Fenway is the reincarnation of Subiaco pub Paddy Maguire’s, with a similar-but-different Boston-Irish bar theme. It’s the sixth Perth bar from the Varsity team (there’s already outposts in Nedlands, Joondalup, Northbridge, Waterford and Morley), but this time it’s not (quite) a sports bar.

Varsity’s marketing manager Caleb Stent ran his own brand agency before stepping into his current role, working with local businesses including Johnny’s Burgers, Hummus Club and Little Matcha Girl.

“Our goal for Fenway was to do something more refined: something that is Varsity but more grown-up,” he says. “We realised that there were no old-world pubs with modern flair. We had a really nice skeleton with an old wooden bar and booths, and decided to capitalise on it.”

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When it came to choosing the theme, the team decided to stick with what they do best.

“There’s plenty of great Irish pubs, says Stent. “We realised that we aren’t English but we do know how to do American. Boston has Irish roots. We rolled around to Fenway [Park, the stadium known for being the home of the Boston Red Sox] and the idea of baseball and sport, but not a sports bar.”

Fenway’s menu includes burgers (hand-pressed patties and pretzel buns), sandwiches, small plates and larger meals. Fried chicken features throughout, and baked brie makes a welcome appearance. Yes, there’s a parmi.

As you would expect, the drinks menu is extensive. There are 16 beers on tap including Swan Draught, Feral and Guinness. A rotating selection of craft beers and a limited wine list are also available. Cocktails start from $15 and focus on the classics such as Negronis, Bloody Marys and Old-Fashioneds.

The venue has retained its TAB licence and locals get $2 off their first drink on every visit. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on the porch.

While Fenway being part of the Varsity group is no secret, the brands are being kept separate to reflect their distinct offerings. The intention is for Fenway to be as much a bar for the locals as a destination venue.

“Varsity is its own brand, it came from the boys being young and wanting to party,” says Stent. “It’s slowly grown into what it is, and now it’s developing and changing again. The strengths of what we do at Varsity and Fenway are very different.”

Fenway
328 Barker Road, Subiaco

Hours:
Sun to Thu 11.30am–10pm
Fri & Sat 11.30am–late

fenwaysubiaco.com