will create more than 50 jobs. Leading the venue will be UK-born Michelle Vas, most recently Assistant Venue Manager at The Beaufort.
“We’ll be leaning on them to tell us what’s needed. It’s cool to see them get excited about having input. Our chance of success goes up a lot, and they have fun in the process,” says Ross.
Every Nokturnl project appears more ambitious than the last, so do the pair consider themselves risk takers? What’s the secret to their success?
“We’re young, and still have energy in us,” says Drew. “I feel we took bigger risks earlier in our lives which got us to this point. Now they’re more calculated.”
“You’ve got to try and stay relevant, and give the punters what they want,” adds Ross. “We’ve got good momentum, which we try to play with and keep going. We always try to keep our finger on the pulse as much as possible. Staying ahead of the market takes a lot of people and a big team.”
The Queen’s Arms is expected to open in late September, and will trade seven days from lunch until late.
The Queen’s Arms
16 Queen Street, Perth
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(“Stair” image : Martin Eade, others : supplied)
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