Though the hotel's been open for a couple of weeks now, the most exciting part of the massive new QT Melbourne development (for locals, at least) has only just cut the tape across its door.
The QT's huge new indoor-outdoor split rooftop bar, appropriately named 'The Rooftop', is open to the public from today. So, just in time for you to have sunset cocktails at 7pm – thanks, daylight saving.
We convinced the QT to give us a cheeky preview before the space was officially open, and we can confirm it's massive. The outdoor deck is huge and sleek. It looks more like something out of New York or Milan than a typical Melbourne rooftop. Instead of milk crates and astro-turf you've got industrial-plush concrete and hardwood finishes, with an ever so slightly mid-century feel. The interiors are even more slick and glossy, with a huge central bar, and plenty of dark nooks for after sunset shenanigans.
The bar will be open from 4.30pm to 1am, and cocktails – specifically the classics – are the main event. The soundtrack will be mostly house and disco.
Basically, the south of the Yarra vibes are strong in this joint. We can already picture a crowd in tight little dresses and Gucci mules, which in a city where grit is in heavier supply than glam, does not have to be a bad thing.
Right now, the venue is licensed for 185 people, but even at capacity it's going to be a very spacious experience. We reckon you could fit 350 people up there, with a bit of a squeeze.
Photograph: Supplied