‘There were many empty shops and it wasn’t until about six months into us opening that we saw all the proposals for new things coming into the street,’ the 27-year-old said.
‘It seemed like the right spot. We felt Perth was sick of Northbridge the way it was which meant it only had one direction to go, so we capitalised on that and it has worked out really well.
‘It’s a beautiful street and really close to the city but out of the CBD district. With all the potential restaurants and bar spaces, moving here seemed like a no-brainer.’
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READ NOWNew Zealand-born Mr Andersen lived in Melbourne before moving to Perth and has resided in Northbridge for about four years.
‘There is a lot going on so it’s fun to live here. I step outside my apartment and there are things to do and see: galleries, museums, bars, restaurants,’ he said.
He said the inner-city suburb also offered an interesting cultural experience.
‘It has quirky little shops on William Street and a mix of weird and wonderful people.
‘Originally coming from Melbourne, I grew up in suburbs like this ” populated by Asian eateries and with a few homeless people around ” and there is something special about that charm.’
His second business Love Thy Neighbour, opening a year ago next door to the bar, has expanded with a full breakfast and lunch menu and more than double the seating capacity.
‘I certainly would consider opening another business in Northbridge given the right opportunity,’ he said.
‘I wouldn’t do it now though as we’re about to see a few new bars coming into the area, including those by Clint Nolan (La Cholita and Who’s Your Mumma Bar) and Gary Beadle (399 Bar).
‘Connies (Connections Nightclub) is doing its refurbishment and opening another venue (X-Large) so I’d like to see how that works out.’
Mr Andersen is waiting for a liquor licence to open New Orleans-styled small bar Old Faithful on King Street, Perth.