Shout it from the rooftops! Four new (and improved) sky-high bars to get excited about

As the days get longer, the nights get thirstier, so it’s cheers all round for rooftop revamps, launches and plans.

In the city, Good Heavens has doubled its capacity to a sociable 380. The new area extends all the way to the corner of Bourke and Exhibition streets, into the space that was previously Grand Trailer Park Taverna. A sloping blue glass roof ensures clear skies every day and there’s an outdoor fireplace because Melbourne loves throwing down four seasons, especially in spring.

Snacky bites are from downstairs sister venue Fancy Hanks, with many diners going hard on cheeseburger spring rolls. The drinks menu includes an expanded martini list and tropical classics. “We use Melbourne spirits to bring fruity fun and summer vibes,” says owner Mike Patrick.

The venue has been busy since it launched eight years ago but the increased size means queues downstairs are now unlikely. “Now it’s so big, it’s easier to get in and you can always get a table,” says Patrick.

He’s predicting a big summer. “People in Melbourne love a rooftop,” he says. “We can’t get enough. That perspective of being up in the treetops but in the middle of the city is really special.”

Level 2, 79 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 03 9453 2882, goodheavens.com.au

Over in Kew, the building housing Skinny Dog has managed 150 years of trade without a rooftop space but has now climbed skywards. Owner Craig Barnett took advantage of his landlord’s purchase of adjacent shops to build a new 400-person atrium space. “It has retractable roofs and can be used all year round,” he says.

Finals footy will be live and loud but Barnett also highlights the roster of live music and DJs. “Kew hasn’t seen a lot of entertainment so we’re glad to bring that,” he says. “This part of the neighbourhood near Kew Junction is going to be really good now. He points to the relaunched Studley Park Boathouse, the Grossi family’s Puttanesca and new premises for Mister Bianco mere steps away.

There are 44 beer taps and an extensive wine list but the cocktails are flying. “The biggest seller is the Chilli and Cucumber Margarita,” says Barnett. The food menu includes elegant snacking such as oysters with Prosecco foam and roasted spatchcock with celeriac remoulade but the Skinny Dog’s famous 450-gram parmigiana has plenty of takers too.

155 High Street, Kew, 03 9853 8023, skinnydoghotel.com.au

QT Melbourne’s chic rooftop will relaunch mid-October with more intimate spaces, including booths that suggest settling in for a long lunch would be a very good idea indeed. There will also be a new private dining room and a Mediterranean food focus.

“We did a massive menu tasting and we’re all excited,” says new executive chef Nic Wood, who previously oversaw the food at Los Angeles coworking collective NeueHouse, which has dining rooms in Hollywood and Venice Beach. “It’s going to be approachable, fun, flavoursome food that’s easy to eat.”

Seafood is a focus: think crayfish cocktails and a raw snapper cannoli with preserved lemon, creme fraiche and barbecued jalapenos. There will also be a fried mortadella sandwich with provolone and pickled pepper on white fluffy bread. “It’s a full relaunch of the rooftop to elevate it to the next level,” says the Perth-born chef.

133 Russell Street, Melbourne, qthotels.com/melbourne

Popular St Kilda hangout Flour Child is putting the finishing touches to a second venue in Richmond, which has taken over an old dance studio. A first-floor balcony overlooking Church Street can be opened completely to both street and sky, while the rear lounge looks towards the city through enormous wraparound windows.

Owner Simon Kouba is excited to bring his signature pinsa romana to Richmond. “They are very different from any other pizza,” he says. “We use three types of flour and the dough is rested for 48 hours so it can be digested more quickly and you don’t feel bloated.”

He believes Flour Child is the cocktail bar Richmond needs. “It’s very pubbish around here,” he says. “We’re excited to bring a classy venue with premium cocktails, building on the success of what we’ve created in St Kilda.”

He’s hoping to open the doors in time for the Melbourne Cup in early November.

432 Church Street, Richmond, flourchild.com.au