3 reasons to make this beach-inspired bar your go-to this summer

Leave the humdrum of city streets behind and follow the neon signs up to Cabana Bar. The tropical bar is decked out with beachy touches like rattan furniture, festoon lighting and a garden brimming with tropical plants. The highlight? A sprawling outdoor terrace overlooking Martin Place. Thanks to a recent expansion, the terrace now fits up to 200 people and features its very own bar, so there’s no need to venture inside for a refill. With summer practically in full swing, it’s the perfect pitstop after a day of Christmas shopping or an early mark. Whether you’re settling in for a long lunch or rounding out the day with knock-off drinks, Cabana Bar is a small slice of paradise in the heart of the city. Just don’t wait too long to visit, the extended terrace is only here until the end of the year.

Whether you’re into pints or piña coladas, there’s a drink deal to satisfy every thirst this summer. On a balmy evening, nothing goes down as well as an Aperol Spritz, and you can order up the Italian classic for $15 a glass. There are also $8 Balter XPA schooners and $12 pints on the menu. Members can head to the tucked-away city bar for $15 Margaritas on Mondays or $6 wines on Wednesdays from 12-6pm. Sign-up is free and includes a complimentary drink voucher, all you have to do is register online and start cashing in on the perks. Find out more here. 

Don't just come for the colourful cocktails – the menu here is a knockout, offering a mix of mouthwatering dishes that strike the perfect balance between good pub grub and fine-dining finesse. At the helm is Chef Brad Sloane (Greenwood Hotel, Verandah Bar, Four Hundred), whose ethos is all about simple yet refined dishes, made with the best seasonal produce. Highlights include tequila-cured salmon with blue corn tostadas, tandoori cauliflower steak and herb crumbed chicken schnitzel, each showcasing Sloane’s expert vision, which has shaped some of Sydney’s most iconic venues. With a career forged under culinary legends like Matthew Kemp and Marco Pierre White (at London’s The Belvedere) and a career milestone as the Australian Hotels Association’s Chef of the Year in 2012, it’s clear that Cabana Bar is in very capable hands.

Find out more here.