Andy Freeman’s WA award-winning hospitality group operator, Sneakers & Jeans (S&J) has teamed up with Pirate Life’s founders for the new Pirate Life Perth venue.
The partnership with Andy and fellow West Aussies, Michael ‘MC’ Cameron, Jack Cameron, and Jared Proudfoot, has opened its doors, with Andy saying it represents the most significant investment S&J has ever made and reflects the hospitality operator’s long-term commitment to Perth’s hospitality scene.
“This has been a labour of love through a really uncertain period,” Andy said. “But we’ve just kept our focus on the end goal. We’ve remained committed on delivering something that is in keeping with Pirate Life and the high standards we set for ourselves at S&J.”
In true S&J style the people of Perth can expect a brewery – and then some.
“It was never going to be just a brewery, that’s not the S&J or Pirate Life way. The dream was always to create a multi-venue site when we embarked on this dream three-and-a-half years ago, and that’s exactly what we’re going to deliver.”
And even though WA has not seen the same level of lockdowns and restrictions of other states, that does not mean the COVID-challenges have not been there.
Andy explained: “A phased opening wasn’t what we wanted, but our hand was forced due to COVID. It’s been quite the journey since we announced the brewery in September 2019 – little did we know a global pandemic was just round the corner, which has turned our beloved industry on its head.
“It’s easy to forget that just over 12 months ago we had our doors closed; busy building Perth’s biggest CBD brewpub behind the scenes, not knowing if we were ever going to see it open. It was an uncertain time to say the least.
“I’ve taken a lot of risks and gambles in my career, but opening a multi-million-dollar brewery during a pandemic is by far my biggest. We simply couldn’t wait any longer. We promised Perth a brewery, and a brewery is what they’ll get… and then some.”
Spread over multiple levels at the old Sony Centre building (440 Murray Street), Pirate Life Perth showcases an in-house brewery, casual fine-dining restaurant, two private dining rooms, and more.
October’s Phase one opening unveiled 16 Pirate Life Perth taps in the brewery’s 15-metre main bar (with another 20 taps still to come), and the promise to be the only place in WA pouring exclusive Perth and Port Adelaide Pirate Life brews.
Casual fine dining restaurant, TOMA, will serve refined food inside a working brewery, using a custom-made, parrilla Woodfired grill with a focus on locally-sourced produce.
S&J have confirmed two more spaces will come to life within the brewery’s Phase two opening; a connecting area and basement bar – both with unique personalities and offerings; with brands set to be unveiled soon.
