Perth’s First Pintxos Bar (Buffet Tapas)

On Tuesday Menu Magazine was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of Perths first ever pintxos bar in that of Bar de Halcyon.
Bar de Halcyon is the latest small bar to take residence in trendy Wolf Lane and will offer a relaxed and social ambience, complemented by a unique fusion of cultural influences.
Pintxos, a traditional Spanish snack, is recognised as the food which brings people together because of the social manner in which it is consumed. With an arsenal of hot and cold food delights on a stick and the best part – there is no need to order, patrons can take what they please and start eating immediately. Payment is based on an honesty system when the sticks are tallied up at the end of the meal. It’s kind of like a buffet.
David Heaton, who is behind some of Western Australia’s most successful entertainment venues including Metropolis Fremantle and Capitol Amplifier, was inspired to make the foray into the small bar scene with his business partner, Linda Fry,  following a trip to Europe several years ago.
“We wanted to create a destination that caters for everything from a coffee fix first thing in the morning, to lunch and evening cocktails – a place that is convivial and cosmopolitan whatever the time of day,” Mr Heaton said.
“Perth’s hospitality scene is evolving in an exciting way.  There is a diverse mix of bars and restaurants for people to enjoy and we are seeing inspired new influences come through from the Eastern States and across the globe – it is fantastic to be amongst it,” Mr Heaton added.
The two-storey venue has a distinctively Western Australian flavour including art work by Moira de la Hunty, custom-made furniture by local furniture and industrial designer Chris Maple and the sawn timber table tops and feature wall have been sourced from the historic Bunbury Jetty.
Upstairs on level two, there is a see-through glazed refrigerated vitrine which allows patrons to view the ever-changing array of hanging meat while downstairs on the ground floor, the open plan kitchen provides all with the opportunity to view the food preparation process. With over 50 tapas dishes available – there is more pintxos than you can shake a stick at.

Bar de Halcyon is located in Wolf Lane and will be open six days a week, Monday to Saturday.
For further information visit their website.