A luxurious lounge bar is now hidden above Rockpool Bar & Grill

Hunter St Hospitality has opened an opulent new Champagne and cocktail lounge above Rockpool Bar & Grill.
A South American menu of elevated bar snacks complements classic drinks list of high-end sparkling and Martinis.
The new bar will be open past midnight seven days a week.
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Few things scream “special occasion” in Sydney as loud as walking into Rockpool Bar & Grill.

Hunter St Hospitality’s world-famous steakhouse has long been regarded as one of the city’s most opulent dining experiences, anchored by its grand main dining room and, to the side, a New York-style bar.

But there’s now a third element to the Rockpool experience, playing into the increasingly present demand for more intimate, private spaces and atmospheric live music.

Rockpool Lounge is located on Level One of the 1936 Emil Sodersteen-designed skyscraper, accessible via the gilded art deco elevators that are located just before you walk into Rockpool Bar & Grill.

*Rockpool Lounge will host regular live music in the evenings (photo supplied).*

Moving away from the grandeur of the main dining hall and towards something more relaxed, Rockpool Lounge aims for that “understated elegance” look, capping capacity at 50 with a starry crop of chesterfield armchairs and velvet teal lounge chairs. There’s a small elevated stage in the corner for ambient-building acoustic and jazz performances and, for those who prefer to sit at the bar, several black suede bar stools flush with a sightly island bar.

It’s an elegant addition to what is already one of Australia’s most sophisticated operations, grabbing much of its character during the day with the ever-present trees that line Blight Street splashing vivid greens into the space via tall glass windows.

Rockpool Lounge seems to be another strong play from an evolving Hunter St Hospitality following the appointment of Frank Tucker as the long-standing hospitality group’s CEO.

*The food at Rockpool Lounge leans into South American flavours (photo supplied).*

Executive chef Santiago Aristizabal draws on his Colombian heritage for an edited list of South American bites, including rich snacks like Don Bocarte anchovy on smoked toast ($12 each), wagyu tongue tacos ($15) and Cape Grim fillet with Cafe de Paris butter ($36).

The Rockpool Lounge will be open past midnight each day of the week, adding another late-night drinking option to this side of the CBD.

Rockpool Lounge

Address: Level 1 / 66 Hunter St, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact: (02) 8099 7077
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (12pm – 1am); Saturday – Sunday (5:30pm – 1am)