Mrs Brown

You can tell a lot by a person by the place they keep. One look at Mrs Brown’s quirky chamber of drinks in up-and-coming North Freo and it’s clear she knows her way around an op shop. Our heroine obviously has an eye for style too, how else could the space’s mish-mash of periods – the décor takes in everything from Eames to primary school practicality – click as it does?

Mr Brown’s wife also has a playful streak. Unless, that is, that dog-shaped decanter on the top shelf and Little Golden Books recycled as menu covers are all his doing. The old lady might have guzzled Blue Nun once upon a time but her taste in wine sure has evolved. She’s happy to share her faves via a smartly chosen collection of 30-plus wines by the glass with a handful of more exxy bottles (mainly Champagne) thrown into the mix for those looking to lash out.

Then there’s the beers and ciders, another classy mix of old go-tos and exciting craft buzzwords that should please casual drinkers and beer geeks alike. Lady Brown is also a firm believer in eating and drinking. While her cupboard is limited to cheese and similarly snacky deli staples, those in the know will head next door and get team Flipside Burger to whip up one of their jaw-stretching winners and courier it on over.

While you wait, it’s cocktail time! The array may be small but the hit-rate is high. Starring a trio of rums plus citrus and soda, the Spiced Rum Fizz is all net. Despite its pale tangerine blush, the bourbon-fuelled Mad Fashioned delivers sweet, boozy good times. Unusually, it’s shaken rather than muddled and stirred, but as Mrs Brown duly demonstrates, doing it your way undoubtedly has its merits.