Maylands’ Whatley Crescent is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in town, and it’s a spot that can satisfy all your brunch, lunch and munch needs. Plus it’s a great place to do some Christmas shopping and find a bunch of unique gifts.
Lonely Planet recently declared the area one of the three coolest suburbs in Perth, describing it as a “buzzing community hub with a gritty, yet artisanal edge”. The strip is filled with restaurants, cafes, bakers and small bars that will satisfy your gastronomical desires, and the impressive range of unique shops are stocked up with bespoke goods.
Chapels on Whatley
Maylands is also one of the most popular suburbs for queer couples according to census data, which is no surprise to Keith Archer from restaurant Chapels on Whatley. “There’s a reason they call it Gaylands!” Keith exclaims.
Keith and his partner Glen Bartel run the popular establishment which is a favourite spot for eating whether it be a late breakfast through to lunch or afternoon tea. On weekends they also open for dinner with musicians playing in the space, filling the restaurant with atmosphere.
Alongside their Eurasian-inspired cuisine Chapels on Whatley is also the best place to head to if you’re a lover of tea – they have a massive range, importing over 50 different kinds.
Ox-Blu
Next door you’ll find one of the strip’s newest additions. Ox-Blu is a clothing store stocking men’s clothing for everyone. Michael Stevens opened his shop filled with colourful shirts and clothing adorned with eye catching patterns with a eye on diversity.
Michael told us he picked a gender neutral mascot of a blue ox for his business because he really wanted it to be a shop that was open to everyone who wants to buy men’s clothes, and that includes transgender people and women.
In the evenings Michael also uses the space for community guitar lessons. So don’t be surprised if you walk by on a Monday night and see people practicing their licks.
Vintage Emporium
From early beginnings as a pop-up store, Vintage Emporium at 216 Whatley Crescent is now a permanent fixture on the historic coffee strip. Home to two vintage traders the store curates a unique range of quality goods.
Marisa, from 20th Century Vintage, deals in cool and collectable mid-century furniture and homewares. Marina of Tumbleweed handles the clothing, linen and rustic vintage. Drop by to meet Marisa and Marina and indulge in some guilt-free sustainable shopping. Forget mellow yellow, look for the bright yellow shop at the tip of the strip.
Smoults Larder
The team at Smoults Larder make delicious, healthy and wholesome food, plus a few indulgences. Whether you’re dropping in for a bite to eat or stocking up on goods for you kitchen, this is a food lovers’ paradise.
Head honcho Georgie has hospitality ‘running through her veins’. While Head chef Lee Harris has an awesome CV including a stint in London and is turbo-charging Smoults catering and salads. Smoult’s is the ideal place to sip on a luscious Antz coffee, catch up with your peeps, or simply have some time out with free entertainment from the passing parade. Then stock up on pantry pleasures, cheeses, and small goods.
Their pork, apple and fennel sausage rolls are very popular, and vego’s are big fans of the caramelised onion and roast pumpkin tarts, and one of their newest breakfast additions French Toast has been a big hit. It’s a born-again classic with marscapone, berry compote and 100% Canadian maple syrup.
Daisy and Rowe
You’ll be able to find the perfect present for even for the most challenging friend or relative at this little shop filled with gifts for you and all the people you love. They offer a blend of homewares, fashion and accessories, gifts, fresh flowers, plants and planters, and books for children and adults. Customers especially love the selection of books, fresh flowers, and clothes.
Daisy and Rowe also love kids and dogs who are welcome in the store, and the team have a have a stack of books for kids to look through while the grown ups browse. Plus they also do gift wrapping, so you’ll have one less task to complete before Christmas Eve.
Drop in and meet me Julie, Jess or Bree who describe themselves as a warm and friendly bunch. “We’ll have a lovely scented candle burning when you walk in, and we’ll look after your kids and dogs if you want to try something on.” Julie told us.
The Woodfired Baker
The Woodfired Baker specialises in handcrafted organic sourdough, artisan breads & pastries. They bake all their loaves in a 100-year-old historic woodfired oven and are passionate about the age old art of making traditional breads and pride themselves on producing quality tasting rustic loaves
Master Baker Andrew Ritchie has been baking traditional breads for over 25 years. He restored the old Maylands woodfired oven and has rekindled the time honoured tradition of handcrafted baking and the community are loving it. People come from all over the city for our authentic loaves, pastries and coffee.
During the festive season you’ll also find their famous fruit mince pies, stollen and Christmas cakes in hot demand!
Graeme Watson
