Vertic Alley

Overview

Last year, Melbourne's Imperial Hotel transformed its rooftop into a winter wonderland. This year, it's getting magical instead. Climb up to the top level from Friday, February 8, and you'll hang out in Vertic Alley — aka the CBD watering hole's equivalent of Diagon Alley.

This four-month pop-up takes its cues from Harry Potter, obviously — and the timing is right given that The Cursed Child is in town. Get comfy in themed spaces, practice saying "accio cocktail!" and just enjoy an all-round boozy celebration of the Boy Who Lived.

Forget the usual Imperial booths — now you'll find six magical stores, including an owlery, a spell book depository, a wand shop, a wizarding toy store, a home of dark artefacts and WIZPAC bank. Each area accommodates 10–20 people, can be reserved in advance, and is fitted out with plenty of enchanting items to keep you feeling bewitched.

Drinks-wise, a potions lineup includes Liquid Luck (fireball, vodka, orange and sparkling wine) True Love Potion (pomegranate liqueur, raspberry gin and sparkling wine), Pumpkin Juice (fireball, orange juice and pumpkin juice) and Truth Serum (rosemary-infused gin, lavender and lemon juice), while the food range spans gilliweed tacos, treacle tarts, cursed wings and 'siriously' black ice cream.

If you're gathering the gang, you can drop by from 11am daily — and platter and jug deals are available for $50–85.