Sydney’s Bars Rocket Through the Roof
MARCH 26, 2016
An artist impression of proposed Bar 12 on top of Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Sydney
Sydney’s rooftop bar culture is evolving, with the latest offering, Bar 12, set to come to Sydney. Bar 12 is an enclosed, two-storey executive lounge and bar atop the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. Overlooking Sydney’s picturesque Darling Harbour, the venue replaces Bar 11, which was previously the outdoor rooftop facility located in the same position.
Designed by Cox Richardson, and approved by the City of Sydney Council, Bar 12 will offer the next level of sophistication in the rise of food and beverage offerings in Sydney. The double-height, glazed executive lounge and bar lends testament to why Sydney has paved its own path as ranking number eight in the world’s top global cities, according to Knight Frank’s 2016 edition of The Wealth Report.
Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed the gentrification of CBD pubs as meeting and dining spots, and the advent of small bars for more intimate socialising. Following on from that, tapas bars where small portions of food varieties are shared in an alfresco setting have popped up and increased in popularity.
Sydney has also followed Melbourne CBD’s lead on the conversion of hidden spaces, including back lanes and alleyways, where covert bars attract regular patrons. Sydney has gone one stride further with a step back into the prohibition era.
Go down an alley, turn right, walk down the steps and knock twice. Trust me – do it; you’ll be impressed. Hidden away are bars specialising in whiskey, gin and rum – all with their own style. The basements, mezzanines and first-floor spaces all previously forgotten, or disused spaces are being activated. At The Barber Shop in Sydney, clientele enter into a small store where men are having their hair cut or beards shaped, and up several stairs into an industrial sliding door which reveals another world of socialising. It’s as interesting as Melbourne’s own Fall from Grace, whereby tilting the right book in a small library opens up a staircase leading down to a glamorous bar. Hidden venues are all the rage.
Rooftop Bars Asia
On the rooftops we are also seeing new offerings, and these have the advantage of light – and in some cases, views. Like Asia, where vertical living and working is essential in overcrowded cities, rooftop bars are the places to be seen and they arguably offer some of the most sought-after luxury for a sunny city like Sydney.
Tourist Attractions
The evolution of Sydney’s bar culture, including rooftop bars, is a welcome future for this type of education. In my view, it works for all. Tourists want attractions, consumers want variety, workers want jobs, property owners want odd or difficult spaces to generate interest and income, and businesses want opportunity. Furthermore, Councils are keen for increasing pedestrian activation and politicians would like cities to be globally relevant.
