Overview
When The StandardX hotel first opened in August this year, its seventh-level rooftop was only open to hotel guests. That was a big bummer, for The Roof boasts some damn impressive views across Fitzroy and the surrounding area.
But now, just as Melbourne's weather seems to be behaving, the team is letting in the general public. However, to get upstairs, you will need to first go up to the reception desk to get a temporary keycard for the lift as you can't just walk on up yourself.
Once you've got access, and made your way up, you'll find a sun-drenched rooftop bar decked out with plants, colourful tasselled umbrellas, a bunch of different kinds of seating (couches, lounge chairs and stools), a fireplace, and a bar slinging margaritas all day long. Natural wines from small-scale growers around Victoria, beers and artisanal spirits also feature up at The Roof.
And for food, Executive Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya of the hotel's all-day dining restaurant BANG has created a short but tight selection of Mexican-inspired snacks.
These include raw tuna with avocado, pickled cucumber, sesame, seaberry saltbush and coriander; truffled brown mushrooms with pickled onions, tomato and queso fresco; and slow-smoked beef brisket with pickled vegetables, chilli and lime tomato jam. Those after a sweet treat can also get around a dulce de leche crème Catalan, churros with honey and brown sugar, and an agave-lime sorbet.
"The idea of The Roof was to create a green oasis for guests to casually mingle and indulge in Mexican-inspired snacks and drinks while being submerged into the Fitzroy culture from above," shares Verena Haller from Standard International's in-house design team.
This rooftop bar is a proper hidden gem, and is great for those wanting a sun-soaked sip and snack session away from the Fitzroy crowds.
You'll find The Roof at The StandardX Melbourne — 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy — open from 3pm on Fridays, 12pm on Saturdays and 11am on Sundays. For more details, you can visit the venue's website.