Five-star Swissotel Sydney on Market Street in the CBD has undergone an eight-month-long, multi-million-dollar transformation, and this month has unveiled a new lobby bar called Arches on Market as well as a rooftop pool inspired by those you’d find in Europe.
The addition and revamp join the hotel’s existing 369 rooms and suites and its Ten Stories restaurant. Both the new lobby bar and the pool are on level 8.
Arches on Market is a glamorous, greenery-filled space, reminiscent of the grand palm court bars from the 1920s. Its design was influenced by the existing 1930s architecture of the lobby, with its palazzo-style façade and scalloped entry awning. Three arches accentuate an eight-metre-long marble bar, while black glass pendant lights hanging overhead add a modern touch.
In terms of seating, choose from booths in a lounge area or a more formal dining strip with windows looking out onto busy Market Street. Custom illustrations by NYC artist and illustrator Eliza Fedewicz adorn the menus and coasters, adding whimsy to the bar’s feel.
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Finger sandwiches, prawn cocktails and Sturia Caviar Oscietra are among the classic bar snacks with a nostalgic twist on the menu, designed by award-winning executive chef John Giovanni Pugliano.
The cocktail menu was curated by Aaron Shuttleworth, co-founder of the Antipodean Hospitality Company. It features cocktails including the Spring Club Sour, Swiss Cobbler and New Fashioned. The Arches Martini is served straight out of the freezer, garnished however you want. The wine list was developed by respected wine consultant Harry Letho, and has an Australian focus with a mix of well-known, high-quality producers and smaller (but still excellent) producers.
Also on level eight is the pool and deck, where food and drink from Arches can be ordered and enjoyed pool-side from booths, plush day beds or cabanas. The setting is styled with whites and greens.
The refurbishment is just one of many hotel revamps and openings in Sydney this year. Manly Pacific underwent a $30 million refurbishment, updating its rooftop pool and rooms, with interiors designed and pieces by Coco Republic. Singaporean hotel brand Capella opened a property in the CBD also this month, and W Sydney is set to open in October this year.
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