In the midst of the bustling business epicentre that is Macquarie Park, you'll find a secluded rooftop bar offering sanctuary from the streets. Ess, short for The Governess, is the sky-high counterpart to The Governor — an expansive multifaceted venue which sits below — and comes equipped with panoramic views of the suburb, al fresco dining options, comfortable banquette seating and foliage aplenty. From the same group behind renowned establishments like the Bella Vista Hotel and Hillside Hotel — that's the Momento Group helmed by the Colosimo family — The Governor and Ess offer a little something for every occasion. Given the venue's locale and design, the greenhouse-inspired aesthetic, with bucket loads of natural light and verdant plant life, will make you forget all about your 9-to-5 woes. Menu wise, Head Chef Luke Lashford has put together a broad food offering — Ess boasts a rooftop bar and kitchen of its own. Tuck into Asian-inspired fare centred around a Japanese charcoal grill, with dishes such as wagyu beef skewers, pork ribs with wasabi chimichurri and portobello mushroom katsu baos. The drinks list covers all the classics but, since you're chilling in her hood, why not try namesake cocktail The Governess, with gin, lemon, raspberry, marshmallow milk and ginger float. Images: Kai Leishman
