Speakeasy style hits laneway bar scene

Perth's transformation into a small bar hub is set to continue, with a speakeasy-style whisky bar and a tapas and cocktail lounge proposed for the city centre.

Well-known bar operators Andy Freeman, of Luxe Bar, and David Heaton, of Amplifier and Metropolis, Fremantle, have lodged small bar applications with the Director of Liquor Licensing.

If approved, the bars will add to the growing laneway scene in the CBD, which includes the Wolf Lane, Cheeky Sparrow and Andaluz nightspots.

The proposed venues will be aimed at a mature "high-end" city crowd, as opposed to the "high-vis"-wearing pub-goers.

Mr Freeman's Varnish on King is proposed for the basement of a heritage building on King Street.

Inspired by New York speakeasies, the bar would feature a dining area and lounge seating and offer whisky, wine and American-style cuisine such as gourmet hotdogs.

Varnish will also feature an entrance on Prince Lane.

Mr Heaton's tapas, wine and cocktail bar, with the working name of Mir Lounge, will involve a $1 million redevelopment of an existing space in Wolf Lane to create a Melbourne-style bar.