The National

If not for a fire that almost destroyed the National Hotel in 2007, the iconic venue as it stands today would never have come to be.

Far from fortuitous, the fire-ravaged the heritage building and robbed Fremantle of part of its soul for nearly a decade. But that which rose from the ashes is a venue as compelling as it is charming – a modern establishment that pays loving homage to its 120-year-old bones.

Those bones have seen their fair share over the years. Originally the site of a bank, The National Hotel was first opened in 1886. Its walls were reconstructed in 1902 in an ambitious project that created the familiar Federation-style frame you see today with the hotel delicately rebuilt post-fire and reopened to the public in stages from 2013.

This rebuild was a labour of love for owner Karl Bullers, who presents as much as a historian as he does a publican when meeting Lost in Fremantle on a sunny Freo afternoon.

“The longer I’ve been here, the more I’ve realised how many peoples lives have been impacted by this venue. It’s been a Fremantle meeting place since the 1880s,” he says.

“In some ways, the fire was good for The National because it allowed us to make the investment and pour love back into it. It’s probably the only heritage hotel in town with full air conditioning and all the modern conveniences.”

What stands at the corner of High and Market Streets today is a venue which caters to the diverse needs of both Freo locals and those passing through the port city.

There’s the ground-floor pub, where a cold beer and generous serves of classic pub grub are the order of the day. On tap, options range from local favourites Single Fin by Gage Roads, Little Creatures Pale Ale, and 150 Lashes (James Squire) to international staples like Guinness and Kilkenny. Sit beneath the foliage of the alfresco area to High Street, or tuck into a corner inside and spend a few hours watching live sport on the tele.

Above, a restaurant level offers friendly dining and drinking with Head Chef Simon Reid’s menu. Soaring ceilings, dark timber flooring and era-faithful architectural features hero the space, and the wraparound balcony is as good a place as you’ll find in Freo to people watch out to the streets below. Grass-fed beef fillet or Fish of the Day are two fan favourites. However, the homemade gnocchi with a fresh mushroom medley, baby bocconcini, drizzled in truffle oil doesn’t disappoint. 

A throwback to The National’s roots, 12 boutique rooms are available to travellers from near and far. Over the two top floors, with some rooms tucked up in the eves, all are elegantly modernised yet retain some heritage charm, including sumptuous bathtubs in adjoining marble ensuites. Half feature French doors leading to a wraparound balcony overlooking central Fremantle. Not your average ‘room above a pub’ making for a compelling staycation option.

For many, the jewel in The National’s crown is its rooftop bar. Once more or less dead space, today it facilitates sprawling 360-degree views of Fremantle and beyond. A classic cocktail list with many wines by the glass, plus a food menu offering small plates, sliders and a range of sharing plates like a seafood platter. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean with a drink in hand – one for your Sunday session bucket list.

The architecture is impressive, and it all comes together to facilitate The National’s ability to do what it does best – celebrate the rich culture which surrounds it.

Every night of the week, you’ll catch live music local comedy nights are also a regular event. Want to learn more about vino? Give one of The National’s wine tasting nights a go. While you’re there, check out the local art, which adorns the gallery areas surrounding the venue’s staircase landings.

The building is a canvas in its own right. Its rear wall facing High Street is badged with one of few remaining America’s Cup-era painted advertisements in the town centre. A boxing kangaroo holding a can of Swan Lager, of course.

How very Fremantle.

Photo credit: The National Hotel