NOW EXPERIENCING:Cornish Arms Rooftop Bar
Drinks Directory|Outdoor area|Happy hour|Meal and a bev

Cornish Arms Rooftop Bar

Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
163A Sydney Road, Brunswick, VIC, 3056
Phone
(03) 9380 8383
Website
cornisharms.com.au
Instagram
@thecornisharms

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 23 May 2023

By
Michael Harden

An aerial shot of the Cornish Arms Rooftop Bar

This eyrie atop a traditional hotel attracts a buzzing crowd of all stripes who embrace the crafty brews, time-honoured cocktails and a menu of pub classics for carnivores and herbivores alike.

Looking down at the Cornish Arms Rooftop Bar
Why you goThe hipster haven of Brunswick has no shortage of good drinking holes, but it’s had a surprise deficit of rooftop bars. Into the breach has stepped the Cornish Arms, a Sydney Road stayer that served its first beer in 1854 and more recently added a glass-and-steel eyrie with great city views and a good dose of cool. There’s harmony between the traditional downstairs pub with its front bar, bistro and courtyard, and the Rooftop – look no further than the menu, split into meat and vegan options – but it’s a separate beast. Expect a buzzing crowd embracing the open air and Frozen Margaritas in equal measure.  
Why you stayYour legs will get a workout from the three flights of stairs (this is an elevator-free zone), but see it as a down-payment on the good times waiting up top. The leafy oasis hovering above Sydney Road has green-and-white striped umbrellas, a high-low approach to seating and a retractable awning that gives Rod Laver Arena a run for its money (and makes the heated space an equally good proposition in winter). Timing your visit for sunset means a drink and a show, thanks to the sight of the city skyline getting its twinkle on, but the good tunes – a mix of soul, funk and indie stuff that will keep you glued to Shazam – keep rolling no matter what time of day or night.
The rooftop area is a popular place to be
The bar area at Cornish Arms Rooftop Bar
What drink to orderEight beer taps pay tribute to Melbourne’s brewery scene, with repeat players such as Moon Dog, Bodriggy and Carlton Draught. They then spread their geographical love north to Queensland for Green Beacon’s 7 Bells Passion Fruit Sour Ale and Byron Bay with the likes of Stone & Wood’s always-popular Pacific Ale. A good range of easy-drinking, low-alcohol seltzers and no-alcohol beers such as Heaps Normal will let you party without the aftermath. Cocktails cover the well-trodden bases, from Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritzes to Margaritas (get them frozen from the Slushie machine or shaken to order). Happy hour is a thing here, too – hit the Rooftop Monday to Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm for bargain beer and cocktail specials.
What to pair it withIf Brunswick is Melbourne’s vegan capital, the Cornish Arms Rooftop is its city square. Scale these heights for a menu that shares its love between carnivores and herbivores. It’s all about the pub classics such as burgers, parmas, tacos and souvlakis, done either with meat or mocked to the max – the vegan chicken Kiev with “butter” and gravy might even turn a few chook-loving punters onto the plant-eating path. Weekends see the Rooftop’s wood oven fired up for Neapolitan-style pizza.
Why we love itIt’s fun and funky, but there’s nothing intimidating about the Rooftop. It’s such a welcoming space for people of all ages, genders, stripes and fashions that, at times, it resembles the Mos Eisley Cantina from the Star Wars movies – in the best possible way. 
Some of the tasty dishes at Cornish Arms Rooftop Bar
Serving patrons at the Cornish Arms Rooftop Bar
Regular’s tipKeep an eye on the socials for a roster of regular events, including trivia nights, movie screenings, DJ sets and vegan brunches hosted by the plant-based scene’s leading chefs. Taco Tuesdays, steak nights and other food-themed evenings are aimed straight at the uni-student crowd.
Who to takeLike the Cornish Arms mothership below, the Rooftop has gained a mighty reputation for its vegan food – and its vegan-friendly drinks list – putting the fun into faux and making it the ideal solution for when you’re eating with a group of mates who can’t agree on their dietary direction.
Sponsor logo
In partnership with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Authour image
Michael HardenAfter 25 years writing about wine and food, Michael Harden is getting the hang of it.
Tags
Drinks DirectoryKiller cocktailsNon-alc OptionsParty vibesGreat tunesCasual catch-upRooftopAfter work drinksPubHappy hourVego Food OptionsMeal and a bevBrilliant beer listTakeawaysMelbourneGood for groupsBYO friendlyBarMelbourne – NorthOutdoor area
REPORT A VENUE CLOSURE/REPORT AN ERROR
Related Articles