If Captain Cook and Joseph Banks decided to settle down and buy a posh penthouse by the seaside, the chances are it would be filled with botanist paraphernalia, have amazing views through the pine trees to the ocean and a killer rooftop terrace to host parties and watch all of Coogee’s wildlife of the four (and two) legged variety.

Hemmes has done it again upping the ante, and the altitude, of the newly revamped Coogee Pavilion. Live the Mediterranean life with terracotta tiles, Grecian blue and white sun sails, earthenware pots flowing with greenery, olive trees and whimsical touches such as glass box dining tables showcasing collections of crustaceans or animal eggs along sitting alongside intricate iron aviaries filled with a pretty finches (stuffed of course!).

It’s an easy breezy spot to down a cravado of Wyborowa vodka, lychee and mint. Executive Chef Jordan Toft (ex Doyles, Est, Los Angeles Eveleigh) delivers a menu worthy of his European travels. For the peckish, spiced hummus with crispy pita chips or meatballs with a kinder surprise of kefta cheese might suffice. Charcoal lovers will be oohing and aahing over the best octopus in town, a tumble of tentacles, crispy and softly indulgent in all the right places with a zing of burnt orange. A puddle of ink vinaigrette is perfect partners to South Australian squid whilst vine wrapped haloumi seals the deal.

So play musical chairs across four different inside and outside bars. Choose a rattan chair, a picnic style table, a bar stool or lounge upon the white washed soft curved walled seating. If variety is the spice of life then we choose one filled with olive oil, lemons with a dusting of harissa.

Coogee Pavilion Rooftop
Coogee Pavilion, 169 Dolphin St, Coogee 2034
Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 12am
merivale.com/coogeerooftop