INNOVATIVE design means different things to different people - something the owners of The Basement on Broadway (BOB) have taken on board to maximum effect.
INNOVATIVE design means different things to different people - something the owners of The Basement on Broadway (BOB) have taken on board to maximum effect.
What about a curved glass toilet facility that provides the user with a view of their fellow patrons while carrying out their unglamorous business? How's that for different?
And what about 'indestructable' walls that cannot be marked, glass that cannot be kicked through, or a custom-designed fridge that elimates reflected light, allowing punters full view of the range on offer at all times?
It has taken more than a year for the owners of the former Broadway Tavern to remodel the British-style pub into its current state.
The project has been a very personal labour of love for the businessmen behind Our Loungeroom Pty Ltd, turning the old Nedlands student favourite into their dream of "a pub we'd like to drink in".
The boutique brewery's many owner-designed features (the automated waterfall-flushed toilet being one) have taken much stripping down, building up and a multi-million dollar investment in an attempt to offer something really different to Nedlands locals.
"Many of our beers are award-winners and the selection is truly second to none," licensee Chris Billington says. "Moreover, we have a selection of good, popular wines people have heard of.
"If I wanted to impress a girl, there are wines on that list that would immediately jump out. The Italian one, perhaps."
Other entries on the list are wines with names that represent the bar's owners - 'Pure Evil' and 'Jester' for a start.
Whatever it may be, BOB is certainly a beast with plenty of personality. Since opening in early December, the Basement has attracted many curious clientelle to see the changes to the old Broadway Tavern.
"We asked ourselves, what is this area [Nedlands] missing? And what was missing was good Aussie-style food and entertainment" Mr Billington says.
The menu complements the quality of the beers on offer, with a comprehensive and sensibly priced range of Aussie pub favourites designed to appeal to a range of patrons.
Keen to meet their high targets, the owners are opening BOB seven days a week, catering for up to 400 punters for lunch and dinner. Daily theme nights, including student and karaoke nights, have also been introduced to attract the crowds.
