Parkerville Tavern, or ‘Parky’ as it’s long been affectionately known, is an icon of the area having played a pivotal role in the Perth Hills community for more than 100 years.
A licenced premises on this site was opened in 1902 in Parkerville, a hills suburb of Perth. Originally known as The Railway Hotel, the first premises on this site was run by local pioneer Alice Ottey and her husband Joseph.
In 1902 Alice Ottey obtained a wine and beer licence for the couple’s timber and iron-roofed house which had been built in 1897, believed to be just the second house built in Parkerville.
A WA Government Heritage Council notes: “Soon after her daughter Catherine’s marriage in May 1902, Alice rented the hotel to W. W. Bramwell and subsequently to retired surveyor W.H. Angove,” it notes.
It notes: “Sometime between November 1905, and September 1906, Angove made substantial additions to the place and received a full public house licence. In February 1921, judging by an advertisement in The Motorist & Wheelman, the Railway Hotel, as it was still known, was a single-storey building. At that time the proprietor was R.J. Congdon. Subsequent owners such as Eileen Smith have altered the building and today it bears little resemblance to the original building.”
The Heritage Study tells us that with many squatters living in the surrounding bush and a flurry of activity from the local sawmills, gravel quarry, and fruit orchards, it wasn’t long before the hotel was reported to be doing an excellent trade.
The hotel’s name was later changed to The Parkerville Hotel. It closed in 1921 and reopened in 1928. For a time it went by the name Judge Parkers. It was re-named The Parkerville Tavern in the 1970s.
Over the years The Parky has been a bottle shop, a boarding house, a hotel, and in more recent times a tavern.
Today we are a charming family pub and restaurant and remain deeply engaged with our community.
It sits in an elegant brick, two-storey building close to the road overlooking the Jane Brook and associated park. It has large verandas and balustrades on both floors across most of the south facing frontage, and on the western end, and which contribute significantly to the building’s impact on its setting.
The hotel has a remarkable history, including being linked to myths involving the infamous Bushranger, Moondyne Joe, the murder of Joseph Ottey by his own daughter, and having a healing mineral pool called Cleopatra’s Pool, believed to have had powers to relieve arthritis.
Subsequent owners have altered the building and today it bears little resemblance to the original building.
Today the Parkerville Tavern is a much loved and valued venue by the residents of Parkerville and surrounding suburbs. It’s where good food, drinks and friends come together.
Come and say hello to the friendly Parky crew, grab a bite to eat and a drink or two.
From small bites that are perfect for sharing to classic pub mains when you feel like something hearty, our menu offers something to satisfy every craving. There’s even a kid’s menu for the little ones and a seniors menu for our ‘old friends’.
And with a range of local craft beers and ciders on tap, local wines from the Perth Hills and the Swan Valley, plus an extensive cocktail menu, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to drinks.
Nestled in a wooded valley near numerous walk and cycle trails, the beautifully restored ‘Parky’ is ideal for friends, couples, and families, with several seating areas indoors, a large outdoor beer garden and a great playground for the kids.
Come in soon and say hello.