Chippendale's revamped Abercrombie reopens with late-night licence and rooftop bar Casa Rosa

Heritage-listed Chippendale pub The Abercrombie has reopened after eight years and extensive renovations, ushering in "a new era of nightlife" with a 24-hour licence.

For the first time, the upper level has been opened to the public as Casa Rosa. The rooftop cocktail bar was inspired by Palazzo Chupi, a bright-pink apartment building with maximalist, Italian-inspired interiors in New York City's West Village.

The space has deep-seated velvet lounges, flamingo-pink walls and an expansive terrace with views across the 19th-century buildings of Notre Dame University.

"Casa Rosa's vibe is all about Italian-inspired cocktails, DJs playing Italo-disco beats, Mediterranean lounge snacks, table service and dancing on those couches late into the night," says Elliot Solomon, the chief executive of hospitality group Solotel, which acquired The Abercrombie in 2016.

"[It's] designed to feel like you're partying in a fabulously eclectic friend's home."

The menu at Casa Rosa is meant for snacking, cocktail in hand. There's salted cod croquettes with avruga and pimento mayo ($18), burrata with charred peach and hazelnut ($19) and pizza fritta with tomato and stracciatella ($16).

The cocktail list is light and summery, featuring the Casa Spritz (with Davidson plum aperitif, prosecco and soda) and the Mate Paloma (tequila, mezcal and yerba mate soda).

Abercrombie's second venue is bottle shop and late-night wine bar Lil Sis, housed within the adjoining terraces. Ex-Monopole sommelier Zoe Brunton has curated a "relaxed and approachable" list of organic, biodynamic and natural wines from across the world.

"Most are available by the glass too, which means you can try different wines," Solomon says.

"Highlights include the Williams Coleccion 'Finolis' by one of Spain's most influential winemakers, Paola Medina, and another is Laura Lardy's Fleurie Moulin a Vent Le Mont.

"Lardy is a fourth-generation winemaker and an absolute rising star in the Beaujolais region of France. A must try for Beaujolais fans."

Deli snacks feature heavily on the Lil Sis menu, with charcuterie from LP's Quality Meats and Pino's Dolce Vita ($8-24) and locally made Vannella ricotta, served with Malfoy's Gold honey and pistachio nuts ($12).

The ground floor of Abercrombie is Solotel's day-to-night pub-to-club venue, where $8 slices pizzas are served in a modern, enclosed beer garden.

"There are a variety of experiences under the one roof," says Solomon.

"Downstairs for casual beer garden then late-night clubbing; Casa Rosa for sunset rooftop cocktails … ; and Lil Sis for picking up a bottle on the way home or cosy date night wines."

Good Food asked Solomon how to make the most of a visit to Casa Rosa.

What's your go-to order?

At Casa Rosa, cocktails take the lead and I'd go for a pet nat sgroppino with Rhubi Mistelle, blood orange sorbet, and Big Dreams pet-nat on the rooftop terrace paired with the yellowfin tuna tartare with basil ($22).

When is the best time to go?

In summer, early evening the rooftop will be stunning as the sun sets and the music is playing. Also, I would say from around midnight is when the dancing is really going to ramp up on that level.

Where's the best seat in the house?

Casa Rosa is rooftop during the day and dancing on a couch in the green room at night.

All three venues take bookings and reserve space for walk-ins.

Abercrombie opens Mon-Sun 10am til late. Kitchen closes midnight each night.

Casa Rosa opens Wed-Thu 3pm-2am; Fri-Sat noon-4am; and Sun noon-midnight. Kitchen closes at midnight each night.

Lil Sis opens Mon-Thu 4pm-2am; Fri-Sun noon-3am. Kitchen closes Mon-Thu 10pm, midnight all other nights.