Bills Bar and Bites

Walking past, you might not think much of Bill’s Bar and Bites, with its shabby exterior and shadowy interior. But trust us, it’s worth stepping inside to mingle with the crowds.

Remodelled from what used to be the Leederville Hotel’s front bar, Bill’s has taken the former regular party space and turned it into a haunt that’s a winner across all ages and demographics.

House music and low-key R’n’B play softly, while upstairs space Babushka (not to be confused with Babooshka cafe in Northbridge) presents live music on weekends.

Take a seat at a table or on one of the low-lying couches. There’s also an outside area for warm, summer nights. With a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere, you could be hanging with mates at a house party.

Thankfully the food is much better than the bowl of chips you might be offered at said house party. Bar snacks include nachos, lamb shoulder, a salumi board and a pulled-pork sandwich. Don’t forget to ask what new special is roasting in the “hell fire” that day.

House cocktails take in the zesty Finders Keepers (Tanqueray, breakfast tea, raspberry jam, lemon and cucumber) and the full-flavoured Into the Woods (Ron Zacapa, Dandelion Pedro Ximenez and black walnut bitters).