On Top, The StandardX

Overview

If you thought The StandardX couldn't get much better, think again. The design-forward Fitzroy hotel's rooftop bar and lounge, On Top, has finally opened to the public right in time for the summer months.

On Top accommodates just 60 guests, but now that it's no longer exclusive to hotel guests, it's sure to fill up quickly with locals, in-the-know visitors, and those looking for a laidback yet luxe hang-out. 

Designed by Woods Bagot and Hecker Guthrie, the warm colour palette, soft lounge seating, and cosy fireplace lend themselves to lazy afternoons with friends, or romantic date nights, all with the glimmering Melbourne city skyline as a backdrop.  

Snacky bites will be served all day, and include the likes of smoked ocean trout with creme fraiche, chives and flatbread, and oyster mushroom skewers with shio koji and chilli crumbs. If you need to fill the tum, go for a brioche prawn roll, a wagyu slider with BistroX sauce or fried chicken with hot sauce and guindilla chillies. 

In this setting, it would be rude not to have a drink or two. There's Aperol Spritz, yuzu margs and lager on tap, and a sippable selection of signature cocktails. Try the Nude and Rude with mezcal, amaro, lemon, agave and bitter, a Cloud Clover with apricot brandy, Aperol, Lillet Blanc, and ginger or The Last Dance with vodka, lemon, passionfruit and Aperol. 

There's also a carefully curated wine list, created by The StandardX and wine importer Lo-Fi, showcasing local suppliers and producers of low-intervention and sustainable wines. For a bit of gimmicky fun, grab a pre-batched cocktail from the Japanese-style vending machine when you hop out of the lift. Rotating DJs will bring sweet sounds through curated sets that will transport patrons to the bars of downtown LA, the beaches of Lagos, and the streets of nineties Brooklyn.  

Images: Supplied.