Overview
Size might not always matter, but when it comes to a sun-drenched rooftop? Well, that's when that saying about bigger being better most certainly rings true. And Melbourne's CBD is about to score a sizeable sky-high destination that's on track to be its biggest rooftop bar yet.
The crew behind barbecue joint Fancy Hanks and openair upstairs sibling Good Heavens first revealed their expansion plans for the two Bourke Street venues back in late 2021, after acquiring multiple levels of the site next door. On the cards: a tripling of Good Heavens' sky-high footprint, a refreshed look for the space, and the addition of new bar and pub Springrock downstairs in the former Grand Trailer Park Taverna digs.
While the project has been met with delays across the past 12 months, the build is now underway — and the team's dropped a few more details as to what we can look forward to when it's all done and dusted.
Mike Patrick and Kent Bell, by Eugene Hyland
Slated to open in June is Good Heavens' new and improved rooftop, occupying a record-breaking monster of a space above the corner of Bourke and Exhibition Streets. Under its next guise, executed by Ewert Leaf, the venue's set to embrace a modernised 70s look, sporting a central al fresco fireplace and brutalist-inspired bar façade.
As hinted last year, an expanded bar offering will include up to 40 taps, celebrating beer, spritzes and cocktails for all palates. Good Heavens will remain open as normal while the works continue.
The wait will be slightly longer for the next phase of the expansion, Springrock, which is set to launch towards the end of the year. Here, the owners are out to offer a destination dedicated to "uncomplicated fun" — a casual, unpretentious pub-style haunt that'll have a 3am license, footy on the big screens and live tunes playing until late.
Springrock's menu will take some cues from the taverns of NYC, while also taking advantage of Fancy Hanks' impressive smoker. It's a playful, creative lineup set to feature the likes of crab cake sandwiches, hotdog beef tartare, chicken nuggets paired with Yarra Valley caviar, and a nod to the age-old favourite banana split. Local wines and a hefty range of Long Island iced tea varieties will headline the drinks list.
In the meantime, Fancy Hanks is kicking on as usual. Once the whole project is complete, the three venues will work as separate haunts, although you'll be able to easily hop between them all.
Fancy Hanks
The next phase of Good Heavens will open at Level 2, 79 Bourke Street, Melbourne, from June. Springrock is set to open in late 2023.
Top image: Chip Mooney.