By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
It’s always five o’clock somewhere – but in Sydney, Happy Hour has found a new rhythm, stretching across rooftops and brasseries with a little extra flair. From Parisian-inspired Aperitifs in Surry Hills to rooftop Spritzes near Barangaroo and playful cocktails above the CBD, three standout venues are redefining what it means to clock off in style.
In Surry Hills, Armorica Grande Brasserie has turned the simple after-work drink into a ritual with its ‘Six Til 6’ rendezvous. Running daily from 4 pm to 6 pm, this two-hour escape offers charcuterie plates starting at just $6, paired perfectly with a chilled glass of rosé. Think prosciutto, saucisson and cornichons laid out before you, as the hum of public transport fades into the distance.
More than just a Happy Hour, Six Til 6 is a chance to slow down, catch up and slip into a slice of Parisian joie de vivre midweek. Once the clock strikes six, Armorica’s full menu tempts with abundant share plates: seafood towers stacked high with oysters and prawns, spaghetti tangled with scampi and crab, or a lamb rack dressed in yoghurt, pistachio and jus. Add in a 400-strong wine list and live jazz every Friday and you’ve got the perfect excuse to linger longer than planned.
Details: Daily, 4 pm-6 pm at Armorica Grande Brasserie, Surry Hills.
Meanwhile, in Barangaroo, The Sussex Hotel channels cosmopolitan glamour with a rooftop that looks straight out of a Sex and the City episode. Leafy greenery, bold striped umbrellas and golden-hour Spritzes set the scene for everything from post-office catch-ups to flirty date nights.
From Tuesday to Saturday this September, between 5 pm and 7 pm, the bar is serving $14 Spritzes in Aperol, Amalfi, Rubi and Hugo variations. It’s an undeniably stylish stand-in for European holidays – minus the airport queues. Whether you’re sipping with colleagues, snapping photos for Instagram, or indulging in a cheeky rendezvous, The Sussex Rooftop proves you don’t need stilettos or Madison Avenue to enjoy a little indulgence.
Details: Tue–Fri 12 pm–late; Sat 4 pm–late at 20 Sussex Street, Sydney.
Perched atop Kimpton Margot Sydney, Harper Rooftop Bar is a poolside-style haven above the CBD streets. This Spring, the bar has extended its hours, making it a go-to for after-work drinks and weekend escapes alike.
Golden Hour on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (5 pm-7 pm) brings $15 Aperol Spritzes and $16 Sour Gummi Worm cocktails – colourful, cheeky and camera-ready. Sundays come with a playful twist thanks to Puppy and Pinot, where dogs are welcome and a glass of Pinot Noir or Grigio comes complimentary with any meal. Groups can also make the most of limited-time Spritz specials through October, ensuring tables stay lively well into the evening.
Details: Wed–Thu 4 pm-10 pm; Fri–Sat 12 pm-10 pm; Sun 12 pm-8 pm at Level 7, 339 Pitt Street, Sydney.
From charcuterie and rosé to rooftop Spritzes and playful cocktails, Sydney’s bars are making midweek feel less like a grind and more like a celebration. Whether it’s Parisian romance, Manhattan glamour or sky-high indulgence, there’s no reason to rush home – not when the city is serving up golden-hour magic at every turn.
