Our Neighbourhood

Find out more about what's in The Blue Room's neighbourhood:

Perth Cultural Centre  |  Northbridge  |  Eat, Shop, Drink, Do  |  Parking and Transport

Perth Cultural Centre

The Blue Room is located at the western end of the Perth Cultural Centre, gateway to James Street Northbridge, Perth’s nightlife and entertainment district.

The Cultural Centre is on land owned by the Western Australian government. As well as being home to The Blue Room, the district is also home to State Arts Agencies:  the State Library of WA, the WA Museum, the Art Gallery of WA and the Battye Library.

The western end is the “Living Artist” end of the Cultural Centre providing accommodation for:

• Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts: Art Gallery
  and Performance Space;
• Propelarts: Leading Youth Arts Network;
• Western Australian Music Industry;
• Gotham Studios;
• New Performing Arts Centre (scheduled for completion in 2009).

Other cultural organisations include:

• Artrage: Contemporary Arts Festival at The BlackBox Bakery;
• Perth Centre for Photography

The State Government has made a commitment to redevelop the Perth Cultural Centre. The Performing Arts Centre Society (PACS) is an active member of the Cultural Centre Key Stakeholders steering committee.

Northbridge

The Northbridge precinct combines the colour and variety of many cultures and ethnic traditions. Prior to European settlement, the area was part of a trading route for the Noongar community. During the early 20th century it became a focal point of the business and social lives of Chinese, Greek and Italian immigrants. Today the traditions of these groups, along with the latest waves of migrants including Vietnamese, Middle Eastern and West African, make Northbridge a visibly multicultural precinct.

Famous for its atmosphere, eateries, artistic experiences and nightlife - it is a very cosmopolitan place. The area is extremely popular with backpackers and has an ample supply of budget accommodation. Northbridge is also home to Perth Central TAFE. As a result students and younger people are highly visible in the area.

Eat, Drink, Shop, Do

Places to eat, shop and drink as recommended by The Blue Room.

Eating…

• Penang Food - delicious Malaysian cuisine - 175 William Street, (08) 9328 7119
• Il Padrino Cafe – good pizza, he cooked for the Pope - 198 William Street, (08) 9227 9065
• Francine’s Café Restaurant – great breakfast (and they deliver our food for free) - 206 William Street, (08) 9227 5082
• Kostas Café – tasty coffee and Greek treats - 67 James Street
• Ahn’s Kabuki Sushi Japanese Takeaway – excellent Japanese food - 77a James Street, (08) 9227 9980
• Il Gelato Ice Cream Café – incredible ice cream, 89 James Street, (08) 9228 2400
• Saigon Café and Noodle Restaurant - Vietnamese and Asian cuisine - 101 James Street, (08) 9227 1552
• Formosa Vegetarian and Karaoke Restaurant - fantastic chinese vegetarian delights - 91 Aberdeen Street, (08) 9227 0238
• Old Shanghai Food Court – a variety of Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Western cuisine - 123 James Street, (08) 9227 1442
• Billy Lee's Chinese Restaurant - the best Chinese cuisine, open till late - 15/66 Roe Street, (08) 9328 4003
• Dome Café - serves hot meals, cakes and great coffee - corner of James and Lake Streets
• Aida Restaurant – fine Egyptian cuisine and belly dancers on the weekend, corner of William and Aberdeen Streets, (08) 9328 7677
• The Moon Café - late night pasta and pizza eatery with a live band - 323 William Street, (08) 9328 7474
• Romany Restaurant – home style Italian - Lake Street, (08) 9328 8042
• Torre Butchers – quality traditional meats, 41 Lake Street, (08) 9328 8317
• Maya Masala Indian Brassiere – delicious Indian food, 49 Lake Street, (08) 9328 5655
• The Re Store – gifts and groceries from around the world, 72 Lake Street, (08) 9328 1032

Drinking…

• The Brass Monkey – great local beer - 209 William Street, (08) 9227 9596
• The Grapeskin Wine Bar - a divinely hip wine bar - 209 William Street, (08) 9227 9596
• Universal Bar and Restaurant - House of Blues and Jazz - 221 William Street, (08) 9227 6771
• Mustang Bar - an American style sports bar - 46 Lake Street, (08) 9328 2350

Shopping…

• Northbridge Optics – great sunnies and frames – 181 William Street, (08) 9328 3505
• Via Vento - designer shoes - 210 William Street
• Keith & Lottie - designer boutique cum pop art gallery - 276 William Street, (08) 9328 8082
• New York Tailors - men's wear - 99 James Street, (08) 9328 5649
• Turnstyle Collectables - great bargains for antique furniture and knic knacks - corner of William and Roe Streets, (08) 9228 1026
• Exotic body piercing - tattoo parlour, corner of William and Roe Streets, (08) 9328 8683
• Red Stripe Clothing - edgy clothing, shoes and accessories - 8-10 Roe Street, (08) 9328 1983
• Jacksons Drawing Supplies - artists' materials - 96 Beaufort Street, (08) 9328 8880

Doing…

• Cinema Paradiso – alternative and independent films – 164 James Street, (08) 9227 1771
• WA Skydiving Academy – jump! – 458 William Street, 1300 13 7855
  

Parking and Transport

For more information about parking and transport options to The Blue Room, check out our location map.

Important: There is NO Free parking for The Blue Room or The Rechabites’ Hall. Please read all street parking signs carefully and do not park in front of the bollards outside Artshouse. If you get a fine we unfortunately cannot get you out of it.

There are plenty of car parks close to our venues. The City of Perth operates the State Library Car Park (enter off Francis Street), the Cultural Centre Car Park (enter at 2 Roe Street), and the Roe Street Car Park (enter at 68 Roe Street). All of the car parks are within easy walking distance of our venues.