Built in 1886 then gutted by fire in 2008, the Guildford, which lies 13 kilometres northwest of the Perth CBD, reopened in 2016 following a major revamp that included a new open plan, exposed brickwork, polished timber floors, brass fittings and 19th-century furnishings. The 130-year-old hotel has retained its historic bones — and some of its fire-charred beams — but the menu is markedly more modern.
Not limited by country or style, the cuisine-bending menu places bao buns beside po' boys and corn tostadas next to san choy bow. All items are conveniently categorised as One Handed or Two Handed, so you know when cutlery is needed or, more importantly, whether you can still hold a cocktail at all times.
The drinks menu is equally daring. You'll see playful interpretations of the classics — mango jalapeno martinis, coconut caprioskas and cherry Moscow mules — as well as DIY cocktail kits, so you can make and shake your own candy floss martini or popcorn margarita. Popcorn and tequila, now that's a combo we can get behind.
We suggest hitting this heritage-listed pub at lunch and ordering something from the Pitmaster's Selection menu. Linger over a plate of beside-itself-with-flavour Butterfields beef brisket with miso and Texan rub, cooked "low and slow", and served alongside braised red cabbage, miso mash and pickles ($28). If beef's not your thing, swap it for sticky Albany pork butt with Carolina sauce ($28), bratwurst sausage and beer mustard ($27), lamb ribs with sticky Asian barbecue ($26) or half a chicken with blackening spices and pineapple hot sauce butter ($24).
Oh, did we mention there are four-litre mini kegs of your favourite beers available? Yep, this place has everything you need for your next sesh.