Overview
With 322 kilometres of harbour shoreline, more than 100 beaches and over 2,500,000 acres of parkland, Sydney is a wonderland for outdoorsy adventures. Over the past few months, the city's hospitality legends have been hard at work opening up new spaces which capitalise on Sydney's stunning surrounds — venues where you can linger over cocktails while staring at the sea, basking in the sunset or soaking up the greenery. And now that the long, balmy evenings are well and truly here, it's time to explore their efforts.
To help you plan the perfect al fresco outing, we've put together a list of five of Sydney's latest and greatest outdoor spaces. From a book-stacked nook in the CBD to a fern-filled expanse overlooking the beach, these new hangouts have your summer sessions sorted. Don't let the season pass by without sipping a drink, or two, beneath the sprawling Sydney sky.
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Take a trip to Palm Springs without leaving Sydney at this breezy, al fresco bar. Opened in September 2018 and perched above the Quarrymen’s Hotel in Pyrmont, The Rooftop is an oasis of rustic timbers, pastel shades, cacti and succulents and the cocktail list is made for long and lazy summer afternoons. Settle in for sunset with a Palma Rosa in hand — a concoction of tequila blanco, rose, ruby grapefruit juice and ginger syrup. There’s also a refreshing apple cider slushie and an ever-changing selection of obscure craft beers, thanks to regular tap takeovers. Meanwhile, the menu injects Baja Californian influence into the usual pub grub — think chicken tacos with salsa fresca and guacamole or salmon poke with ginger and mentsuyu sauce — perfect for a hot summer’s eve on the rooftop.
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The best adventures often happen in the most unexpected of places. This cosy, welcoming bar opened in August 2018 in what was a dilapidated office on Clarence Street. Owners Andres Walters (The Lobo Plantation, Kittyhawk), Gabrielle Walters (Black by Ezard) and Daniel Noble (Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern, Mojo Record Bar) came upon it while searching for the most elusive Sydney creature: a low-rent space. While the candle-lit tables and leather banquettes of the lower level are quite inviting, make a beeline for the pint-sized rooftop space. What it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in spirit. Grab a signature cocktail and a Philly cheesesteak and settling in for a breezy evening under the stars.
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When nothing but the roar of crashing waves and the endless horizon will do, make tracks to the Manly Greenhouse Rooftop. Opened in September 2018, this is the cherry on top of the epic, three-storey venue. For uninterrupted views, nab a window-side bar stool, alternatively, sink into a comfy banquette backdropped by greenery. The light, airy space is extremely conducive to whiling away a day. Treat yourself to a Crisp and Peppered (No. 3 London Dry Gin, St-Germain, lime, cucumber and salt and pepper syrup), a plate of cured meats and some arancini for a serious summer indulgence.
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Newtown neighbourhood bar Tandem — which opened in October 2018 —takes its inspiration from Scandinavia, both spiritually and aesthetically. Owner Peter Lynn developed a thing for the community-minded nature of Danish bar culture while working in Copenhagen, and decided to recreate it in Sydney. That means the menu is big on locally made, environmentally sustainable and ethically conscious food and drink. Look out for Aussie craft beer tap takeovers, local gins like Marrickville’s Poor Toms and vegan gelato from nearby Gelato Blue. The outdoor space is lit with fairy lights and dotted with upcycled palette seating — great for a pared-back hang with friends.
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Finding the entrance to this secretive rooftop terrace is a bit like stepping into Playing Beatie Bow — it’s full of mystery. Wander along Kendall Lane (just off Argyle Street in The Rocks), find the hidden door and let the fairy lights guide your way to Mrs Jones (the Orient Hotel’s rooftop that opened in September 2018). Take a seat on a white wicker chair overlooking the Orient’s sandstone courtyard and nearby laneways, and order a cocktail designed by mixologist Tommy Donnison (ex-Merivale). We suggest the Purple Haze, a heady combination of vodka, blackcurrant and cacao liqueurs, vanilla syrup, blueberries and egg white. Then, tuck into some creative delights from the menu by Brad Copeland (ex-Est., MG Garage, Bistrode), like slow-cooked lamb croquettes with truffle honey or steamed chicken and mushroom dumplings with charred tomato, chilli and mint dipping sauce.