Three Things I Love: Perth hospitality veteran Ben Keal on backyards, bushwalks and bunkers

Each week, WAtoday reaches out to the Perth community to discover three things people love most about our coastal capital. Today we feature Ben Keal, who grew up in a seaside village in the south-west of England where he began cooking at age 14. He came to Australia as a backpacker when he was 20 and moved to Perth 12 years ago with his wife, event stylist Tiffany Keal, opening The Stables Bar as head chef. He is now the executive chef of hospitality giant the Three Pound Group, which includes The Camfield, Good Company, The Stables, The Reveley and The Elford.

Ben Keal.

1. My backyard. It’s the heart of our home, a place where we gather with friends, family, and neighbours for casual catch-ups. After a long day at work, you’ll often find me playing football with our children, a nostalgic reminder of my own childhood in Porlock. Growing up with a big backyard and seven brothers and one sister, football was a constant part of our lives, and I love sharing that with my kids here in Perth. It’s a simple joy that keeps me grounded and connected to my roots. Sunday afternoons are particularly special in our backyard. We fire up the barbecue and enjoy slow-roasted meals shared with friends and family. We gather around the fire pit, toasting marshmallows and catching up. Perth is blessed with abundant parks, open spaces, and backyards that create a sense of space. From Bold Park to the many local reserves, there are endless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, picnics, and community events. These green spaces are an integral part of Perth’s charm, providing an escape within the city and fostering a strong sense of community.
2. Midweek golf. One of the perks of being a chef is having unconventional work hours, which means I get to enjoy the occasional midweek golf. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and catch up with fellow chefs and friends away from the fast-paced kitchen environment. Perth has some awesome golf courses, and there’s nothing quite like hitting the greens on a quiet Wednesday morning. It’s a great chance to relax, have a laugh, and forget about the hustle of the fast-paced industry. Golfing midweek also means the courses are less crowded, so we can take our time, enjoy the surroundings, and really appreciate the game. Perth has some top-notch public golf courses like Joondalup Resort, with its challenging terrain and stunning views, and The Vines Resort, which offers a peaceful setting with kangaroos often seen on the course. Hammersley and Maylands Peninsula are also favourites, providing great facilities and landscapes right near the city. It’s a perfect escape from the daily grind, and I always come back feeling recharged. It’s a good way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors, something that’s important when you spend most of your time indoors in an office or kitchen. Golfing in Perth is a great reminder of how lucky we are to live in this place.3. Bush walks in the cooler months. When the weather cools down, there’s nothing I love more than heading out for a bush walk. Perth is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty just a short drive from the city. Whether it’s exploring the trails in the Perth Hills, wandering through the lush greenery of John Forrest National Park, or discovering hidden waterfalls in Serpentine National Park, there’s always something new to see and experience. These bush walks offer a perfect way to recharge and reconnect with nature, providing a peaceful retreat from the busy city life. The diverse landscapes, from towering forests to open bushland, showcase the incredible natural heritage of Western Australia, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have such adventures right on our doorstep.

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