Now Open: Kew's 150-Year-Old Skinny Dog Hotel Gets a Huge New Rooftop Space Just in Time for Summer

The days are getting longer, the weather is improving, and Melbourne bars are stocking up on Aperol. This can only mean one thing: Melbourne rooftop season is fast approaching.

Stacks of venues are preparing for the onslaught of people searching for rooftop hangs. Johnny's Green Room is reopening its rooftop soon, and Brick Lane Brewing's new wrap-around terrace overlooking the Queen Vic Market will open to the public in a couple of weeks.

But those who want to drink in the sun right now can hit Skinny Dog Hotel's new rooftop space — it's already open to lovers of sunshine and summertime cocktails.

The 400-capacity rooftop bar includes a light-filled atrium full of hanging plants and an openair terrace where you can soak up all the sun during a long day of drinking and eating.

Nothing much has changed downstairs. The pub still serves classic parmas, pizzas and weekly specials — think Monday burger deals and Tuesday steak nights.

Upstairs, dishes are somewhat more refined. Coconut chilli prawns, tofu chips and charcuterie tasting boards kick things off. A selection of gourmet pizzas, house-made pasta, a few roasts and plenty of seafood dishes round out the savoury dining options.

The drinks on the Skinny Dog Hotel's new rooftop are also a step above those found downstairs. The extensive wine list features stacks of Aussie and New Zealand drops, and the team has dreamt up a few new signature cocktails. Beers, ciders and ginger beer are all on tap, plus plenty of fruity seltzers come in can form. It's ticking all the right boxes.

From Friday to Sunday, the team hosts live music gigs and DJs up on the roof, transforming the space into more of a party destination as the sun goes down.

The new rooftop at Skinny Dog Hotel, found at 155 High Street in Kew, is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30am­–late. Check the venue's website for more details.