It looks like a brewpub and brews like a brewpub. But Pirate Life Perth – the newest and possibly the most ambitious opening for Andy Freeman and the rest of his the Sneaker & Jeans collective – is more than that.

Yes, Pirate Life Perth – the first west coast venue from the South Australian brewing success story (WA founders Michael Cameron, Jack Cameron and Jared Proudfoot moved to Adelaide to open the brewery in 2014) – is a pub with its own brewery. In addition to brewing almost all of Pirate’s Life main beers on-site (the pale ale and Throwback IPA will be brought in from Adelaide) the brewery will also brew custom beers for each of the existing Sneaker & Jeans venues which include American whiskey bar Varnish on King, late-night Japanese hangout Goody Two’s, and Mexican party den, Caballitos.

But beer, says Freeman, is just the start.

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Taking over the former Sony building on Murray Street, the multistorey space will house three bars and two kitchens: one to focus on accessible beer-friendly eats and another to service the restaurant whose food and wine program will be angled more towards the special occasion and business crowds. “It’ll fit a thousand people … but it’ll still feel roomy,” says Freeman. There’ll be different spaces and feels. It won’t just be a giant open cabin with a big bar down one side.” And in typical Sneaker & Jeans style, spirits and cocktails, will also be part of the offering.

“I don’t know that much about brewing beer, but I’ve seen a lot of breweries and I’ve always wanted a shot at doing one but in a different way,” says Freeman. “Creatively, I’m restless. I don’t want to die wondering. In our industry, I think it’s a good thing to always be present and evolve and change and be adaptable. Covid was a testament to that. If you stood still, you were dead.”

Designer Marcos Cain of Stickman Tribe, a former Perth hospitality venue owner who is based in Dubai, has signed on to shape the look of the venue. In addition to being Pirate Life’s west coast headquarters – the space will include a retail store selling Pirate Life merchandise and beer – Pirate Life Perth will also double as the new Sneaker & Jeans offices.

Pirate Life Perth is due to open this summer.

piratelife.com.au