Fremantle: Cappucino Strip
Fremantle's multicultural mix is most evident in its food and restaurants. A strong Italian influence has produced a vast array of pizza and pasta restaurants while Asian, Indian and a whole host of other cuisine can also be found nestled among Fremantle's winding streets. Fremantle has the highest concentration of restaurants anywhere in Western Australia. Fremantle is renowned for its cafes and coffee shops, most notably on the 'Cappuccino Strip', a section of South Terrace known for its alfresco dining culture.
The term 'Cappuccino Strip' was originally coined to describr the section of South Terrace between Bannister Street and Henderson Street, but as anyone who has been their knows, the cafes, lively restaurants, gourmet food outlets, historical pubs and small funky bars that brim with patrons from across the globe are not restricted to that specific section of South Terrace. You can also try a visit to one of the stylish micro breweries. These breweries offer an incredible range of tasty amber ales and are an emerging scene all of their own.
Australia's defence of the America's Cup, held in Fremantle held in Fremantle in 1987, has long been seen as the event that changed Fremantle from a grimy port city to the bustling cosmopolis that now attracts thousands of tourists each year. It was during that year that the Cappuccino Strip ermerged, though some argue that Fremantle's gentrification was independent of the America s Cup, as was the technology that transformed the historic port.
It certainly changed the nature of the residential mix, which again had a major impact in the way Fremantle developed over that time, but in reality the America's Cup only accelerated the public and private investment into Fremantle which had already begun some years earlier. Within two years it created a tourist infrastructure that previously did not exist, but more importantly, the rest of Perth discovered Fremantle was a really fun place to visit.
1902-1903 - Sail & Anchor Hotel, 64 South Terrace, cnr Henderson Street, Fremantle, WA.
The Sail and Anchor Hotel is at the heart of Fremantle's Cappuccino Strip. The Sail and Anchor Hotel began life as Freemasons' Hotel, which replaced a hotel that was originally constructed on the site in 1854. In 1923 the Swan Brewery purchased the hotel from William Padbury. In 1984, the hotel underwent a major restoration and upgrading. It was converted into Australia's first boutique pub brewery, and renamed the Sail & Anchor in 1986. The renovations included the restoration of the veranda and balcony, with the spiral staircase, wood paneled walls, and pressed tin ceiling retained. The micro-brewery operations were closed at the hotel in 2010.
Fremantle Markets, corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street, Fremantle, WA
Built in 1897, the markets house over 150 shops for craftspeople, fashion designers, and merchants in the historic Hall, and fresh food producers, vegetable growers and food retailers in The Yard. The Markets are typically open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and are a popular Fremantle tourist destination considered "a Fremantle institution". Designed in the Federation Romanesque style, the foundation stone was laid by Premier of Western Australia Sir John Forrest on 6 November 1897, and the principal construction was carried out between 1898 and 1902. The interior walls are mainly rough washed limestone, with a high iron roof supported by timber columns. The perimeter of the markets is lined with small shops, and the main entry to the market is through ornate stone arches on the Henderson St and Market Street frontages.
31 Market Street, Fremantle, WA
One of those rare, old-style grocers where customers can wander around at their own speed, taking in the sights and smells, and discovering all sorts of delicious treats for the mouth and nose from coffee beans and curry leaves to honey roasted cashews and chocolate oranges. Foodies from all over Perth flock to this well-stocked, affordable provedore for its staggering assortment of spices, nuts, dried beans, coffee, locally produced pestos and olives and Mediterranean delicacies. It's a great place to buy bulk items such as rices, beans, teas etc. A variety of coffees are available straigtht out of the sacks on the floor; other scoopable goods and deli items such as feta and olives come from all over the world. The shop is full of goodies, leaving the aisles somwhat cramped for people with walkers or strollers, but that is a small price to pay for the experience of old-time grocery shopping. The store's older brother resides in Northbridge, hence this store's odd name, though it is not quite so odd once you know the logic behind it.
