AVC has unleashed the first of its new rooftop solutions, following a $1.3 million build atop Richmond’s Harlow Hotel.
In early September Premier Andrews’ announced a roadmap for hospitality economic recovery citing a significant move to outdoor and rooftop activations.
Taking the initiative, Australian Venue Co. (AVC) formed its own plans at a number of sites, flagging suitable spaces including Hopscotch, Imperial Bourke, Wharf Hotel, Trinket and European Bier Café.
It has now opened Harlow Rooftop, skirting the top of the Church Street former Great Britain Hotel building, providing sweeping, uninterrupted views of the city for up to 200 people (outside of current restrictions).
The Rooftop features a mix of high and low tables and bench seating that wraps around the whole U-shaped space. A neutral colour palate is contrasted with splashes of colour via emerald green tiles, textured stone bar tops and landscaping.
The drinks menu boasts a curated selection of five ‘bag’ cocktails only available on the Rooftop, alongside plenty of draught and canned beers, and wines.
Patrons can choose eats from bar snacks to modern pub ‘classics’, such as a Parma made from chicken or eggplant, Hooch-Battered Fish & Chips, or the house special Sticky Fried Chicken Burger with buffalo sauce.
And launching tomorrow (14 November) is the Bottomless Boozy Brunch, offering a two-hour session of bottomless drinks plus a lunch item for $49 per person. Included drinks count a selection of wines, Harlow’s Hooch beer and a choice of three of the cocktail bags, and there are nine options for the lunch dish.
Striving to keep the brand alive during the second lockdown, the pub ran a ‘Puppy Pals of Harlow’ competition in celebration of its growing reputation as a dog-friendly beer garden. The competition aimed to find three local dogs to immortalise with their image at Harlow. Locals voted to select the winners, whose mugs are now featured on a large wall mural. Access prevents the new Rooftop being available to regular canine companions.
“Dogs are our best mates after all, so why shouldn’t we take them to the pub?” asks venue manager Ben Lougoon. “It seemed only fitting when creating the new rooftop space to incorporate our love for dogs.”
After seven months in lockdown, AVC was eager to get staff back to work and doors open, embracing the push toward outdoor as part of the new normal.
“This summer will be like no other, so we want to bring the very best of our pubs to the streets and laneways across Melbourne,” says Waterson.
“We are feeling positive to be working on these plans with City of Melbourne to create outdoor dining experiences for Melbournians to enjoy.”
