Sydney's revamped Hyatt Regency adding a rooftop terrace

With rooftops hotter in Sydney than the butter in an overcooked chicken kiev, one of the big-ticket entrants to the genre is taking shape at the Four Points by Sheraton on Sussex Street, which will be a Hyatt Regency from the end of November.

Gun Sydney bar consultant Grant Collins is providing drinks direction to the rooftop venue, which he says will open before Christmas.

"Bates Smart is doing the design. There's a 1950s nautical theme – think Italian speedboats," says Collins. "It's one of the most exciting projects I've been involved with. We're looking at doing some retro rum drinks."

Collins is involved in another Sydney rooftop, giving drinks direction down at the InterContinental in Double Bay, which sensibly ditched its controversial $250 minimum spend.

The newly revamped East Village in Darlinghurst is also joining the party, its rooftop terrace expected to open next week.