A bold new hospitality destination is set to arrive in Perth’s southern suburbs, with The
Heart Applecross officially opening its doors on Friday, 22nd May. Located beneath the
prestigious Riviere Residence on Canning Beach Road in Applecross, the venue
promises to deliver a premium European gastropub experience with sweeping,
uninterrupted views across the Swan River to the Perth CBD.
Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and drinks, The Heart Applecross will
accommodate approximately 300 – 350 guests, including a 60 seat alfresco area
designed to maximise its enviable riverside setting. Floor to ceiling bifold doors and
expansive windows flood the venue with natural light, seamlessly blending indoor and
outdoor dining.
Positioned alongside its sister venue, Bar Olé Applecross, which opened in March, The
Heart forms part of a vibrant new entertainment precinct in Applecross, offering locals a
dynamic destination for dining, drinking and socialising. The venue takes its name and inspiration from The Golden Heart in Spitalfields, UK, a pub owned by the Esqulant family for nearly five decades – bringing heritage, warmth, and
character to its modern Australian setting.
The interior has been thoughtfully designed by owner Nikki Esqulant in collaboration with
Hillman Architects, the interior blends sophistication with comfort. Guests can expect
marble finishes, plush leather furnishings, relaxed lounge spaces and intimate booth
seating, all crafted with locally sourced materials and furniture.
A standout feature of the venue is its curated art collection, prominently displayed
across the walls. The works come from renowned artists including Tracey Emin, Damien
Hirst, and Gilbert & George – all of whom share a longstanding connection with the
Esqulant family. These artists have been regulars and friends of the family for over 40
years, with their works also featured in Ryan’s family pub, The Golden Heart in
Spitalfields, bringing a rich sense of history and personal storytelling into the venue.
The feature of the venue and where all the magic happens, is a striking horseshoe shaped
bar – an homage to Ryan and Nikki’s former UK pub, The Princess Alice – featuring 22
beers on tap from Carlton & United Breweries alongside favourites like Guinness and
Kilkenny. Designed to encourage connection, the bar invites guests to sit, linger and
enjoy the atmosphere with plenty of leather bar stools for guests to perch and taste their
way through the drinks list.
The Heart also features a private dining room accommodating up to 24 seated guests or
50 cocktail style, making it ideal for both corporate functions and social celebrations.
Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Navi Kumar, formerly of Hillarys Beach Club where he
has been with the ELG Australia family for the last 2.5 years and overseen by the group’s
Executive Chef Steven Finch. The menu blends elevated pub classics, including an
expanded Nobu-inspired UBON menu which is much loved at Hillarys, along with house
made pastas and pizzas crafted from in-house dough – all using premium WA produce.
Signature dishes include a theatrical flambé ribeye steak, finished tableside by the team
alongside an extensive selection showcasing some of Australia’s finest beef cuts. Other
highlights include King Ora salmon ceviche with nashi pear and a comforting beef cheek
cottage pie – perfect for the cooler months. Desserts are equally indulgent, with sticky
date madeleines set to become a crowd favourite.
The beverage offering is equally impressive, featuring a curated cocktail list and an
extensive premium wine selection showcasing leading Western Australian producers
alongside cellar releases, magnums and classic Australian and international labels –
displayed in an impressive open-view cellar.
The Heart Applecross is owned and operated by Ryan Esqulant and Nikki Esqulant of ELG
Australia, the group behind some of Perth’s most popular venues, including Hillarys
Beach Club, Sorrento Beach Club, Yanchep Beach Club, Bar Olé Iluka and Bar Olé
Applecross.
Ryan Esqulant, Owner of ELG Australia, said “We’re incredibly excited to bring the ELG
Australia style of hospitality south of the river and to become part of the Applecross
community. What we’ve created here with The Heart and Bar Olé Applecross is
something really special – an entertainment precinct where people can come together,
enjoy incredible food and drinks, and take in some of the best views in Perth. The
uninterrupted outlook over the Swan River is simply stunning, and we can’t wait to share
it with our guests.”
The opening of The Heart and Bar Olé Applecross has also delivered a significant boost
to the local area, with 180 staff employed from the surrounding community across all
areas of hospitality.
With its premium offering, design and unbeatable location, The Heart Applecross is set
to become a landmark destination for dining and social experiences in Perth’s south.
Open 7 days a week from Friday 22nd May 2026 – located at 59 Canning Beach Road,
Applecross.