September rolls around again – and this year we can get ready to party as Spring blooms into town, footy finals dominate our televisions and thoughts turn to balmy barbeque evenings with friends.
Australians know how to party with the best…icy cold brews, a glass of favourite red and dinner out at a local restaurant with someone special, or a group of good mates.
Celebrate the change of season in style at some of this country’s best dining destinations to party the night away and set the scene for the run up to the end of the year…
Leederville foodies say hola to sangria and paella at Perth’s first and original tapas bar Duende on Newcastle Street. On balmy days, sit alfresco to people watch while sipping an ice-cold cerveza; or relax indoors where a long bar invites perching on a stool and a curved glass frontage lets in an abundance of natural light.
Get the weekend party started by catching up with amigos and devouring a signature paella, made fresh every Friday and Saturday; washed down with a jug of Sangria, made by the mixologist from Madrid.
Head to Sydney’s biggest rooftop bar Lady Banks Rooftop on Restwell Street to find a multi-seasonal sanctuary, inspired by the horizon and outlook of Bankstown. Boasting 360-degree panoramic views capturing the impressive skyline to the Blue Mountains, this venue beautifully balances a modern, playful bar experience while paying elegant homage to its muse – the Lady Banks rose.
Take life one sip at a time with a house rum blend Pirate’s Paradise cocktail and graze on seasonal plates like charred octopus, ajo blanco, fennel and pickled grapes, or Hervey Bay scallops, mojo rojo and confit garlic butter.
Those looking for funky, yet sophisticated rooftop drinking with luscious gardens, panoramic city views and creative cocktails head to Loop Roof & Loop Top on Meyers Place in Melbourne. Hard on the heels of an eye-catching vertical garden that climbs from the ground floor to the rooftop, Loop Top is an extension to the existing bar, making this a unique twin-tiered garden oasis in the CBD.
From Sunday brunch with all-day Mimosas to evening partying, there is something on the menu to keep everyone satisfied with plates like roast pork belly bao, with pickled cucumber, spring onion and hoisin; or calamari fritti, garlic aioli, fennel and lemon.
Café meets cocktail bar in warm timber-clad surrounds at Good Measure on trendy Lygon Street in Carlton. Look for the sign with a magpie just a short walk from Argyle Square to find this café by day and bar by night, where a mid-century décor creates a unique ambience as the record player cranks up and guests delve into a range of Japanese sake, house cocktails, wine and beer.
Pair a banana whisky fizz cocktail with snacks like a pastrami deluxe sandwich, or prosciutto and avocado; while sweet tooths appease cravings with cinnamon and pecan babka, or cheesecake.
