The rooftop of King Street cafe bistro Etro will be transformed into a bar over the next few months, after the venue secured a small bar licence.
Emma Panier, who owns the venue with her husband and head chef, Patrick, said Etro had been granted conditional approval from the City of Perth after a six-month wait and costs of about $25,000.
The main condition imposed by council is the incorporation of a roof, which Ms Panier says has been designed in keeping with the heritage sensibilities of King Street, while maintaining the alfresco feel of the venue.
The application for the construction of the roof is currently with council after being lodged last August.
“The whole thing is delayed until I get the roof approved,” Ms Panier told WA Business News.
While the upstairs area already hosts functions throughout the year, with each event requiring an extended trading permit, Ms Panier said demand from the corporate market warranted transforming the unique setting into a small bar able to cater for functions throughout the year.
“We’ve run Etro for three years and there’s been a real interest in that area for functions,” she said.
Once the roof is up other modifications will be made, including improvements to the bar, lighting, and sound system.
In accordance with the licence, the main eating area will retain its restaurant licence, with the upstairs alfresco area restricted to functions with a capacity of 50 people.
Ms Panier said the venue was perfect for small cocktail-style functions such as corporate sundowners, VIP events, engagements, weddings and birthdays.
“It’s best for unique small intimate style functions,” she said.
Ms Panier said she expected to know the outcome from the most recent set of plans for the roof in a matter of days.
“It’s important for us that the City of Perth can move forward with us to get this roof sorted out,” Ms Panier said.
