In the suburb of Beaconsfield, just 4km from Fremantle and 20km from Perth, Beaconsfield Wine Bar recently opened its doors, showcasing local produce and fine wines in an intimate setting.
As the previous Venue Manager of Madalena’s, a beachside bar in South Fremantle serving up small plates of seafood in the style of a Brazilian boteco, Matt Sharples, owner of the new locale, was ready to venture into the world of wine. Opening his own space, and lovingly curating a menu of wine and small nibbles, for Sharples, was about “the things that we like to have when we go out.”
With capacity for up to 50 patrons, Sharples says that the small size of the space has allowed the bar to become a community hub that offers a personal experience.
“We have lived in the area for a couple of years and wanted a neighbourhood bar we could pop into after work, on a dog walk, or on the weekends. So, we decided to do it ourselves.
“It’s pretty small, but the right amount of seating to allow you to get recommendations from the staff and get to know us when you come in. We really focus on building relationships with our suppliers, regulars and locals.”
Situated in a commercial unit on Lefroy Road, the bar setting is clean and bright with floor to ceiling windows, timber furniture throughout, shelves displaying a selection of beverages, and outdoor furniture that flows onto the pavement outside.
“The venue evolved quite quickly,” says Sharples. “When it was leased in April it was a bare shell with no separate rooms and no bathrooms. Gorilla Constructions completed our fit out and all of our furniture has been custom-made by Remington Matters.”
Drinks wise, Sharples is proud of the extensive wine list, the majority of which has been locally sourced and made by his friends.
“We have an extensive wine list, over 200 bottles, of both natural, low intervention and more traditional wines. A lot of the wines I have collected and cellared while waiting to open my own place. It means that a lot of the wines on the wine list have their own story or special memory for us.
“In creating the wine list, I have focused on smaller, independent producers and including good wine made by good people, which includes some great friends.”
Beyond the thoughtfully chosen wine offering, Beaconsfield Wine Bar has a selection of classic cocktails, spirits and beers, accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages from tea-based alcohol alternative T.I.N.A and flavoured soda from Victorian brand Cielo.
From the food menu, expect a growing snacks list which is, again, widely local and made by friends.
“Our menu is very much inspired by a café à vin in Paris. We source our bread from Everyday Bread and Hunter Bread, tarts from Teeter Bakery, deli meats from Princi and a number of pickles, pates and terrines from Guy Jeffries at Kitchen Community.
“We are really lucky to have a lot of amazing suppliers and friends making delicious snacks around us and really want to utilise this.”
Alongside the above delicacies, Sharples says the tradition of Saturday mortadella rolls has become a firm favourite, selling out week on week.