Drinks In The Sun

You wanna sink some bevvies at a place with a cool outdoor space, but you don't want it to be super crowded? We suss out some spots for spring.  

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Retreat Hotel — 280 Sydney Rd, Brunswick

Yeah, yeah, we get it. Everyone knows the Retreat. It's Brunswick's legend, the home of Sydney Road, et cetera. Still, when the sun starts a-shinin' we knock our pints together and thank the weather for letting us get back to our local. We missed it. Well, it wasn't as enjoyable in winter. We couldn't sit outside and get sunstroke- boozy, duh.

Siglo — 2/161 Spring St, Melbourne

When the weather starts smiling again we smile too — especially if we're on a rooftop terrace feeling all classy. Siglo has the snazzy, sunny feels we've been craving all winter. A late night supper menu and a drinks-galore list will make you stay up 'til the wee hours celebrating nothing but opulent air.

Loop Bar — 23 Meyers Pl, Melbourne

No, we're not talking about the rooftop — yes, we'll admit it's pretty sweet up there too — we're more about its cute little sister downstairs. She's quirky, snug and embraces creative exhibitions like film screenings, audiovisual performances and legit DJs. There's an intimate smokers area featuring wall-sized, glassless windows, as well as picnic table benches.

Black Cat — 252 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

Let's face it; having been on the ol' block for more than 30 years, Black Cat is a Fitzroy institution. It's the place to hang (if you're not already) in comfy, mismatched sofas where you sink coffee by day and skull craft beer come night. There's even a pavement beer garden here too, which makes the place at least ten times more loveable. Especially in spring.

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Darlo Bar (Upstairs) — 306 Liverpool St, Sydney [pictured above]

A garden bar where plants scale the wall and herbs are freshly picked and placed in your cocktail. Spring is the best season to check out this rooftop of Eden (we all know Mother's at her best this time of year). Grab a craft beer, indulge in some bacon-flavoured tequila and become one with nature again. 

The Potting Shed — 41 Bourke Rd, Alexandria

Hanging plants, terracotta pots, timber beams and swings from childhood memories. Yes please! If you haven't been, The Potting Shed is like a home you haven't visited just yet. Uh huh — a bar that feels more like a backyard. There's even a drink here called The Verandah Sunset; and a pet macaw that goes by the name of Fluffy. Major swoon.

The Courthouse Hotel —202 Australia St, Newtown

If you're a student, an artist or a 40-year-old man chances are you've been to (or are currently at) The Courthouse Hotel. Like you, we can't get enough of its beer garden; the odd array of clientele; or the sticky, vinyl couches (the stuffing in them has seen better days, huh?). Still, with spring here, this place glows. Cider in the sun, anyone?

The Norfolk — 305 Cleveland St, Surry Hills

Nothing says spring like a leafy backyard bar, mismatched art deco and a Bloody Mary served in a Campbell's soup can. It's true: we've been in hibernation for this all winter, preparing our liver for the warmer months. Well, we're not waiting any longer. The sun is sort of here. Pass us that drink with apple cider, pear vodka and smashed mixed berries in it, like ASAP. We're beyond parched.

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Brisbane Brewing Co — 124 Boundary St, West End  

A drinking den fond of craft beers, homebrews and a beaut beer garden too. If getting cozy, a bit merry and divvying up your chow with a pal sounds pretty sweet, you’ll love it here. Inhale the airy vibes, the suds and the ‘Oktoberfest-meets-New-York-Deli-meets-South-American’ menu.

Archive Beer Boutique — 100 Boundary St, West End

Beer, bookshelves, comic-strip wallpaper, comfy sofas. Say no more, you quirky cool bar, you. Admittedly, it’s not the first place we think of when we want outside brewskis. But hello courtyard we forgot was there! We’re sorry Archive Beer Boutique for failing to remember just how fully awesome you are.

Pig N Whistle — 446 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley [pictured above]    

Fairy lights sparkle and legit fairies have sprinkled some excellent voodoo dust here. This British pub has TWO beer gardens. We’re not lying. We fully counted them using multiple fingers. One and then another one. TWO. That’s all you need to know.

The Wickham — 308 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley

We love ourselves a garden bar with history. This one was first a bottle shop. Then a carpark. Now, it’s a cheeky sunny space for you and your mates. Order your drinks, dinner and donuts (yep) at the bar, which just so happens to be located in a shipping container. Then head back outside and let the good times come.