By Sophia Nurse // Head image by Murray Fredericks
With summer just around the corner, we’re breaking down the top bars and pubs in Sydney that’ll get you cooling down with their rooftop real estate.
Let’s face it, there’s no better way of cooling off in 30-degree heat than by grabbing a cocktail or cold one at your local spot, but these rooftop nightspots are sure to do the trick and offer up some unique perks.
Coogee Pavilion
Coogee Pavilion’s rooftop bar definitely takes drinking to the next level, delivering breathtaking beachside views, Mediterranean-influenced food and plenty of local and imported beers and fruit punch pitchers to go around. Coogee’s rooftop bar features Merivale’s signature elaborate and sophisticated architecture and interiors with some eccentric accents including overflowing greenery and indoor greenhouse structures. Its definitely a must-see if you fancy grazing the deck chairs and watching the ocean sunset.
169 Dolphin Street, Coogee
The Island
The Island is one of Sydney’s most unique and exclusive nightspots, which offers up a dose of European beach club culture to Sydney Harbour. The Island is Australia’s floating club venue which features a fully retractable roof, VIP cabanas and daybeds, and performances from Sydney’s best DJs courtesy of The Island LIVE series and weekly soirees over summer. With a capacity of only 200 guests, the Island has been one of Sydney’s more popular and ~exclusive~ venues.
Sydney Harbour
Corridor
It’s the cozy bar on Newtown’s formidable King’s street, which delivers on the counts of friendly hipster bartender charm and intimate decor and settings. Corridor also features a dimly-lit rooftop courtyard which is perfect for low-key gatherings with your mates, with rustic furniture and welcoming wooden floorboards.
153A King Street, Newtown
The Rook
Hidden away in an office block on York street, the Rook is a is a Speakeasy style bar and restaurant which delivers on atmosphere and setting. Located on the 7th floor, guests arrive by elevator to the open roof loft-style venue, which features jazz and old school music, classic and newly-spun cocktails, and refined pub food including burgers, lobster and truffle fries.
Lvl 7, 56-58 York St, 2000
Darlo Bar
Featuring sprightly coloured garden-graced interiors and a weekday happy hour that’ll help you stretch your booze budget a little further, Darlo Bar is definitely a nightspot worth visiting. The open air rooftop space feels comfortable and familiar, and can be paired with a perfect array of fruity cocktails that’ll help you keep cool in the warmer months. Bonus: Darlo Bar sits across the road from Gelato Messina. Score!
306 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, 2010
Glenmore Hotel
Offering stunning 180 degree Sydney harbour and city views, Glenmore Hotel is another standout among Sydney’s rooftop bar scene and is a great spot for after-work drinks and gatherings. Based in the Rocks and doused in colonial English charm, Glenmore Hotel offers up fine dining and a cocktail bar, along with a pub and smaller rooms with pool tables and couches for a few quiet ones.
96 Cumberland St, The Rocks, 2000
Ivy Pool Club
In spite its polarising opinion, Ivy Pool Club offers a memorable and fun experience for any club goer, which bears unique 1960s Palm Springs resort-style decor and design. Ivy Pool is located on the roof top of the popular club venue which hosts rampaging Saturday nights with Pacha, and invites guests to strip down and cool off in the crystalline water, offering equal entertainment for gawking spectators. Marco Polo on Sundays is a staple favourite for the Sydney summer.
320 George St, 2000
