IN Perth Bars

The Dutch call it gezellig. Gezellig is the romance of a lampshade’s low-cast light, a room made cosy by intimately set furniture or a song that nestles itself in the moment like an old-friend. It’s atmosphere and ambience and so much more.

And while there is no equivalent to this word in the English language, maybe there should be, because more than a handful of small bar owners in Western Australia are bringing that extra something special to their bustling establishments.

Thanks to changes in liquor licensing laws, a plethora of Western Australian publicans have come out of the landscape previously known as ‘Dullsville’. We checked out five little venues with big personalities.

The Precint, 834 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park.

It might be on the main strip of East Victoria Park’s town centre, but you may still be forgiven for not noticing The Precinct.

Such is the mystery of this sophisticated yet quirky den, loaded with attitude, not to mention a thoughtfully considered wine list and edgy, flavoursome cuisine.

Owner Sarita Leal explains her own love of seemingly hidden places.

“I find these types of places become a favourite haunt that you feel comfortable visiting on a regular basis,” she said.

“I hope our customers feel they can step off the busy strip into a cool, funky, intimate venue, and even given the size, still snap up a great seat in a quiet spot.”

We think this hidden treasure just might be one of our favourites too.

Hula Bula Bar, 12 Victoria Avenue, Perth

If you dream about drinking out of a monkey’s head in a tropical paradise then the Hula Bula Bar is a must-see.

Sure, the head is as false as the plastic palm trees and totems that adorn the South Pacific wonderland, but that’s all part of the charm.

Known for it’s outrageous cocktails (think eyeballs, little umbrellas and twirly straws) the Hula Bula Bar was a small bar before there was a small bar scene.

So if you haven’t visited it yet, get cracking. It’s a treasure trove of 60’s beach rock and the perfect medicine for rum-loving pirates everywhere.

el Público, 511 Beaufort Street, Highgate

A bright neon donkey sign surrounded by bottles of tequila and top-shelf spirits is the first thing punters notice when they step into el Público.

Then there’s the mouth-watering traditional Mexican menu proclaiming, ‘Mary gave you hands to eat taco with.’ And after eating their tacos, perhaps she did.

In fact, el Público’s delectable share-food has made it a firm favourite with Perth foodies. So much so that even those without a penchant for tequila are giving it a try.

As co-owner Aron Paul puts it, el Público has many dimensions.

“el Público has interesting artwork, great music and exciting Mexican cuisine with flavour profiles many have not experienced before,” he said.

“People love the freedom of just popping in for a drink and a quick bite, or sitting down for a shared meal with friends.”

el Público is open seven days a week.

The Classroom, 1/356 Charles Street, North Perth

With Principal’s Specials and an award winning cocktail list based on school subjects, The Classroom is an educational drinking and dining experience.

The bartenders (known as teachers!) can whip you up a science themed cocktail using the perfect blend of scientific methodology and classic bartending principles.

If you’re peckish, then head to the tuck shop! (A bit fancier than the average choc milk and cheesy.)

Choose from a delectable fig carpaccio made with goats curd and apple crumble. Or a classic back to school burger, with lamb, a fresh lemon yoghurt dressing and onion rings

According to co-owner Andrew Bennett the completely immersive theme is all part of the small bar’s appeal.

“We’re positioned as a class room theme, so everything, from the school desks and chairs to the chalk boards and lockers behind the bar fits in with this,” he said.

“On top of this, we wanted to create something fun and entertaining with some surprises in store.”

Next time you’re in the area, stop in for a history lesson. Just make sure you play by the rules!

R Bar, 57a Rockingham Beach Road, Rockingham

Winning Best Small Bar of the Year in 2012 from the Small Bar Association is a big feat for a small bar, especially one outside the big smoke of Northbridge.

But R Bar isn’t your average Rockingham bar.

Run by a bunch of girls whose mission is to make sure everyone has a great time, R Bar has attracted the likes of high-profile women like the PM herself.

Maybe it’s the old-school way they remember your drink, or the sophisticated, modern décor that makes drinking before sundown classy, whatever it is, R Bar has the attention of locals, tourists and even naval base employees.

Co-owner Siobhan Gavin goes some way to explaining the venue’s far-reaching appeal.

“We went for a design that can be appreciated and atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all,” she said.

“We are on the beachfront so maximising the inside-outside feel was a must and is a great draw card.”

Whether you’re a local or not, consider a relaxing sundowner at the R Bar. You might even get to talk politics with Ms Gillard herself.