Two new bars to check out in Sydney right now

One's a rooftop beauty with city views, another an intimate haunt with top-notch cocktails.

Two new bars to check out in Sydney right now

By Akash Arora

Updated November 18 2022 - 8:47am, first published 8:37am

One's a rooftop beauty with city views, another an intimate haunt with top-notch cocktails.

Two new drinking dens have opened in Sydney and they're a testament to how well the city can cater to different tastes.

Food and drinks at the Sussex Rooftop. Picture: Steve Woodburn

Looking for a rooftop bar with city views and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe? Head straight for the nearly 107-year-old Sussex hotel in the CBD, which has come alive this season with The Sussex Rooftop. Grab a table under one of the white-and-maroon parasols - next to walls replete with snaking grapevines - and order a signature cocktail such as Paloma: a heady concoction of tequila, agave, grapefruit juice and lime.

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A cocktail at Spice Trader. Picture: Steve Woodburn

But if you're in the mood for something more intimate, make a beeline to the Porter House Hotel (also in the CBD), which has just unveiled its highly atmospheric bar Spice Trader. Pull up a stool at the green marble bar or settle down in a velvet-clad banquette and order from an extensive drinks list, which includes everything from classic and signature cocktails to beers, wines and spirits.

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.