A Perth pub family behind some of the city’s well-known dining venues will open a new UK-inspired gastropub in Perth’s southern suburbs this week.
Ryan and Nikki Esqulant of Esqulant Leisure Group Australia will welcome guests into The Heart Applecross from Friday, located alongside its sister venue Bar Ole Applecross, which opened in March.
Set to offer classic British vibes and stunning views of the Swan River, the pub takes its name and inspiration from The Golden Heart in London, a pub owned by the Esqulant family for nearly five decades.
A feature of the venue is a horseshoe-shaped bar — an homage to the Esqulant’s former UK pub The Princess Alice — which offers 22 beers on tap from Carlton to Guinness and Kilkenny.
Leading the kitchen is head chef Navi Kumar, formerly of Hillarys Beach Club, where his menu combines pub classics, a Nobu-inspired Ubon menu, pasta and pizza.
Signature dishes will include a theatrical flambe rib eye steak, finished tableside by the team, King Ora salmon ceviche with nashi pear and a beef cheek cottage pie.
ELG Australia is the group behind some of Perth’s most popular venues, including Hillarys Beach Club, Sorrento Beach Club, Yanchep Beach Club, Bar Olé Iluka and Bar Olé Applecross.
Mr Esqulant said he was “excited” to be adding to the Applecross hospitality precinct with another venue.
“What we’ve created here with The Heart and Bar Olé Applecross is something really special - an entertainment precinct where people can come together, enjoy incredible food and drinks, and take in some of the best views in Perth,” he said in a statement.
“The uninterrupted outlook over the Swan River is simply stunning, and we can’t wait to share it with our guests.”
The Heart can accommodate around 350 people inlcuding a 60-seat alfresco area designed to maximise the riverside setting.
Its modern interior has been designed by Ms Esqulant in collaboration with Hillman Architects to create a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere.
Guests can expect marble finishes, leather furnishing, lounge spaces, intimate booth seating and a curated art collection from artists Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Gilbert and George.
The Heart will be open for lunch, dinner and drinks seven days a week.
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