NOW EXPERIENCING:Songbird

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 16 Nov 2022

By
Max Veenhuyzen


Drink in the high life at the Ritz-Carlton’s rooftop lounge bar, where guests come for the panoramas, refined service and signature cocktails brightened with native flavours.

Sitting area at Songbird Bar
Why you goRitz. Carlton. Ritz-Carlton. Around the world, these three syllables are synonymous with the finer things in life. And so it is at the Ritz-Carlton Perth, where every aspect of the hotel is dialled up to “wow”, from the sunny patter of the staff to the attention to detail throughout the property. Songbird embodies all of that Ritz-Carlton big-hotel energy, with guests drawn here as much by the rooftop lounge bar’s fifth-floor panoramas as they are by the refined service and drinks.
Why you stayThis may be a bar with a view – the Swan River, Perth CBD, Kings Park and Narrows Bridge would all feature in any game of I Spy – but the entire package is about more than photo ops. Songbird is a class act all the way, from the greeting when you exit the elevator, to the goodbye. Even the folk splashing around in the rooftop pool – hotel guests only, we’re afraid – are on their best behaviour. A chilled Café del Mar-style soundtrack lurks in the background. The bar’s gilded marble and metal interiors shimmer at sunset, while an outdoor fireplace and native flora chime with the hotel’s go-WA spirit. In short, there’s plenty to keep you here, even after the sun has gone down.
Glass of cocktail at Songbird
Bartender mixing glass in Songbird
What drink to orderThe name Songbird isn’t just a nod to its lofty setting; it’s also a reference to the bar’s signature cocktails. Named after Australian birds, the mixed drinks show off the rugged flavours of native ingredients such as wattleseed, lemon myrtle and mountain pepper. The Galah, for instance, is made with Tanqueray gin that’s been infused with quandong, a sweet and sour fruit that’s also known as the native peach, and river mint adds brightness to the pink-hued Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo. Beyond the cocktails, sundowner-appropriate tap and packaged beers are also available, as is a tight selection of predominantly West Australian wines that play nice with seafood small plates.
Why we love itFrom the host at the door to the bartenders behind Songbird’s handsome marble bar, the whole team is invested in the guest experience. The welcome is sincere, the smiles come easy and nothing seems like too much trouble. Although the cocktails have been assembled with care and imagination, staff will gladly mix you a classic or something bespoke. In the market for something non-alcoholic? Easy done. The core menu features six zero-alcohol cocktails.
Sitting area at Songbird Bar
A splashing glass of wine
Regular’s tipThe no-bookings policy means securing a primetime spot requires planning. Your best bet is to arrive as close to opening as possible to maximise your chances of nabbing an outside table or one of the eight seats at the bar. Your reward won’t just be front-row views for sunset – accompanied by a soundtrack of theme-appropriate bird calls – but also the chance to order from the current Sunset Hour-exclusive cocktail menu.  
Make it fancyWhat is it about views of the water that make people reach for the fizz? For traditionalists, the bar offers a Champagne and seafood package starring a half-dozen oysters, seared scallops and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé – a great meal deal for two. Otherwise, flagship Champagnes, such as Dom Pérignon and Cristal, are on stand-by for major-league celebrations. Still not fancy enough for you? Guess you’ll have to take the elevator down to reception and ask what rooms – or suites – are available that night.
Glass of cocktail at Songbird
A delicious drink served at Songbird Bar
Who to takeImpressive views, refined service and an address in a swanky pocket of the CBD makes the Ritz-Carlton’s rooftop lounge bar A-plus date-night material. Then again, Songbird is just as suited to locals in love with Perth or want to show off their city to visitors. And from up in the sky on the edge of the Swan River, the West Australian capital sure knows how to put on a show.