Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co, a beloved West Australian brewery, is set to bring a taste of the South West to the bustling Perth Central Business District (CBD). But here's where it gets controversial... While many might associate a day in the city with stress and hustle, Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co aims to transform this perception with its upcoming venue in Brookfield Place. And this is the part most people miss... The brewery, founded in the Margaret River region in 2012, has already established itself with three successful locations south of the city. Now, it's expanding into the heart of Perth, offering a unique blend of award-winning beers and elevated casual dining. But is this the right move for the brewery's identity? Let's explore.
A New Home in the City
Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co's managing director, Brent Burton, expresses excitement about the expansion, stating, 'Itās an incredible honor to partner with Brookfield Properties and join the world-class precinct at Brookfield Place.' The new venue, set to open in July 2026, will be a beer haven for city workers, offering a reimagined interior and an expanded beer garden, providing a much-needed escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With 24 taps pouring the brewery's most awarded beers and a food menu that fuses elevated casual pub favorites with flavors from around the globe, the venue aims to provide a laid-back sanctuary for guests all day and after work.
Staying True to Its Roots
Despite the urban setting, the brewery's director of operations, Brendan Day, emphasizes that the new venue will stay true to its Margaret River roots. 'Weāre re-imagining the space to be entirely focused on high-quality hospitality without the ego or pretence,' Day says. 'Our vision is to bring the essence of the South West to St Georges Terrace ā great beer, elevated pub food, and a welcoming place people want to spend time in.'
Competition in the CBD
Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co won't be the only established West Australian brewpub to find a new home in the CBD. Fremantle's Little Creatures, for instance, is set to open at Elizabeth Quay in November 2025. This trend raises questions about the competition for space and the potential impact on the city's existing bar and restaurant scene. But is this a good thing for Perth's beer culture?
A bittersweet Goodbye
Meanwhile, Brookfield Place bids a bittersweet farewell to Bar Lafayette, which has been a founding tenant for 13 years. The bar's owners will continue to operate sister bar W Churchill next door. This transition highlights the dynamic nature of the CBD's hospitality scene, where new entrants bring fresh energy, while long-standing establishments leave their mark on the city's history.
Thought-Provoking Questions
As Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co prepares to open its new venue, it invites us to consider the following: How can a brewery maintain its unique identity while expanding into a new market? What impact will these new entrants have on the city's existing bar and restaurant scene? And, most importantly, will these new venues be able to capture the essence of the South West in the heart of the city? We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
