‘Game-changing’ Northbridge cocktail and wine garden Henry Summer calls last drinks after seven years

Seven years after bringing a much-needed breeze of sophistication to Northbridge, Henry Summer will mix its last cocktail on December 21.

While the urban cocktail and wine garden on Aberdeen Street in the nightlife district will close its doors, operators Lavish Habits will partner with another Perth hospitality group, Sesh Mafia, to relaunch the venue in 2025.

Lavish Habits boss Clint Nolan described Henry Summer as a “game-changing” venue when it opened in late 2017.

“While closing this chapter is bittersweet, it feels like the perfect time to embrace a new, exciting concept,” Nolan said.

In addition to Henry Summer, Lavish Habits also runs several other Northbridge venues, including long-running Mexican cantina La Cholita, Irish pub Johnny Fox’s and bars Alabama Song, Joe’s Juice Joint and Sneaky Tony’s.

Nolan also opened another modern Mexican diner in Subiaco’s popular La Condesa.

The bar operator said collaborating with Sesh Mafia — the group behind Subiaco “fun-diner” Shui, city Japanese izakaya Papi Katsu and Margot’s Wine Bar in Northbridge — was a “natural fit, given our mutual passion for the Perth hospitality scene and our shared drive to create truly exciting things in our city”

Nolan added that “this next chapter will bring something fresh and totally new to Perth’s vibrant hospitality landscape and I can’t wait to share more with everyone”.

Sesh Mafia director Ben Tua said he’s always had a “huge amount of respect” for Nolan, who opened his first Northbridge venue in La Cholita in 2011.

“He’s a true trailblazer who isn’t afraid to take risks and always pushes the envelope,” Tua said

“His work has done so much to elevate Perth’s scene, and it’s clear how much he’s committed to making this city a vibrant and exciting place.

“For Sesh Mafia, collaborating on the new era of the former Henry Summer space is an absolute honour for us,” he added.

“Venues like this are incredibly rare, and we’re absolutely stoked for the opportunity.”