Long Shot by WHSmith

I often find myself around Perth's bustling spots, exploring coffee nooks and airport lounges alike. One place that pops up often is Long Shot by WHSmith at Perth Airport. With its prime location in the T4 Departures Lounge, it's hard to miss before jumping on a plane. The thing about airport cafes is that, well, they've got us in a bit of a bind. We're there, ready to kill some time, and most likely in need of caffeine.

Long Shot opens early, which is a plus for those annoying red-eye flights. They start at 4 am on weekdays. You know, when you're barely awake and just need something to keep your eyes open. On weekends, they open only an hour later, at 5 am, so not much different.

Now, this isn't a little hipster hidden gem tucked away on a side street. It's in an airport, so it's practical and has its charm, albeit used. The decor has a clean, corporate look. Think WHSmith with a caffeine twist. It doesn't scream "Instagram me!" but it does say, "Sit, sip, check your boarding time."

The coffee, let's talk about that. It's okay. It doesn't knock your socks off, but it does the job. Sometimes the lines can be long, especially during peak hours. But what can you expect at an airport, right? They've got the usual suspects on the menu—lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites. You get your caffeine fix without much fuss.

Long Shot is all about convenience. Got someone in a wheelchair with you? No problem. They've got a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking. Traveling with your furry friend? Dogs are welcome too, which is uncommon in many spots. That's an added tick if you've got a pooch in tow and need coffee while on the go.

Most folks grab their cup to go. The ones who linger are usually waiting out delayed flights or have a long layover. The takeaway option is handy if you're in a rush, making it easy to grab and dash. There's also the choice to dine-in if you want to sit and relax for a spell. It's not like there are loads of seating, but there's enough to pull out a laptop or bury your nose in a book.

The food is your standard airport fare. Wraps, muffins, pastries; easy-to-eat bites that fill the gap between plane meals. Nothing groundbreaking, but it beats sitting in your seat with a grumbling stomach. It's a decent spot to grab a bite if you missed breakfast or lunch on your way out the door.

If you have time, there's more than just coffee near Long Shot. Perth Airport has a few other shops and services worth browsing through. For some retail therapy, check out Morré, which offers a neat collection of gifts and souvenirs. Avoid that last-minute rush and grab those gifts for folks back home. Then, there's the usual duty-free store with choices to stock up on perfume or chocolate before heading off.

Need a quick trim before a meeting? Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop is on site. Handy if you left your look a bit too casual on your travels. Plus, it's always good to support local businesses even when you're in transit.

Out of the airport, if you have time to kill before or after a flight, the city of Perth is close by. There's heaps to do. Say you're into artsy installations and quirky museums; places like the Art Gallery of WA or Scitech are a worthwhile visit. Then there's Kings Park, perfect for a stroll and enjoying the view of the city skyline.

In the end, Long Shot is all about convenience and necessity blended with decent coffee and airport food. It's not going to win any awards, but for travelers in need of a pick-me-up, it's good enough. Sure, it's not the coffee mecca of Perth, and it doesn't try to be. Travel is stressful enough, and sometimes you just need a no-nonsense spot to ease the journey.