Down the Hatch is a new pub/small bar that has recently opened down a little laneway in central Joondalup. The interior is an industrial chic style – industrial light fittings, round wooden tables and stools made from cable reels and corrugated iron. The bar has an Aussie/British vibe. 
The lady you’ll find pulling the pints was formally the very popular bar manager from the Kangaroo Arms – owner Nichola Hatcher. The former Brit is always up for a bit of friendly banter over the bar. There is a good range of beers on tap – from Stella to WA’s Colonial Brewery to Guinness and many more.
The food on the menu is mainly to share. The lunch menu, offering pub favourites like steak sandwiches and fish and chips changes regularly. We popped down there the week it opened for some nibbles and a few cheeky drinks with one of our very favourite couples Mr & Mrs G. There’s also an outdoor seating area – we sat in the more formal dining room, away from the bustling bar.
To start with we shared a seasoned bucket of popcorn ($3.50). We all thought this was a tasty bar snack – it didn’t last long!
The tasty chicken croquets ($11) were bursting with paprika and thyme.
Chef and I both love sliders. We had two fillings – beef, chipotle and Swiss cheese & Pork and apple slaw. For $11 per slider – we’d like to see toasted brioche buns though.
The calamari panzanella ($11) was oh so soft, it just melted in the mouth.
It’s great to see a new bar opening in Joondalup. So far there’s not been much of a knock on effect from the small bar explosion in Perth and the inner suburbs. A few more little places like this and Joondalup will be definitely heading in the right direction.
