Bali's Potato Head eyes rooftop venue in Sydney CBD

The crew from one of Bali's hottest venues has been spotted touring potential venues on Sydney's eat streets, but why would Bali's Potato Head Beach Club be interested in built-up urban Wynyard?

Because rooftop venues are currently the hottest hospitality ticket in Sydney, and the upcoming rooftop bar and restaurant space at Wynyard's historic Shell House (pictured) is eye candy for budding sky-high operators.

"I can't confirm who has looked at it, but there has been a lot of interest from overseas and local operators," says Matt Hudson, national director of retail leasing at Cushman & Wakefield.

Hudson says a shortage of rooftop venues – compared with cities such as New York and Los Angeles – as well as Sydney's climate is driving demand.

"Australians love alfresco, and rooftops are the answer to getting outdoor space in the city," he says.

A number of rooftops have recently been activated across Sydney, from the Light Brigade in Woollahra to Untied at Barangaroo.

This month the Paragon Hotel at Circular Quay joined the convertible roof party.

Chef Danny Russo, who has designed a menu for the Paragon that swings from beef short rib croquettes to blistered peppers with black garlic aioli, believes it is the way of the future for Sydney.

"It seems on trend that in every major city in the world, hoteliers are turning their venues into an urban oasis," Russo explains.