Rockpool Bar & Grill has unveiled a new addition to its iconic restaurant in Sydney’s CBD, the Rockpool Lounge. Located on the first floor, above the main restaurant, the lounge provides a stylish and relaxed setting for guests to unwind in style.
Hunter St. Hospitality CEO, Frank Tucker, said the lounge was designed to meet growing demand for engaging night-time entertainment in Sydney.
“Our goal is to enrich Sydney’s nightlife by providing a space that not only extends the dining experience but also welcomes those seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed lounge bar, whether they are dining with us or not,” Tucker said.
It means guests can move from dining downstairs into an atmospheric bar setting just upstairs or simply enjoy a sophisticated late-night destination.
Bar manager, Leonardo Zuccardi Merli, has curated a cocktail menu with a modern twist on classic cocktails with creations like the dirty frozen martini made with house-made olive brine. Other signature drinks include the coconut negroni and the vintage Harvard.
 
For those after something refreshing and light to drink, the lounge offers an array of highballs, including the Horse’s Neck with cognac and ginger ale, a whisky and pear soda, and a vibrant vodka mix with jalapeño and lime soda (which may I say was both refreshing and delicious – AZ).
A selection of over 40 wines is available by the glass, showcasing both well-established and emerging creators.
For whisky fans, the spirits club offers a monthly selection of limited-edition releases, each chosen for its unique character and palette.
Designed by Hunter St. Hospitality, Rockpool Lounge merges elegance with comfort. Patrons access the lounge via an elevator, where they are welcomed into a warm space furnished with clusters of armchairs and plush velvet chairs.
For those who prefer to sit at the bar, the suede stools offer an elegant yet relaxed environment right in the heart of the lounge. Sunlight streams through the double-height windows in the late afternoon, slowly fading to city lights as darkness falls.
Live music starts at 9.30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, adding to the room’s sophisticated ambiance.
The food menu has been crafted by executive chef, Santiago Aristizabal, who brings his Colombian heritage into life. Don bocarte anchovy on smoked tomato toast, wagyu brisket empanadas with zesty pebre, and the delicious wagyu tongue tacos are a few of the menu items perfect for pairing with a cocktail.
There are more substantial plates, including the wood-fired grilled cape grim fillet with café de Paris butter, and the signature Rockpool cheeseburger with double-smoked bacon and special sauce. It is served with sides of crispy onion rings with house-made ketchup or hand-cut chips topped with rich brisket gravy.
Alongside the development of Rockpool Lounge, Rockpool Bar & Grill has undergone several changes. The main restaurant has been expanded with new banquettes and booths increasing its overall capacity. Two of the four private dining rooms have been refreshed, and a new 12-person wine room has been opened, offering an even more intimate and elevated dining experience.
