Pub guide

This pub guide was laboriously compiled by Simon Smith and his
dedicated team of researchers who have worked tirelessly
sampling these venues for the last few weeks.

The first five are located within walking distance, but the
last two are in Fremantle and Perth CBD respectively. All locations
can be found on the interactive conference map.

Captain Stirling Hotel – The Best Conference Pub

The Captain is probably the best Conference Pub in the area. It closes late, the background music is quiet and it can easily accommodate a large group of mathematicians. Don’t walk there along Stirling Highway (the walk is unpleasant), instead meander through the pretty suburban streets that run alongside the highway. The Captain offers a good selection of beer. The food is expensive but tasty standard pub food, with over-priced vegetarian options available. Never order the fish and chips.

The University Club (Uni Club) – The Starter Pub

A good place to start the evening. There is outdoor seating, it’s tastefully decorated and can accommodate large groups. Pizza is available until the kitchen closes. Unfortunately the Uni Club closes very early (8pm), and the beer selection is limited, so you’ll need a plan B if you want to make a night of it.

Varsity Bar – The Undergraduate Nostalgia Pub

A student favourite, this pub has loud music and unusual toilets. It can accommodate large groups. Their standard pub food is inexpensive (by Perth standards) and pretty good. A great choice if you want to relive your notorious undergraduate days and you don’t mind sticky floors.

The Byrneleigh Hotel – The Somewhat Fancy Pub

This is both a restaurant and a pub. They have an amazing deal on Tuesdays ($20 for steak, chips and a glass of wine/beer), and they have been known to give out a free margarita pizza with a margarita cocktail. There is a small outdoor area with fake grass, and it can be hard to find a seat early in the evening. This place is somewhat classy.

Steves – The Posh Pub

Steves is located in a quiet part of town. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and the food is lovely. They have Moet Chandon branded objects dotted around the place, so there is no danger you will confuse it with Varsity. Despite the fancy looks, it’s not particularly expensive.

The Sail and Anchor – The Free house in Fremantle

The Sail and Anchor is in Fremantle, a considerable distance from UWA but easily accessible using public transport. It is a heritage listed pub, so it looks delightful, and claims to have 40 different beers on tap. However, those hoping for 40 subtle and nuanced ales, be aware that The Sail and Anchor has a “Hopinator” which the staff use to add more hops to over-hopped ale. If you like craft beer, this is the best place in Perth to find locally brewed, small batch beer.

The Moon and Sixpence – The Real Pub

Known to some locals as The Pig and Whistle, this is a real pub, that serves real ale. The Moon and Sixpence is in the heart of the CBD, and it boasts Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen and Hobgoblin on tap, imported from the home of proper ale, the UK. The temperature of the ale will be too low (it is served extra cold) and the price too high ($12 for a pint) for those mathematicians arriving directly from Britain, but for everyone else this pub is an excellent choice. If you do decide to make the journey to this delightful pub, be sure to wear proper shoes: those in thongs/flip-flops will be asked to leave at 8pm.