Home

Rockpool Bar & Grill at Crown Perth to re-open after kitchen fire

Headshot of Jessie Stoelwinder
Jessie StoelwinderThe West Australian
Rockpool Restaurant at Burswood.
Camera IconRockpool Restaurant at Burswood. Credit: Michael Wilson/WA News

It’s fair to say Rockpool Bar & Grill Perth has been put through the ringer this year.

The popular steakhouse has not only had to contend with the COVID-19 hospitality shut down and subsequent restrictions, but also suffered a kitchen fire in March.

Luckily no one was hurt in the blaze, but it led to an extended closure that had led some to wonder if the famed venue, founded by Neil Perry, would return.

Now, we have a re-launch date after five long months — August 14.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Rockpool, housed at Crown Perth, will throw open its doors for dinner service from 6pm that day, then will offer both lunch at dinner on August 15-16.

A Wednesday-Sunday dinner service will resume from August 26, with lunch Friday-Sunday.

Rockpool Bar & Grill Perth head chef Ludovic Mulot.
Camera IconRockpool Bar & Grill Perth head chef Ludovic Mulot.

Head chef Ludovic Mulot is more than ready to sink his teeth back into work, after taking on the esteemed role last November.

The Frenchman had worked at the restaurant for nine years prior, with a further two with the group.

Mulot revealed there would be some unexpected benefits for diners after the unexpected lockdown.

“We will be focusing on what we know our customers have missed: our classic dishes, our uncompromised focus on the finest produce, and the signature flavours from our charcoal oven and wood-fired grill,” he says.

“If one good thing has come from our temporary closure it’s that we have some fabulous, older dry-aged beef in our dry-aging room, which has a terrific flavour profile and transforms into excellent steaks. It makes for really good eating, right now.”

Rockpool Bar & Grill.
Camera IconRockpool Bar & Grill. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The Sunday Times

When the fire broke out in the open kitchen on March 9, former owner Perry told The West Australian it was a “blessing” no one was in the dining room.

It occurred at 5.30pm — just 30 minutes before the first customers were due to arrive for the evening.

All staff were evacuated safely and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services was called, and they quickly extinguished the fire.

The damage to the kitchen, equipped with its trademark wood-fired grill, was extensive and expensive equipment, water damaged walls and ceilings all needed to be replaced.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails