The Imperial unveils new-look rooftop

One of Melbourne’s best-known CBD pubs has opened its refreshed rooftop, marking the latest chapter for The Imperial Hotel Bourke St.

The iconic venue, located on the corner of Spring and Bourke streets, officially unveiled its new-look Rooftop on June 5, just in time for the 2026 World Cup.

The open-air space now features a new feature bar, fresh furniture, updated styling and temporary covered areas for guest comfort, with a fully retractable roof set to be completed in coming weeks.

The rooftop upgrade forms part of a broader refurbishment across the venue, including refreshed finishes and updated interiors in the ground floor public bar, dining areas and function spaces.

While the works give the venue a renewed look and feel, The Imperial says the refurbishment retains the classic pub character that has long made it a favourite among city workers, residents, sports fans and visitors.

To celebrate the launch, The Imperial hosted a Rooftop opening event on Wednesday, June 10 from 4pm to 6pm, offering guests a first drink on the house via The Pass app, alongside snacks from the new menu and live music.

The reopening also comes as the venue prepares for a major World Cup program, with The Imperial positioning itself as a CBD home of sport throughout the tournament.

The pub will screen every World Cup match live and loud across all levels, including on a mega-screen on the Rooftop and multiple screens throughout the venue.

The tournament kicked off at The Imperial on Friday, June 12, with an opening match watch party from 5am featuring a live screening of the opening ceremony, a live band, halftime giveaways, breakfast service and complimentary brekky sliders between 5am and 6am.

Across the tournament, matchday dishes will include a Giant Yorkie Lamb Roast, bratwurst hoagie rolls and Croque Monsieur, alongside breakfast offerings such as the Big Breaky Roll and The Imperial Big Breakfast.

Beyond sport, the refreshed food offering keeps classic pub favourites at the centre of the menu, including schnitzels, burgers, steaks, Sunday roasts, beef cheek and beef and mushroom pie.

The Rooftop menu is designed around share plates and lighter dishes suited to cocktails, spritzes and social grazing.

With live music from Thursday to Sunday, trivia, locals’ nights, DJs and weekly specials, The Imperial’s refreshed rooftop is set to become a year-round destination for drinks, dining and sport in the heart of the CBD. •