First Look: This Breezy Rooftop Bar with Mediterranean Vibes Is the Jewel in the Crown of Hospo Hotspot The Bristol
The five-level, multi-venue former pub has had a dramatic makeover, with its first three spaces now ready to welcome punters.
What was once The Bristol Arms Hotel is unrecognisable after receiving a top-to-bottom renovation. The city's latest hospitality hub, The Bristol, will eventually boast six venues spread over five levels, including a fine-dining restaurant from a yet-to-be-named celebrity chef, a luxe cocktail lounge and a nightclub.
The first three bars have now opened to the public, including a bright and airy rooftop space with a Mediterranean aesthetic. Decked out with a pretty pastel palette of coral, peach and chartreuse, the fitout serves Saint Tropez vibes with a faintly retro look. The main bar is flanked by an al fresco terrace offering sun-dappled views of the city skyline.
The Rooftop will offer 20 different wines by the glass as well as a menu of classic and playful signature cocktails — think pink lychee piña colandas. A menu of bar snacks will also be available at The Rooftop from August 23. Every Thursday–Saturday, top DJs will be spinning a pumping soundtrack to get the party started, with Sunday sessions set to commence in the summer months.
On the ground floor, an art deco-inspired, Gatsby-coded casual bar and a sports bar echo the building's history as a casual watering hole for after-work beers. Replacing the predictable pub grub staples is a more elevated menu of Mediterranean bites, such as chicken and haloumi souvlaki wraps and sumac and oregano dusted fries served with sweet chilli tzatziki.
The remaining venues yet to open include the Midtown Bar and Lounge, an opulent cocktail lounge and VIP area with bottle service; Calypso, a Euro-chic nightclub set to open on August 23; and a Greek diner, as yet to be named. The Bristol is the latest addition to the CBD's growing collection of multi-venue hospitality destinations, which include Shell House, The Ivy, 25 Martin Place and Hinchcliffe House.
Find The Bristol at 81 Sussex Street. Visit The Bristol's Instagram profile for more details and opening times.
Images: Steven Woodburn
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