The Duke loses Duchess but gains a rooftop

A Melbourne institution, the Duke of Wellington is our city’s oldest licensed pub. It’s safe to say that since opening in 1853, this old charmer has had a few makeovers and a couple of licks of paint to keep her fresh. The establishment continues to be a popular haunt for locals and tourists, serving both classic and modern food and drink options.

The pub has revamped its top floor from what used to be known as Duchess, and is now dubbed as Duke Rooftop. If we’re calling a spade a spade here, the “rooftop” is really more of a balcony, making it a perfect summer and winter spot to enjoy great views of the city while you enjoy a vino or some of their great bar snacks, or probably both.

The layout features luxurious leather booths suitable for groups, a casual bar space with tables and stools, and tables on the leafy balcony overlooking the CBD.

Duke Rooftop boasts a cocktail menu offering both classics and unique inventions such as the Winter Ginger (lemon, honey syrup, ginger liqueur, scotch and candied ginger) or the Fireside (the unusual salty and sweet combination of grey goose vodka, maple syrup, grapefruit juice, salt and rosemary).

On the food side of things, Rooftop have something to satisfy every palate. Classic pub grub options include mini shepherd’s pies with HP sauce or salt and pepper calamari or those seeking something more exotic, order either the salmon ceviche, mini prawn tostadas or the ‘finger lickin’ rooftop chicken with a sticky and spicy coating served in a little cone filled with blue cheese sauce.

If you’re after something a bit more filling, there is a small selection of bowls and poké, as well as a great selection of burgers and hotdogs, including the AC/DC Lane Grilled Chicken Burger with bacon, cheddar, slaw and blue cheese mayo, and the vegetarian So Melbourne Hipster Hot Dog with a mac ‘n’ cheese hot dog, buffalo sauce, mustard and boozy beer onions. 

And of course, a classic Melbourne pub wouldn’t be a classic Melbourne pub without a great wine list consisting of both local and imported wines and a selection of beers on tap. Melbourne favourites such as Hawthorn Pale Ale, Furphy and White Rabbit are available.

Duke Rooftop will be offering bookable booth packages for up to eight people from Friday, 13 July at $25 per person for a cocktail on arrival and a selection of the chef’s canapés.

Duke Rooftop 
Duke of Wellington, 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
Open 7 days, Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 1am, Sunday, 12pm to 11pm
dukeofwellington.com.au