I walked down the few steps to the half cellar at Tolley’s, noting the antique photograph on the wall of when this place was Tolley & Company, Wine & Spirit Merchants. Built back in 1897, just imagine the stories these walls would tell if they could speak.
These days it’s simply Tolley’s Lane, a place where everyone is welcome, and with 32 beers on tap, a full bar, cocktail list and light menu, it’s a place worth checking out when you’re next in Fremantle.
The morning I visited two men sat quietly at the bar enjoying their pint of beer, perhaps the end of a long work shift for them, while a lady seated against the wall conducted business on her laptop. I wandered past, ending up where the stairs head back up to the laneway. Soft seating beckoned next to long tables catering to larger groups.
I took a moment to decide where I might settle in for my stay, knowing I’d be there a while. There’s just that kind of vibe here.
Tolley’s Lane owner, Craig Holils, is adamant his venue is where there’s a seat for everyone.
“You know, we’ve got cops on night shift, we’ve got fireys, we’ve got nurses, we’ve got wharfies all finishing up on night shift”. Craig explains.
“We’re a comfortable place where people feel welcome”.
He’s quite right too. Whether you are one of those shift workers needing to wind down after work, a family wandering through the streets of Freo, or a group of friends looking for a quiet place to catch up, step inside Tolley’s Lane and experience the warm and welcoming space for yourself.