Harper Rooftop Bar claims to be the largest rooftop venue in Sydney’s CBD.Dexter KimThe pandemic left Sydneysiders craving open space,and the city delivered. Last monthMartinez Terrace at Circular Quay joined the party,while in September the rooftop at the redevelopedJacksons on George elbowed its way into the al fresco club.
Rooftops aren’t the exclusive domain of the CBD. On the top floor of the seven-level commercial building under construction at Infinity Park,in the hills district,chef Joshua Mason from Quoi Dining is planning a new 120-seat restaurant. Ciel (French for sky) will open in April next year.
The chef was attracted to the site by the substantial outdoor space and sweeping views. Hospitality operators argue Sydney’s temperate weather is more suited to rooftops than many places where the trend is more mature,including New York City.
Tocky Terrace at Glebe’s Toxteth Hotel.Tom FergusonWe’re catching up fast. Glebe’s Toxteth Hotel recently joined the rooftop craze withTocky Terrace. Demand for outdoor spaces,and rooftops in particular,is growing in Sydney,especially coming into the warmer months,a spokeswoman says.
“The existing outdoor beer garden and street dining were hugely popular with patrons and Tocky Terrace ... offers panoramic city views only five minutes from the CBD,” she says.
Licensed for 75 people,Tocky Terrace offers a weekend bottomless brunch when it isn’t rolling out share platters,all washed down with city skyline views.