Varnish on King - Perth

Blink and you miss it. There is no outside signage. When we walked past, I noticed liquor bottles in this downstairs window. It just didn't look like a bar. We... read more Blink and you miss it. There is no outside signage. When we walked past, I noticed liquor bottles in this downstairs window. It just didn't look like a bar. We walked the stairs hoping we weren't entering a private residence lol. We were pleasantly surprised to find a really neat, dimly lit bar. The lounge furniture is leather and comfy. Loved the exposed bricks, it made me feel like I was at a neighborhood bar in Chicago. Lots of cocktails and wine to choose from. Helpful staff. We didn't eat but the food that came out looked good. Great place for parties and groups.

DISAPPEARING ACT Avoid the set menu (aud65pp) at Varnish on King if you are after a decent meal. Music played was excessively loud and we had to shout across th... read more DISAPPEARING ACT Avoid the set menu (aud65pp) at Varnish on King if you are after a decent meal. Music played was excessively loud and we had to shout across the table to be heard even when the table was less than 1 metre apart. The group of us ordered the set menu for six (total aud390) and still left super hungry. We had wanted to add extras and relayed this to our server as there were seven of us but after our server confidently assured us in saying that the food would be more than enough to feed the seven of us, we trusted them and let them do their thing. Therein laid our misstep for the night. Rule #1: always trust yourself instead. Note that one of our friends has peanut allergy and we informed this prior to the dishes being served. Breakdown of what was served: 2 x Grilled Peppers, Pears Proscuitto (aud12 each) aud24 1 x Maple Bourbon Chicken Wings aud18 After 35 minutes, mains finally arrived. It was 9:45pm at this point. 2 x Brussel Sprouts aud18 aud36 1 x Pumpkin aud28 : contains peanut, friend told to avoid this 2 x Mac Cheese $26 aud52 1 x Beef Rump Cap aud50: Dish of the night 1 x Steak Frites Price N A: estimated aud60 Dessert: 6 x Black Sin Cake $12 x 6 $72 Estimated Total Bill $340 Essentially there were only two protein dishes for six. As our server cleared off our dishes, we asked if there were more food coming. When informed that desserts were next, we expressed our disappointment and requested our server to inform the chef that we were still hungry. Desserts came out right after. Six serves of black sin cake with white chocolate and orange curd (aud12 each). It was bland and tasteless. They tried to make up for our disappointment by offering an additional serve of cake but we sent it back since the majority of us didn't like the cake upon the first bite. We then asked for the bill and were stunned to see that the additional serve of cake was charged eventhough it had been sent back. This took a further 15 minutes to rectify. Rule #2: Always check the bill. I rarely write an actual negative post but our experience last night definitely warrants it. This might be a place known for their whiskey and bacon but maybe consider elsewhere if you are after a proper dinner feed.

Such an unassuming front, blink and you'll miss it. The smell of bacon is enticing as you walk in and down stairs the selection of whiskey at the bar is impress... read more Such an unassuming front, blink and you'll miss it. The smell of bacon is enticing as you walk in and down stairs the selection of whiskey at the bar is impressive. The small bar has a cosy feel and a great place to go out with friends when you want to be able to hear each other and feel a touch classy, whilst still staying in the Perth CBD. I myself don't enjoy straight whiskey so having the option of fresh apple juice is fantastic (they juice it fresh when you order). Last time I was in I tried the moonshine (peach and then apple pie) with the fresh apple juice and they were both refreshing and tasty. The extensive selection guarantees there will be something there for everyone.

We hadn't had our Varnish fix for a while and after finding nothing on the menu at a nearby place we had picked for lunch we knew that Varnish would not let us... read more We hadn't had our Varnish fix for a while and after finding nothing on the menu at a nearby place we had picked for lunch we knew that Varnish would not let us down, and so it proved. It is one of our favourite small bars and has been recognized in various bar awards as one of the best in Perth. Their particular bent is American whiskey and if this your tipple of choice then Varnish is the place to go down the stairs off King Street, blink and you will miss the door, and in you are in a wonder world of whiskey, wine and food. The wine list is well put together, with a good range from Australia and overseas, with around a dozen available by the glass, while the menu is small but interesting, and geared towards small share plates; and the pickle backs a whiskey accompanied by a select pickle are well worth the ordering. So for lunch we opted for three of the share plates grilled prawns, Texas spiced octopus and pan fried Brussel sprouts; with the food, well before it really, we ordered a glass of Rusden Poco Loco rosé for Lady FWO and La Violetta Riesling Gewurztraminer blend for me. The Poco Loco, a blend of Grenache and Cinsault from the Barossa has strawberry and stone fruit aromas, with a dry palate with a pleasant citrus zing; excellent drinking. La Violetta from Denmark has an intensely aromatic nose with lemon, rose petals, lime blossom and ginger all there as well as a musky back note; the oily palate has a good dash of spice, fine acid and is full of citrus, nectarine and red apples. A little sweetness at the end rounds out a beautiful wine. As to the food, the large Tiger prawns had been grilled and split, had sweet, tender and moist flesh and charry shells served with a sprinkle of salty mullet roe and finger lime pearls, a small explosion of intense lime flavours; lovely. The sprouts were pan fried, still with good crunch, with maple syrup providing a sweet contrast to the vegetal flavour, and melted blue cheese adding creamy saltiness; another well turned out dish. The final of the three a host of baby octopus, spiced with what was described as Texan spices, was served up with tender squid tentacles, zucchini strips and a dash of tarragon adding an aniseed note. The flesh was tender and juicy, but gee the spices the Texans must like it hot the cumin and garlic were there and maybe a touch of smoky paprika but the chilli put all those well in the shade; now I liked them a lot, Lady FWO demurred somewhat. So be warned..... With the heat, another drink was certainly called for, and while the good Lady FWO stayed with the Rusden I chose a Vermentino from the Riverlands, Delinquente nectarine and pear aromas, vibrant acid with zingy lemon and lime flavours refreshing and zesty. A final drink seemed called for after the food, and Singlefile Pinot Noir from Denmark was the choice aromatic cherry and spice nose, with tart sour cherry flavours, medium bodied and smooth tannins; great current drinking. Varnish continues to impress with an interesting and innovative menu of light meals and snacks, together with its fantastic array of whiskey and well constructed wine list, all brought together in a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. Excellent waiters, too we like it a lot and it is definitely recommended.

I think I just found my new favourite hangout. The interior is timeless and cutting edge all at once yes that is possible! The music is awesome too, a real mish... read more I think I just found my new favourite hangout. The interior is timeless and cutting edge all at once yes that is possible! The music is awesome too, a real mish mash of all sorts of genres of cool, yet sing along songs. The service is friendly and the food is next level. I dined with a pregnant friend, and I ate like I was eating for two too. We tried the prawn dish which was a single huge prawn, and more like a delicious chunk of crayfish. I tried the lobster sausage, of which I loved the concept, but preferred the prawn small plate instead. For mains we tried the pig cheek and ribs both very rich and enjoyable. The carrot and beetroot side was a favourite. Then of course we had to try the dessert burger which well and truly lived up to the hype. Toasted donut for the bun, a patty of soft chocolate with hazelnuts, a berry sauce as ketchup, and custard for the slice of cheese. Save room for this one. There was a bit of wait on food, but the kitchen was slammed with the pre concert dining crowd. Looking forward to going back and getting stuck into more of their drinks menu. I wish Yelp would let me put angle brackets in my reviews so I could add little love hearts at the end of this review for Varnish On King.