222 William Street: A Tale of Transformation in Northbridge

The address 222 William Street, Northbridge, once home to Oodles Books & Gifts in the early 2000s, has since transformed into the Mechanics’ Institute Bar, a popular rooftop venue known for its cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. This evolution reflects the broader revitalization of Northbridge, particularly the heritage-listed William Street Conservation Area, which the City of Perth has managed through adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Disclaimer While this summary provides an overview of the property's history and current status, it is based on publicly available information and may not encompass all developments or details. For the most accurate and comprehensive information, direct inquiries with the City of Perth or the current tenants are recommended.

From Oodles to Rooftops: The Curious Case of 222 William Street

This came up in conversation recently when a friend asked where 140 William Street was (you know, the one near the train station with the glassy shops). It triggered a very specific memory for me — "Wait… whatever happened to 222 William Street?!"

That was the address of Oodles Books & Gifts, a cosy, quirky little book and gift store in Northbridge, Perth — and I’m not just saying that because I used to work there back in 2002 till 2007 😉📚✨

It was right near the Brass Monkey Hotel, walking distance from the State Library and tucked along what was once a scruffy but charming stretch of William Street. You’d find everything from novels and notebooks to weird and wonderful gifts that you didn’t know you needed until they made you laugh at the till.

Fast forward to today, and 222 William Street is no longer a bookshop…

🎉 It’s now home to the Mechanics’ Institute Bar, one of Perth’s favourite laneway rooftop bars — yes, cocktails instead of cookbooks and burgers instead of bookmarks 🍹🍔

Accessed through a rear laneway, it’s part of a larger City of Perth urban renewal project that turned old heritage buildings into cool small businesses. So technically, the City of Perth owns the building and businesses like Mechanics' lease the space.

🔎 Fun fact: the whole row of buildings — from 167 to 279 William Street — is now heritage-listed as the William Street Conservation Area, with 218–222 William Street known in records as the Rosen Building. Heritage + history + happy hour = quite the glow-up, I must say.

🏆 The revitalisation even won a UNESCO Honourable Mention in 2012 for conservation — so yes, my former workplace might’ve indirectly helped win an international award. You’re welcome, Perth.

Would I still be able to recognise the inside? Probably not. But it’s nice to know that the shell of that memory still stands — just with a bit more rooftop sunshine and a cocktail shaker instead of a cash register.

📍 Then & Now: 222 William Street

✨ Closing Thought

Places change. Shopfronts fade. But the street numbers we used to know by heart — they stick with us.

And if you’ve ever worked in a small indie shop like Oodles, you’ll know it wasn’t just about what we sold — it was about the stories we carried (and sometimes gift-wrapped 🎁).

Let me know if you’ve ever wandered past a place you used to work and wondered, “What’s in there now?” You might be surprised… or inspired… or just slightly tempted to order a drink for your younger self.

🥂 To bookshops, barstools, and all the things we outgrow — but never forget.

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