Pouring since 1852.
Proudly indepently owned and operated.
Meet the Owners
The Stirling Arms Hotel has always been a place shaped by the people behind the bar — and today is no different.
Jesse, Dave and their families are the proud new custodians of the Stirling Arms, taking on the pub with a simple but meaningful goal:
to create a true community pub, grounded in history, filled with familiar classics, and brought to life in a modern, welcoming way.
This is a family-run business in the truest sense, with their families regularly found in and around the venue — lending a hand, sharing a meal, or simply being part of the day-to-day life of the pub. It’s hands-on, personal, and community-focused, just as a pub should be.
Dave
One half of the bald and bearded ownership duo, Dave’s hospitality journey has taken him across continents — from being born in Scotland, growing up in Texas and Australia, and working his way through some of the busiest pubs and venues in the country.
Starting out washing dishes, Dave worked his way up through the ranks to General Manager, gaining experience at venues such as The Raffles, The Windsor, and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. In 2018, Dave and Jesse first crossed paths as part of the reopening team for the Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) in Melbourne — one of Australia’s most iconic pubs and live music institutions.
From there, the pair went on to help run The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines Brewpub on Darling Harbour, a 1,000-person sports bar and microbrewery, before relocating to Perth in 2023 to work together again at The Raft Perth, a floating bar and events venue on the Swan River.
Outside of pub life, Dave is a tragic Dallas Cowboys and Fremantle Dockers supporter. Super Bowl day usually involves buffalo wings and Jägerbombs at 8am. He also has a soft spot for piña coladas and long walks in the rain.
Owning a pub has always been Dave’s dream — and now you’ll find him at the Stirling Arms living it.
Jesse
The other half of the bald and bearded duo, Jesse hails from the foreign shores of Melbourne, Victoria. A lifelong sports lover, his early years were spent chasing anything involving a ball, bat or flying disc.
Jesse’s hospitality career began collecting glasses before it was even a paid job, eventually leading him through bartending, club work and promotion before discovering that life behind the bar was where he truly belonged.
His move into management came at the Mt View Hotel in Richmond, where, under the guidance of local legend Courtney Leeder, Jesse helped turn the Mt View rooftop into the much-loved venue it is today.
Next came the call to help rebuild the Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) — where Jesse met not only his business partner Dave, but also his future wife, Hannah. From there, Jesse followed Hannah across the globe, working on bars and pubs in Ireland and Queenstown, New Zealand, before eventually heading west to Perth.
Reuniting with Dave at The Raft Perth reignited the idea of going into business together — and that idea now lives on at the Stirling Arms.
A passionate sports fan, Jesse won’t be pouring beers when the Bombers are playing 🔴⚫️. He loves live music, craft beer, and dragging unsuspecting companions to bands no one’s heard of — usually found at the back of the room claiming he discovered them first. When not in the pub, he’s either walking his Aussie Shepherd Patrick or on the couch watching a terrible action movie while Hannah tells him to put on a rom-com instead.
Being his own boss has always been the dream — and now he’s finally there (even if Hannah is still the boss at home).
Hannah
Hannah is the Stirling Arms’ Marketing and Events Manager, bringing creativity, organisation and a clear vision to how the pub connects with its community.
From shaping events and promotions to building a welcoming atmosphere for families, locals and visitors alike, Hannah plays a key role in bringing the Stirling Arms’ modern community focus to life. Alongside Jesse and Dave, she’s deeply involved across all areas of the business — because in a true family pub, everyone does a bit of everything.
A Community Pub, Then and Now
Together, Jesse, Dave, Hannah and their families are continuing the Stirling Arms’ long tradition as a local meeting place — honouring the past while creating a pub for today.
A place for families, friends, sport, music and good times, where old classics meet modern hospitality, and everyone is welcome.
