STM Loves: Pearla & Co, Grumpi, Orlebar Brown and Subi Spritz’ anticipated return

Pearla & Co

These delectable-looking chargrilled Fremantle octopus skewers, with smoked tomato, XO and creamy labneh, are one of the signature dishes on the menu at chef Scott Bridger’s buzzy Pearla & Co in North Fremantle. Bridger, formerly of Bib & Tucker, has constructed a summer menu that focuses on WA’s coast; the octopus is from the small plates section, along with Exmouth tiger prawns, raw tuna caught off Rottnest and a burrata from La Delizia. Mains include a Rottnest swordfish cotoletta and Shark Bay cuttlefish. To view the full menu and to book, see pearlaandco.com.au.

Boy & Bear

The beloved Aussie band is heading west, playing a show at Fremantle Arts Centre’s South Lawn on May 1, with Cloud Control in support. Announcing the gig, the ARIA Award winners posted about their first trip to WA 15 years ago, where they stayed at a Scarborough hostel and played a grimy pub gig in Northbridge: “We were immediately in love with Western Australia. People, despite not knowing any of our music, were very encouraging and the room was probably over half full, which was a big deal to us . . . It’s genuinely one of our favourite places in the world to come visit and play shows.” Tickets went on sale this week, see oztix.com.au.

Bath & Body Works

If festive shopping is still on your to-do list, this popular US fragrance and body-care company has opened its first WA store just in time for some last-minute gifts. With scents — including champagne toast and warm vanilla sugar — to candles and gift sets, there is something for everyone from your work bestie to your mother-in-law. Find the new store inside Westfield Carousel.

Grumpi

The name of this business founded by Melbourne brothers Cory and Dion Verstandig perfectly sums up how they were feeling the day they conceived the idea for Grumpi. Finding themselves wondering why a couch costs more than a holiday and it still takes 12-16 weeks to be delivered, the siblings began prototyping vacuum-sealed, compressed furniture that would expand to its full size within 48 hours and fit into the back of a small car. The result is a collection of four hero products that start from $249, which arrive within 10 days (or $100 back) with little-to-no assembly and free shipping — maybe they should have called the brand happi? More details at grumpi.com.au.

Orlebar Brown

Resort menswear brand Orlebar Brown has released its Cruise 2025 collection featuring bold prints, refined silhouettes and rich seasonal tones. It’s for the guys who like to feel, and look, put-together while on holiday with pieces such as knitted polos, swim shorts and crochet shirts — all of which blend seamlessly together for versatile outfit options. Shop at orlebarbrown.com.

Subi Spritz

We’re delighted to hear Subiaco’s annual European-inspired foodie festival will be returning in 2026. Running from March 26 to 29, there will be a smorgasbord of mouth-watering events and activations taking place in the heart of the vibrant inner-west suburb. Among many program highlights are Ben Ing (of Alberta’s and Si Paradiso) and Ben Jacob (of Masseria) joining forces in celebration of WA produce. The full line-up will be announced next month. subispritz.com.au