By David Prestipino
Raise your glasses (or get to your nearest pub now) because Friday marks the very important global celebration known as International Beer Day.
Originating in Santa Cruz in 2007, its Californian founders declared the day could be celebrated in three ways:
- gather with friends and enjoy the taste of beer
- celebrate those responsible for brewing and serving beer
- unite the world under the banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day
Celebrate International Beer Day at your favourite WA pub.
Sounds pretty good to us.
While some may question the authenticity of celebrating commemorative days such as this, let's not forget the world also joins hands (rather awkwardly) to celebrate more trivial things.
A sample of such celebrations just in this month of August include International Doll Day on August 6 (weirdos), World Bratwurst Day on August 16 (Prost!) and International Love Litigating Lawyers Day on August 31 (no comment).
In light of that froth, International Beer Day seems rather genuine and worthy of celebrating.
We hope you can get to one of your favourite pubs to celebrate this great beverage, the world's oldest and most widely-consumed alcoholic drink and third most popular (after water and tea) overall, made (mostly) from just water and grains.
Not only will we embark on all three during our 36-minute lunch break, but we've hastily named five pubs here in Perth that have kept our spirits alive and brewing, through their devotion to beer over a sustained period of time.
Little Creatures, Fremantle:
Little Creatures was integral to not only enhancing the reputation of craft brewing here in the west, but also growing the movement over east. The microbrewery in Fremantle was an eye-opener when it first opened in 2000 for its clever and quirky design (beer kegs for seats, open brewery), and has been a key tourism driver for the economy since. Despite its early and sustained success, continues to bubble along at a pace that suits the good people of WA and Australia.
Relaxing at the Little Creatures Brewery, located on Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle Three minute guide to Fremantle tra14-freoguide
J.B. O'Reilly's, West Leederville:
This traditional Irish pub has been bustling ever since opening on in 1993. It's St Patrick's Day carpark celebrations were a hoot and it regularly gets recognised for pouring more pints of Guinness than any other watering hole in Australia. The pub was named after John Boyle O'Reilly, a member of the British Army known for creating rebellion within the ranks... not unlike the pub's owner Paul North, who refused to remove memorabilia tobacco signs in 2016 despite the threat of prosecution from then Barnett government at the time.
Some of the vintage tobacco signs hanging up in J.B. O'Reilly's Credit: James Mooney
The Paddington Ale House, Mt Hawthorn:
Affectionately known as 'The Paddo', this pub was the heartbeat of Mt Hawthorn long before its cafe strip finally came to life a few years back. It continues to be the heart and soul of the suburb through its heavy focus on live sports, live music and, of course, beer for all tastes. The pub stocks an impressive 141 different bottled beers from around the world, and has a famed 'Beer Hall of Fame', where punters are invited to try each beer in one hit (not recommended) or over several sittings. Apart from that, there's 27 different lines on tap. Salute!
Renovations at Paddington Ale House complement the building's history.
The Belgian Beer Cafe, Perth:
Okay so it might not be an institution nor the heaving watering hole it once was when opening on the corner of King and Murray streets in the heart of the CBD, but the BBC did capture the imagination of punters by sporting a prominent 1930s style to its decor and pouring an extensive range of Belgian beers that most pub-goers would never have tried before its opening. The care taken in doing so was appreciated too (washing the glass, chilling it with cold water, pouring at the right angle, removing excess head, then a final rinse of the glass) and in turn set a standard for beer service. It also paved the way for other 'themed' pubs to open around town, greatly enhancing the drinking experience and knowledge or beer lovers in WA.
Good Living. .bar review. Picture shows Epoque Belgian Beer Cafe in Cammeray ...Photograph by Edwina Pickles.taken on 9th May 2008.Credit: Edwina Pickles
The Cottesloe Hotel / OBH:
The view from the OBH in Cottesloe.
Honourable mentions:
Sail and Anchor, Rose and Crown, Feral Brewery, Queens Hotel, Mundaring Weir Hotel, Caves House, Settlers Tavern.
What other WA pubs should be celebrated for International Beer Day?
Let us know on our Facebook page or comment below.