Perhaps it’s post-COVID, or perhaps it’s just a new appreciation of glittering city views, but outdoor dining and rooftop bars are having their moment in the sun (literally).
Emma McAlary, Food and Beverage Director for the Rooftop at QT Newcastle, says that COVID might have influenced the movement to alfresco dining, but it isn’t the whole story. “I believe COVID sparked the reimagining of how venues can facilitate greater outdoor dining locations,” she says. However, there is another reason McAlary credits for the rise in rooftop dining. “The Rooftop at QT is the tallest open-air rooftop in Newcastle and showcases beautiful city-wide views, which is the true reason for its success rather than the legacy of the pandemic. Who doesn’t love spending a summer afternoon with a cocktail in hand, watching the sun set?”
And while summer draws the bigger crowds, McAlary adds, winter dining has its fans too. “The brave few that love mulled wine and a blanket will find themselves near a heater in the colder months at the Rooftop.”
It’s not just about the rooftop views either – outdoor eating is happening at all levels and creating the right atmosphere is key. “Firstly, council requirements need to be met,” says McAlary. “After that, the rest is about creating a welcoming place which takes into consideration the guest experience from entertainment, shade or heat, depending on the season, and comfort.” And it helps being creative with the offerings. “We’ve recently launched alfresco dining on a street level, welcoming guests and locals to enjoy outdoor dining with their dogs,” says McAlary. “We even have a ‘park your pup’ area should guests need to pop inside!”
James Muscat, General Manager of the Pullman Melbourne on Swanston, says the hotel launched their new rooftop bar Blossom in February 2023 and it’s been a huge success. He adds that he’s seen the Melbourne hospitality scene come back to life post-pandemic and won’t even mention the ‘C-word’ during the reinvigoration. Muscat notes that Australians want to forget the past few years and take advantage of the hospitality they missed – so it’s more about enjoying the city atmosphere and views. He believes international trends are the main driver behind the new rooftop bars. “I think alfresco dining has always been popular in Australia,” he explains. “Rooftop venues are a new trend, taking cues from international cities such as New York and Paris.
“Blossom is a beautiful place on the 14th floor and is effectively the tallest rooftop bar in Melbourne,” he says, adding that with 270sqm of space outside and an adjoining inside area of 260sqm, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the views.
“It’s a huge space and we have the benefit of capitalising on the inside and outside experience,” he says, also acknowledging that it’s the outlook that wins over their guests.
“Melbourne city is a different place at night-time. When the sun goes down, you just really get to see the city light up. It’s truly special.”
