6 Reasons Perth’s King Street is Hot Right Now
The King Street Precinct has come a long way from its working-class roots. The area was once home to coal yards, smithies, foundries and workers cottages and though much of the heritage character remains, this pocket of Perth has transformed into an incredible spot to eat, shop and catch a show.
Set gracefully in the centre of Perth’s CBD, the precinct is quaint, with pretty single and double storey heritage buildings that are now home to international brands such as Chanel and Bally. Walking is the best way to get around, wandering in and out of shops, sampling coffees and pastries at cafes and settling in for a romantic dinner in the evening. Here are seven must-do activities when visiting King Street.
Portuguese tarts and coffee at Graffiti
Start the day with a coffee and something sweet at Graffiti outside the InterContinental. Portuguese tarts are a simple pleasure, but getting the sweet, eggy tart right takes skill with the blowtorch. Authentic tarts are scorched dark on top to caramelise the sugar and give a mirror finish. They're the perfect accompaniment to a long black made by Perth roaster, Blacklist Coffee.
Shopping at luxury boutiques
All the big names are on King Street – Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton – and it’s easy to get lost in a day of luxury shopping. Try Prada’s Made to Order project at its Perth boutique. Nineteen models of pumps and sandals are available to customise with different fabrications, colours and heel heights.
Menswear shopping at Gingers & Providence
For menswear shopping, check out Gingers & Providence, a boutique with a refined edit of preppy streetwear that puts suede Chelsea boots next to washed out indigo denim jackets by Nudie. The shop has its own house-designed collection of footwear, Gingers for Gentlemen. There are classic Oxfords and loafers as well as brogues and ankle boots.
Tapas at Heno & Rey, InterContinental
InterContinental Perth City Centre brings Spanish food to the precinct with tapas at Heno & Rey. Western Australian produce is the hero of the menu featuring in dishes such as grilled octopus with fried cauliflower and capers, or grilled seasonal vegetables with salsa verde and toasted almonds. Come with a crowd; tapas are for sharing.
Bauble shopping at Kailis
Made from untreated Australian South Sea pearls, each exquisite piece at Kailis is one of a kind. The jeweller creates elegant day jewellery like single pearl earrings on a fishhook setting, or elaborate, special occasion pieces such as the made to order Aurora couture collar with its trio of dramatic pearls separated by gradient rubies, pink tourmalines and orange sapphires.
Show at His Majesty’s Theatre
His Majesty’s Theatre is worth a visit just to enter the century-old building and take in the exquisite gold and red medallion ceiling. Shows run the gamut from comedy to dance and cabaret to opera. Whatever the act, an experience at His Majesty’s Theatre offers old fashioned culture at its best.
Image: Robert Garvey
