Fortitude Valley Is Getting A Retro-Inspired Rooftop Pool & Bar
Above it all
By Kiri Johnston | 16th October 2025Brisbane never met a rooftop it didn’t like, and this one just raised the bar, literally.
Ovolo The Valley’s iconic rooftop has had a full makeover, and it’s serving Old Hollywood meets Euro summer energy. Opening Friday 17 October, Above Rooftop Pool & Bar is the reimagined, retro chic evolution of the hotel’s former pool deck, and it’s about to become your new weekend ritual.
The rooftop
You might think you’ve done every rooftop in the city, but this one actually feels different. Think striped umbrellas, curated cocktails, and that golden 5 pm light bouncing off the water while a DJ spins something you can’t help but Shazam. It’s that sweet spot between elevated and easy, luxe but never try hard.
The design
Created with BSPN Architects, Above channels 1960s Palm Springs meets Fortitude Valley cool. Clean tiles, palms, linen clad lounging. A cinematic escape with skyline views and just the right amount of chaos from below. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to order oysters and stay ‘til sundown.
The food
Food wise, it’s a sun soaked affair courtesy of Justin North (Bécasse) and Head Chef Kya Knights, pairing refined technique with Brisbane’s breezy charm. The menu is bright, fresh, and unapologetically shareable: hummus with chilli oil, stone baked pita, beetroot and bourghal spread, kingfish ceviche. Basically, your Mediterranean holiday on a plate.
The drinks
Led by Jake Down, one of Australia’s top mixologists, the cocktail list is vibrant, flirty, and transportive. Expect pistachio, saffron, lemon myrtle, and rose threaded through classics with a twist, like The Mirage, a Belvedere Vodka number with passionfruit, rose water, and desert lime soda. One sip and you’ll understand why they called it Above.
The vibe
Open Wednesday to Sunday, Above will host live music, curated events, and everything from golden hour drinks to post dinner dips. It’s a pool bar, a rooftop, and a vibe all in one, the kind of place you’ll drop by for one drink and leave five cocktails later.
