Defectors Bar

Upstairs at the Scoto (which is what they should have called it really) is a freaking wicked bar. I don’t think I’ve ever gone there and not enjoyed myself.
While it seems to have lost its indie club feel, nothing else has changed. The bar staff are still fantastic and knowledgeable and they still make awesome drinks (Shout outs to Ben — who is always killing it!)
A Saturday evening that starts at Defectors will always end up a great night. Believe me, I know. It’s loud, it’s high up, the views are awesome and you can get all party mode or you can sit and chat your night away. 4 stars, I say dear Sir. 4 stars!

I absolutely loved the view from the balcony down beaufort street towards the city, and the wine just made it even better. Fabulous service, and the live music they had on that night wasn’t so loud we couldn’t hear each other, but not too quiet either. Perfect sophisticated twin version of the scotto.

Inadequate wayfinding — a small chalk sign inside the door way identifies the location. Walk by without being aware enough you will miss it. Perhaps word of mouth is how it gets clientele anyway. Smart or silly? Undecided. Sudden surprise announcement — cover charge for no reason offered. Don’t mind paying but a reason for it would be nice. Door lady very nice however. Mixed crowd patrons, varying age groups. The major downfall is the inebriated bar staff serving drinks sloppily, spilling everything, chatting to ‘friends’ in the crowd like it was a weekend BBQ instead of focussing on serving customers. One bearded server was so intoxicated he wasn’t able to focus on the task at hand. Maybe this is charming and casual but it took over 10 minutes to get one beer after waiting for 20 minutes already — it was only 9pm. Not many people can do a better job while drunk, sir, and you are definitely not one of them. Some screws have come loose in the service, but venue and décor is nice, if you don’t mind standing a lot.
*Over pouring a shot is a breach of liquor licences in WA tsk tsk

Hidden away upstairs from The Flying Scotsman, the balcony of this awesome establishment has a bird’s eye view of Beaufort Street, making it a great place to have a drink with friends and watch the sun go down over the city. The music is funky, the interior extremely cozy and the staff are cool. Two thumbs up!

If you get sick of the crowd that can make finding a seat at the Flying Scotsman tricky just head upstairs to the Defectors Bar. A bit less busy and it is nice to sit up on the balcony overlooking Mt Lawley near the outside heaters.
The cushy chairs inside are quite nice for groups although the music is a tincy bit loud for my liking — but perhaps I’m just a bit grizzly about noise.
Overall — not the best bar but it does an alright job.

The bar staff are a bunch of personable chaps, their mixology skills are up there and the prices are more than reasonable. Interesting, almost-​stylish décor. Pretty quiet on a late Sunday evening.

I have had a long love affair with Defectors Bar, there is nothing I don’t like about this place! For me it is what Perth used to be made of when the alternate scene was popular!
Real people great music and a chilled out setting! Snuck in here Sat night after dinner in Leederville. It has been on my radar recently as they have been doing The Loft Saturday nights! What’s not to like about a bar that you can listen to Pearl Jam, Garbage and a variety of other grunge/​punk and alternative music at!
Since I was last there it has gotten super busy, it was packed and there was a rather long wait to get drinks — but I thought the bar staff did a great job at getting through the waiting crowd so quickly.
Definitely a place to check out and opened to 2am which is an added bonus given the amount of venues that close at midnight!

One star for the amazing décor and furniture (I want all those couches sooooo bad!!)
Another for the great pizza!
And a 3^rd for the cool cocktails.
I don’t think this will become one of my favourite places. Went with a big group for a friends birthday. I could barely hear or see anyone! Maybe I’m getting old…

I love this bar! I had heard a bit about it for the last couple of months but only came here the other night while out in Mount Lawley for a friends birthday. Its the bar above The Flying Scotsman, you enter through a side door on Beaufort Street.
The layout of the place is really cool with all different types of vintage chairs set up around the place and some really cool tunes being played. They also have a large balcony area with plenty of room for big groups.
The drink prices are reasonable– will definitely be visiting here again!

