Bourke Street’s Imperial Hotel Has Unveiled Its Revamped Rooftop Just In Time For Spring
Melbourne’s rooftop bar season has kicked off with a burst of sunny days, with plenty more on the horizon. And we know exactly where you should be spending them.
The recently refreshed rooftop at Imperial Hotel, Bourke Street, caps off a spate of stylish renovations across the historic top-end pub, including some classy upgrades in the public bar and dining areas.
Up above the CBD treeline and with unbeatable views of Parliament House, the revamped Imperial Hotel rooftop is now primed for summer, securing a brand new bar and fresh fit-out, nodding to the pub's historic roots while embracing the open-air setting.
The upgrade goes further than just good looks, with their food and drink menus getting a spruce-up too. Drinks-wise, the new Imperial Hotel rooftop bar spotlights Victorian producers and easy-going classics for sipping in the sun. The tap list is topped off with summery styles like Hawkers tropical-ish hazy IPA, Stone and Wood Pacific Ale and Balter Eazy Hazy, while wines stay close to home, with Chandon Brut sparkling by the glass, ready to toast the warm days ahead.
The cocktail menu is bright, fun and seemingly crafted with sunny afternoons in mind. The list swings from staples like amaretto sours, margaritas and Aperol spritzes to eye-catching newbies like the passionfruit therapy (a blend of vodka, elderflower liqueur, agave, pineapple, passionfruit and lime) and the wild hibiscus spritz (peach, wild berry, prosecco and hibiscus).
Food-wise, there's a focus on shareable small plates like chorizo croquettes with smoky chipotle, or mini prawn rolls with lemon and aioli—both of which call for a glass of crisp white or a refreshing spritz to pair.
The mains mix classic pub feeds—like beef and mushroom pie with mash and mushy peas, or the chicken schnitzel with fries and a side of rich gravy—with some lighter plates, like the crisp-skinned barramundi with chat potatoes and romesco, and a chilli prawn and chorizo linguini tossed with a tomato, garlic and chilli sauce. You’ll find classic burgers served on pillowy milk buns and a from-the-grill menu headlined by a 300g scotch fillet steak, too.
Breathing new life into a longtime CBD staple, the renovation delivers a serious upgrade to the space and menu without losing the pub's old-school charm. We're also not mad about those elite Parliament House views—and the Spring Street/Bourke Street location a quick stroll from venues like the Princess Theatre and the nearby sporting precinct.
The Imperial Hotel works for multiple occasions too, with plenty of entertainment to be had up on the sun-dappled rooftop—with live music pumping each week from Thursday to Sunday, and big screens showing all the sporting action. Whether you’re popping in for a drink after work, spending an afternoon in the sun or celebrating something special, the new Imperial Hotel rooftop is more than ready.
For the full rundown of rooftop events and specials, head to the Imperial Hotel website.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Imperial Hotel, Bourke Street and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
Images: supplied