Market Grounds is a contemporary pub located in Perth’s Kings Square, a central area revitalized as part of the Perth City Link project.
Market Grounds opened its doors in December 2017.
Its name pays homage to the original Perth Market Grounds which operated on the same site from 1897 until 1973.
Market Grounds began operating on the same site in 1897 when a centralised market was established on the corner of William and Wellington Streets by the City of Perth.
In the 1920s the market industry – responding to problems of congestion and hygiene in the area – lobbied the government for an exclusive market for the wholesale distribution of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.
In 1926, the Metropolitan Market Trust was established under the Metropolitan Market Act to administer the new markets in West Perth which opened in June 1929.
In 1928 plans were approved for a larger market bounded by Wellington, Sutherland and Market Streets.
The West Australian on 2 March 1928 noted: “On the western side of the markets will be nine permanent stalls enclosed in brick for retailers of fish, poultry, meat etc. And beyond these stalls on the western front will be an open market provided with concrete floor and iron roof containing 84 stalls.”
The Wellington Street Market was formally opened on 14 June 1929 by the Deputy Premier of Western Australia, John Willcock. It was replaced in 1973 by Perth Central Bus Station.
These markets operated until 1989 when the West Perth Metropolitan Markets were closed and Market City in Canning Vale was opened.
Today Market Grounds – a “multi-faceted” venue which includes a big beer garden, restaurant and cocktail bar — is proud of our historical link to such a colourful and fascinating time in Perth’s story.
Market Grounds is a multi-level establishment featuring a spacious beer garden, a main bar, a dining area, a sunken lounge, and a mezzanine. The design incorporates elements reminiscent of the historical marketplace, including alfresco areas bordered by fruit trees and herbs.
Our venue is restaurant and chill bar by day and turns into a vibrant nightclub on weekends with DJs.
Our Beer Garden is one of the biggest in Perth. We host one of the biggest brunches in the CBD accommodating up to 120 guests at a time on Saturday and Sunday.
We also offer large function spaces upstairs which overlook the dancefloor, and premium bottle service on Saturday nights in our sunken lounge.
We’re home to delicious food, sophisticated cocktails & Perth’s best DJs, Market Grounds is the perfect meeting place for casual drinks, large soirees and anything in between.
Drop in soon and say hello.