After a poor experience here about 6 months ago, me and a friend gave it another go last night and are glad we did. The staff were very polite, friendly and happy to serve us (we noticed Jaegermeister was back on the menu too). The DJ was a bit cheesy at times but the relaxed atmosphere amongst stylish, antique décor and gorgeous clientele more than made up for it.

I love this joint. A plush, luxurious interior, a big balcony with fantastic views of Mt Lawley, and a 100% meat head free zone.
Defectors stocks a good range, they mix their drinks well and the prices are reasonable. Seating is quite plentiful and the air conditioning is frosty cool. For some reason it seems to stay remarkably quiet during those daylight hours when The Scotto is in full swing as well. Bonus!

I am absolutely in love with Defectors Bar, or The Velvet Lounge, as it’s also known. Situated upstairs at The Flying Scotsman this place has it all: mood lighting, fancy lounges and armchairs, a balcony overlooking the street life below…
Since there’s already been a few (rightfully highly rated) reviews, I’ll limit mine to tips for The Velvet Lounge visitor:
1) If you see a young looking bartender in a bowtie, get him to serve you. He’s super nice and friendly, and HE WEARS A BOWTIE. Nuff said, really.
2) Go on a Wednesday — the first night they’re open. The place will be practically deserted so it’s like it’s your own personal bar. Awesome.
3) Buy the cider on tap — it’s cheaper than at other bars along Beaufort (like Queens Hotel).
And that about does it. So what are you waiting for, Perth? Get going to The Velvet Lounge!

After you’ve had a pint or two and a pizza from the Flying Scotsman, I highly recommend you embrace an entirely different change of scenery and journey upwards to Defectors. Located just above its bohemian, lo-​fi counterpart, Defectors is only a short climb up some stairs to the right of The Scoto’s entrance, but it’s a completely alternate universe. Defector’s décor is seriously sexy. Lots of luscious velvet lounges for lounging about with one of their decadent cocktails, polished wooden floor boards, wall paper akin to a Parisian brothel, a moody and dark atmosphere more suited to the 25+ crowd, and a view of Perth’s magnificent sunsets out on the balcony. It’s the perfect setting for a date you’re keen to impress, or intimate birthday drinks with a group of sophisticated aesthetes.
You need to know about these cocktails. They’re extravagant. Prices are reflective of the time, effort and creativity put into these, but when the bar is run by a troop of world-​class bartenders (seriously!) you’ll be pleased as punch with their concoctions. The menu changes occasionally, but if they have it, order the Don’s Single Spider. It’s like your favourite childhood drink, but way more fun!

What could possibly make the Scotsman any better? A second level for more late night frivolity, a balcony with a view of Beaufort Street and a dj playing tunes to lure you on to the dance floor, that’s what!
Us regulars at the Scoto where waiting and wondering for some time what the second level would be like as we watched it be built over the space of a few months. We were not disappointed! Two areas of seating and tables inside are furnished quite decadently. The balcony is long and spans the whole front of the building similar to those built in Kalgoorlie at the turn of the century. Plenty of tables and chairs along the balcony and the view make this a popular spot to sit on warm or cold evenings.
I think what everyone loves about the Scotsman is that they feel it’s their local even if they live quite far away, it just has that great vibe to it. Defectors is just an extension of that great vibe, slightly more dressed up and open a little later.

The large, looming steps are an obstacle for those of us who choose to pair large heels with a night of boozing. Then, you go to carry on at Defectors Bar and you may slightly stack it. But the effort is worth it, to get to the decadent bar with the rich red tapestry and amazing atmosphere that will engulf you.
The drinks are amazing but priced accordingly. It’s an older crowd of people coming out of their indie teenage stage and hitting their stride as fabulous adults. And I love it! I keep coming back for more.
There is nothing that could make it more perfect.