Old Courthouse Fremantle

Famous WA names from Bon Scott to Alan Bond are among those who have spent time in the Courthouse on Henderson Street.

But unlike those who pass through today, their visits were not by choice and no joyous matter.

For more than a century between 1899 and 2001, the Fremantle Courthouse was a beacon of law and order in the port city, a venue where justice was served and sentences handed down. But it's fair to say the new iteration of the Old Courthouse – which opened to the public just days before Christmas 2021 - carries a slightly more casual and carefree air than that of its previous life.

From the man behind The National, owner Karl Bullers and local architects, SlavinArch have restored the historic Courthouse, modernising the building yet retaining its charming character features. There are soaring 6m ceilings, once designed to intimidate, which offer an immense sense of space. The historic courtrooms have transformed into a chic bar and two indoor dining areas.

The Courthouse's original magistrate's desk and witness docks are still in situ, retained and restored for today's revellers to soak in the history with a drink in hand. Need to book a function space? The original jury room offers just the place.

It's not uncommon to wish the historic walls of Freo could talk. Those at Old Courthouse come pretty damn close – adorned with portraits of the court's original judges, including Robert Fairbairn, who presided over the first cases in the Courthouse in 1899. QR codes developed in conjunction with The University of Notre Dame offer a history lesson when scanned.

The significance of the interior’s restoration as a homage to eras gone is not lost on Bullers, whose past experience restoring The National from the brink of ruin helped to inspire the vision.

“Fremantle’s historic buildings are one of its selling points, and this is a space with so many stories to tell,” he tells Lost in Fremantle. “To be able to be part of something that’s been so important to the history of the area, and to bring it back to life, is quite the privilege. It’s very unique, it’s a beautiful building.”

The outdoors blends the old with new additions, a stunning glass-enclosed pavilion and leafy garden of Peppermint trees with outside deck and outdoor seating. It's a tranquil spot to soak in the daytime light through to warm summer nights in the heart of Fremantle's entertainment district close to Freo's live music venues plus a skip to the Fremantle Markets and Fremantle Oval.

The burning question – what about a drink?

Old Courthouse boasts an extensive range of 99 wines with a distinct WA focus, along with bottles from Italy, France and New Zealand. The cocktail menu offers a series of the classics (think Martinis, Negronis, Margaritas) and 8 Spritz styles, while Little Creatures leads the beers on tap, soon to be joined by a specially brewed, Courthouse Lager.

Those with a taste for finer things, and a wallet to match, can order a glass of the 1899 vintage Seppeltsfield Old Para Vintage tawny port. A beverage of the same age as the building in which it's served.

Executive Chef Simon Reid leads the kitchen with a pub-style menu featuring 24-hour rotisserie free-range WA roasted chicken, sirloin steak and today's fish catch. Light bites like blue swimmer crab toast, Courthouse continental baguette or a grazing plate of meats, cheese and house-pickled vegetables are served for lunch and dinner daily.

"It’s simple, honest food, and the rotisserie is at the heart of that,” Bullers says. “Everyone loves a home-cooked roast, so that really is the central theme. And we cater for everybody, so there’s salads, steaks, fish and everything else you could want on the menu as well.”

Old Courthouse deserves a fair go. A faithfully restored venue with an extensive wine list and good, honest food, plus an outdoor space positioned in Freo's historic heart. Come for the history, stay for a drink or two. You be the judge.

Photo credit: Old Courthouse