Old Mates Place, Rooftop bar and pub in Sydney, Australia.
Old Mates Place is a two-level venue where the lower floor resembles a traditional library setting and the open rooftop above sits surrounded by greenery. From upstairs you get city views, while downstairs you can browse from over 300 types of spirits and cocktails.
The venue draws from the Prohibition era when hidden bars operated in secret, adapting that idea of secrecy and exclusivity to modern Sydney. This heritage of underground drinking culture shaped the venue's design and atmosphere today.
The place reflects Sydney's tradition of rooftop venues by mixing indoor sophistication with outdoor relaxation among plants and city views. This blend shows how locals enjoy combining refined drinking culture with open-air comfort in the middle of the city.
The entrance is located on the fourth floor of a building on Clarence Street, so be prepared to head upstairs. The rooftop has a retractable roof that closes during bad weather, keeping you comfortable no matter the conditions.
The retractable roof had to be hauled piece by piece up four stories, creating an unusual garden-like feeling high above the city streets. This green space feels surprisingly removed from the urban rush below, despite being right in the middle of downtown.
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