Run by cocktail gurus, this intimate lounge bar makes sure that WA is well represented when it comes to the art of seasonal mixology.
A sophisticated soul with a wedge of subtlety is an easy description of Luxe. This Beaufort Street cocktail bar oozes style while remaining relaxed. The two-level nightspot is small and intimate, with the skilled staff taking the time to make each transaction feel personal.
The interior of Luxe features different shades of wood, with velvet curtains and plush couches hugging the edges, making sitting and sipping effortless. There's a downstairs section called the Red Room and an outdoor smoking section with a dedicated bar.
Their espresso martini (vanilla-infused Absolut vodka and creme de cacao with fresh espresso, maraschino cherry and chicory essence) comes highly recommended or, if your palate is sweeter, lean towards a Lychee Love (made with fresh lychees, of course). On Friday nights, Luxe also serves up a special selection of Plymouth sloe gin cocktails.
There's a DJ booth to the right of the main bar area, with local beat connoisseurs spinning a variety of low-tempo, soul, funk and electronica. In a smart move, Luxe keeps it low-key, so conversation is not overwhelmed by the music's volume.
Luxe is cleverly located a bit of a walk from the bigger venues in the area, meaning only those in the know, know. Would you expect anything less from a place where elegance is understated and not force-fed?
Aaron Kovalik