Renowned Western Australian chef Scott Bridger is making a triumphant return to the sands of Leighton Beach, launching a new dining venture just months after selling his iconic establishment.
A Culinary Homecoming
Merely two months after the sale of Bib & Tucker, the North Fremantle eatery that reshaped Perth's coastal dining scene over 13 years ago, Bridger is poised to unveil his latest project. Pearla & Co, a modern coastal restaurant and bar, will occupy the former Al Lupo site, located a mere 90 metres from his original success story.
For Bridger, a chef deeply connected to the WA coastline, this move represents a homecoming. His philosophy for Pearla & Co is rooted in simplicity and quality. "Pearla & Co is about simple things done beautifully, the kind of food you want to eat with friends, made with produce you actually care about," Bridger says.
The Heart and Soul of Pearla & Co
The restaurant's name is a heartfelt nod to two significant influences. It honours Bridger's grandmother, Pearl, and embraces the classic Australian habit of creating affectionate nicknames, with a "pearler" signifying something truly exceptional.
The menu will be unapologetically seafood-led, featuring fish dry-aged in-house, oysters shucked fresh to order, and shellfish sourced from nearby waters. The commitment to local provenance extends to vegetables, herbs, and greens, which will be supplied by trusted WA growers, many of whom Bridger has collaborated with for years.
The "Co" in the name stands for community, representing the essential network of local fishermen, farmers, and artisans who will supply the kitchen daily. Bridger aims to capture the local vibe, describing North Fremantle as having a "great energy — creative, laid-back, a bit cheeky" and wanting his new venue to feel like a natural part of that fabric from day one.
A Venue Designed for Coastal Living
The physical space of Pearla & Co has been thoughtfully designed to reflect its beachside location. The venue unfolds across three distinct zones: a main dining room, a bar, and an open alfresco terrace. Each area is intended to evoke the calm, textured atmosphere of Leighton Beach and the vibrant community that surrounds it.
With such anticipation building, the announcement of the booking launch date is highly awaited. Bookings will open at 10am this Friday, November 14, via the restaurant's website, pearlaandco.com.au. Given Bridger's esteemed reputation and the prime location, expectations are high for a rapid uptake of reservations.
