Perth's Small Bar Scene
Smaller, boutique-type venues are becoming more and more common. With Perth’s Small Bar scene continuing to grow, there’s still room in the market for new bars and venues to make their way into the industry. With that in mind, we asked the Canford team the following questions on how small bars can succeed.
What defines a small bar to you? What are some good examples?
Looking at it from a legal standpoint firstly, a small bar is a licence category. The Liquor Control Act caps this particular licence category at a limit of 120 patrons.
When we think of a small bar, we think of furnishings particular to a set concept or style (i.e. industrial or rustique). We think of cocktails with quirky names and craft beer from local breweries. The small bar is the essence of the owner’s personality.
When we think of good examples in Perth, the list becomes pretty extensive. To us, places like Lum’s Wine Bar, Robert’s on Oxford, and St Brigid’s are great examples, as well as the ever popular Alabama Song bar. We are also very aware of the small bar scene continuing to grow in Fremantle too.
How has the small bar scene changed and grown over the last 10 – 20 years in your eyes?
Over the recent years, small bars have begun to head in one of two directions in order to create a successful venue. Small bar owners are either looking to create a feeling of exclusivity, or a feeling of community.
The standard small bar patron is looking for somewhere unique, with a limited capacity to feel as though they are getting a truly distinct experience. Or, they are seeking a neighbourhood bar that fosters a sense of community, whilst not sacrificing quality. This type of small bar has a heavy focus on ‘local’ – local wines, beers, produce, etc. Typically, they aim to foster good relationships with their regulars and neighbours.
Further, we believe people chase an intimate bar experience that is able to set itself apart from some of their larger counterparts. We’ve seen a transformation of the small bar scene into a competition for eccentric experiences.
The venues that have done well, have out-paced their competition by a landslide. And this is really encouraging to those looking to enter the game. However, on the other side of the coin is the amount of small bars that have opened and closed their doors, particularly in the last 10 years.
With all of the above in mind, one trend that’s been pretty great to see is the increasing support for local brewers and craft brewing in general.
What’s the small bar recipe? What makes one small bar stand out from another?
There is no clear formula for the perfect small bar. Though there are basic hospitality principles we believe all small bar owners, old and new, need to make sure they tick off.
- Your idea needs to be well conceived – You need to strike the balance between longevity and pushing the boundaries. A thoroughly considered idea that takes into account the current markets wants and needs is a must.
- You need to understand that ‘small’ is an integral part of small bars – This means understanding the small bar purpose, understanding the small bar clientele, and understanding that competing with the big pubs and breweries isn’t how you will succeed.
- Understand your fixed costs early on, and your contingency plans for when things go wrong – Fixed costs have taken down more small bars in Perth than people realise. They form a larger than usual part of the overall cost structure with smaller venues. Knowing your fixed costs, and knowing how to deal with them in your worst case scenario will help you stay on top.
- Get the rent deal right – There is no need to rush into a tenancy.
How do small bars sustain themselves for the future?
We think the one thing that sets small bars apart is a thoroughly considered concept. By this, we mean the unique theme of a small bar that you are unable to find at any other venue in Perth. Find your niche, and double down on it. Don’t appeal to what’s convenient, know your concept, make sure it works and stick with it. Customers nowadays are looking for a venue that provides an experience through their food and drink offerings.
But the best way for small bars to sustain themselves for the future is to stay connected to your target audience. Be aware of what your customers are wanting and needing, and provide it. Your bars’ concept and your target market need to speak to each other, and you must take into consideration the surrounding area and existing demographic.
All in all, the perfect small bar boils down to three things:
- A strong concept that is carried throughout every touchpoint of the venue.
- Staying connected to the target market.
- Knowing what purpose your bar serves in the small bar scene.