It is unusual to see the words Perth and cheap beer in the same sentence.

Drinkers have long endured high prices for their pints, middies and schooners.

But some pubs, driven by the state of the economy, are looking to turn the tide by offering cheaper options for drinkers to wet their whistle.

On Stirling Highway in Nedlands, the Captain Stirling Hotel is one venue turning to cheaper beer to woo customers.

Late last year, managers noticed the weekends did not have the right atmosphere, and crowds were thin.

They decided to offer $6 pints on Fridays and Saturdays in an attempt to bring the vibe back.

Six months later, manager Sasha Nikulinsky says it is working.

“Basically, the Fridays and Saturdays weren’t performing. We didn’t have the clientele,” he said.

“A previous manager instigated the special to expand our weekend trade and bring the local pub vibe back again.

“We’ve got a decent vibe here now throughout the night. We’ve got a good atmosphere during the late afternoon and the early evening because of the deal.”

Down the road at the Albion Hotel in Cottesloe, $5 schooners are drawing in crowds from all walks of life.

Assistant manager Lorna McMullan said the pub had received good feedback.

“It’s just about good value. It’s definitely added a bit of interest and we’re seeing newer faces around the pub,” she said.

On a stormy Thursday night dozens of drinkers sat at the bar taking advantage of the special, which includes old favourites such as Swan Draught.

Mates Harry Rich, 25, and Toby Goyder-Ewan, 24, said they grabbed a drink at the Albion a few times a week, and enjoy the schooners.

“Given we’re students, a $5 drink is super attractive and there’s a great atmosphere here, plus we’re friends with most of the staff,” Mr Goyder-Ewan said.

The pair go so far as to say it is one of the best drink deals in Perth.

“As far as being convenient and located locally for us, and not having to pay a membership, like you do at bowls clubs, this is one of the best deals,” Mr Rich said.

In Leederville, Oxford Hotel owner Peter Hayes said he picked Thursday night to offer $8 pints for every beer on tap because it was a good community night.

“It’s about offering a good-value deal for our regular customers,” he said.

“It’s good to offer something back, especially when times are difficult. People aren’t rolling in money these days.

“We’ve certainly seen an increase in numbers, but it’s not huge. And it’s good if pubs can offer specials, where they can afford to do it, of course.

“Problem is while things are tough the cost of the product continues to increase twice a year.”

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The High Wycombe Tavern offers its beer of the month for $5.90, and the Elephant and Wheelbarrow in Northbridge has $7 pints of Swan Lager from Sunday to Thursday.

At the Dianella Tavern, an $8 pint of Carlton Dry comes with an entry to a weekly draw for a carton of beer, plus all entries go into the running for a motorised esky.

“Last year we had customer growth of 50 per cent, but this year we’ve shrunk by 15 to 20 per cent, so we decided to put on the promotion,” manager Kerry Blackburn said.