Perry Scott, The Lark Food & Drink
Just dive in; the water's fine!
Those who know their cocktails won’t allow them to be made by just any old bartender. Instead, they prefer only to frequent venues that are home to the expert shake, the shrewd swizzle and the discerning pour of an accomplished mixologist. For cocktail connoisseurs in Paddington, once such locale is The Lark, which, since 2007 has been purveying liquid delights to its revellers in a charmingly renovated colonial shopfront on Given Terrace. Perry Scott, the imagination behind the food and cocktail nook, spoke to The Weekend Edition about what makes a great weekend.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Well, usually with a glass of wine in my hand, but generally I’m serving it to my customers.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
A large cup of caffeine, some early morning music videos on Rage and taking my crazy dog for a run.
How do you like to unwind?
By playing guitar and drinking beer – though sometimes it does the opposite and gets me pumped up.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
A Lions match and seeing a gig at The Zoo.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Escape to Byron Bay for the weekend.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Hanging with my dog and a few friends with some good food, wine and listening to Neil Young records.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Jonathan Brown returning for the Lions in round 3 against Freemantle Dockers.
What are you reading at the moment?
A Pearl Jam biography.
What inspires you?
People who make me laugh.
What was your childhood dream?
Playing on the wing for the Geelong Cats.
What has been your greatest achievement?
I suppose opening The Lark at 28 – I didn’t realise how young I was. And also, to still be here after five years.
What is success to you?
When your whole team is working cohesively and your customers are happy.
What are your words of wisdom?
Just dive in; the water’s fine!
Only a local would know… Brisbane in winter is the best place in Australia to live, perfect temperatures with clear blue skies everyday.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … La Vosh Patisserie, Red Hill
Relax … Centenary Swimming Pool
Dine … Beccofino, Teneriffe
Indulge … a bottle of aged riesling with some cured meats at Cabiria, Paddington
Shop … The Guitar Shop, Paddington
Catch-up … The Brunswick Social, Fortitude Valley
Be inspired … The Zoo, Fortitude Valley
