Lady Banks Rooftop Bar

The Verdict

If there’s one thing Sydney has taught us, it’s that a city can never have too many rooftop bars and let’s just say, come sunset, Lady Banks Rooftop Bar is the place you want to be.

Decked out in neutral tones, old-fashioned finishes and suspended plants, this rooftop bar is officially Sydney’s largest and it takes up some serious skyline, 10 floors high to be exact, right in the heart of Bankstown. Inspired by the likes of the Lady Banks rose, every knick-knack and crevice oozes romance not to mention there are cascading flowers, festoon lights, plush lounges, a freestanding fireplace and views of the Blue Mountains.

The fare here has been handpicked and carefully curated by venue manager Francesco Motta, head chef Sarah Hanslow and bar manager Iris Boci—think big flavours and bold colours packed with Middle-Eastern influences. There are mezze boards pumped with hummus and baba ghanoush (with freshly-baked flatbread), roast chicken with za-atar and gravy and charred octopus with fennel and pickled grapes. To share, the 1.3kg Pinnacle Tomahawk steak is a no-brainer. Serving up to four, this Lady Banks signature gets cooked over coal and served alongside chermoula (Moroccan-style spice mix). Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll also find fresh seafood, pizzas and a dessert line-up not to be missed.

If you weren’t already impressed, Lady Banks Rooftop Bar not only blends her own rum and ages her own spirits in an American Oak Barrel but she also whips up her own in-house brewed beer, the Sir Hazy Banks While you’ll find an impressive collection of cocktails and spirits from all parts of the world, there’s a local focus on gin. The venue’s signature mix features Ink Gin from Husk Distillery (Kingscliff, NSW) and the bar has partnered with Sydney’s very own Archie Rose Distilling Co.

The cocktail menu is where you’re going to want to spend most of your time though, with mega share concoctions made to quench the thirst of four to seven people. There’s a drink called The Usual Suspects, which has you and your mate’s names written all over it. It’s made with vodka, watermelon and basil, and is served in a three-litre crystal dispenser, naturally.

Lady Banks Rooftop Bar is located at Flinders Centre, Level 10.

Image credit: Lady Banks