Channelling New York’s swiftness of pre- and post-show suppers, Shadow Wine Bar is cleverly positioned in the Perth Cultural Centre and conveniently attached to the boutique Alex Hotel. After all, Northbridge is all about nightlife.

Converted from the old National Bank building, the lofty industrial interior is softened with a dramatic wall of curtains and pendant lighting.

Pre-show, you can sit at the bar and choose from the cicchetti (Italian for “snack”) selection, such as steak tartare with crostini or potato crisp with Shark Bay crab. Although, swivelling around to look at the dining room might tempt you to skip it altogether, especially if you see the braised rabbit or beef fillet passing by.

Embracing its European influences, the bar’s wines come mostly from Italy, Spain and France. Of course, local drops aren’t forgotten, such asthe Margaret River Flowstone Shiraz Grenache.

Post-theatre, the focus moves to dessert courtesy of head chef Sue Hutchins. There’s a pear tarte tatin; or a rich chocolate pave, with candied mandarin and Mas Amiel Vin Doux Nautrel Grenache. Pair with a digestif and discuss the show at length.