1907 - Fremantle Port Office, 13-15 Market Street, Fremantle, WA
Like many of the buildings in Fremantle, the Post Office was erected in a flurry of building activity that took place around the turn of the 20th century in the wake of the 1890s Western Australian gold rush. Fremantle Post Office was designed by Hillson Beasley of the Public Works Department. Beasley was noted for his 'blood and bandages' style of red brick public architecture, which he used to great effect here. The Post Office was renovated during the Western Australian Centenary year of 1929, and again in 1987 for the America's Cup challenge. Fremantle was the first town in Western Australia to have an official post office. From the 1830s the postal service was entrusted to a succession of local merchants.
Victoria Pavilion, Fremantle Oval, Parry Street, South Terrace and Henderson Street, opposite the Fremantle Markets. Fremantle, WA.
In January 1897 local architect F.W. Burwell won the competition held by the Fremantle Council for the design of a pavilion for Fremantle Oval. The foundation stone was laid on 25 June 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The importance of the structure to the local community is reflected in the fact that the Premier John Forrest was called upon to officiate its opening on 6 November 1897.
1902 - Fremantle Synagogue (former), 92 South Tce, Fremantle, WA/
The former Fremantle Synagogue was the first purpose built synagogue constructed in Western Australia in 1902. The first Jewish congregation was established in Fremantle in August 1887. In April 1896, Lot 1375 South Terrace was vested in Elias Solomon and W F Samson, as Trustees for the Jewish Congregation. The new site was a logical one given it was adjacent to the Barracks where services were already being held. Surprising, the congregation did not build a synagogue until 1902, by which time the Fremantle Jewish congregation had grown to sixty or so. The architectural partnership of Oldham and Eales, noted for their recent design of the nearby Fremantle Markets, was given the commission. The Jewish community's use of the Fremantle synagogue was short lived. An increase in the Jewish community in metropolitan Perth resulted in a second congregation being established in Perth in 1892. Over the next decade there was a gradual shift of the Jewish population to Perth and in 1908 the Perth congregation assumed control of the declining Fremantle congregation's affairs. The Synagogue was subsequently sold, the property has been extensively modified and used for a variety of purposes since then.
The Fremantle Technical College Annexe (1877) and the Fremantle Technical School (c 1910) epitomise the design principles of the Victorian Free Gothic style of architecture. Together they demonstrate the range of variations and developments in architectural practice and materials in educational institutions over a thirty year period.
Fremantle Technical College Annexe (1877): the limestone building served as an infants and girls school until the Princess May Girls' School was completed in 1902. It was then taken over by the Technical College.
Fremantle Technical School (c 1910): The building was established originally as a public school. Designed in the Victorian Free Gothic style of architecture, the building is a substantial two storey stone and brick structure. It was designed by PWD architect, Hillson Beasley, as a technical college which was intended to replace the adjacent stone school. Hillson Beasley's typical use of formal composition and stone dressed red brick, with horizontal banding and details are said to be common in Victorian London buildings such as New Scotland Yard and the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral. The buildings continue to be used for educational purposes, by the Technical and Further Education Department (TAFE).
1904 - Trades Hall, 6 Collie Street, corner Pakenham Street, Fremantle.
Used until the 1960s, as the headquarters of the Trades and Labour Movement, when their offices were relocated to Perth, Fremantle's Trades Hall has played a major role in the industrial politics of the wharves of Fremantle for over half a century. A large two storey brick building with painted stucco ornamentation and corrugated iron roof, constructed in 1904 by architect Joseph Allen as the Trades Hall.
Esplanade, Hotel, Marine Terrace opposite Esplanade Park, Fremantle, WA. The first building here was a warehouse built by Daniel Scott the first harbour master and the first chair of the town council. This building was pressed into service as temporary home for the first 75 convicts who arrived in 1850 from Great Britain. The convicts lived here whilst they worked to build a convict establishment that would, in time, be called Fremantle Prison. The present building developed out of a later building on the site, a two storey brick dwelling with a shingle roof and a two storey verandah that addressed the waterfront. In 1896 following renovations to the building, The Esplanade Hotel opened its doors. In 1985 the building was enlarged in preparation for the anticipated influx of visitors for the 1987 America's Cup. Numerous expansions have resulted in the hotel's capacity being increased to 300 bedrooms and the addition of a convention centre.
