The pool at Icebergs may get all the Instagram love, but for sheer spectacle it’s hard to beat Andrew Boy Charlton pool. Below the Royal Botanic Gardens and overlooking the waters of Woolloomooloo, with its mix of million-dollar properties and working naval ships, you’d be hard pressed to find another location like it.

On a sunny Tuesday lunch, lifeguards patrol the pool while serious swimmers in budgie smugglers do laps and those looking to catch some vitamin D stretch out on sun lounges. The cafe has just reopened for spring and, like any self-respecting Eastern Suburbs local, has a new look for the new season. The blue of the pool pops against the interior colour palette of bright white, warm terracotta and greenery courtesy of native flora.

The offering has also had a revamp. As well as new menu times, there’s a long lunch option which can be upgraded to a bottomless brunch package, naturally. For those who nab one of the coveted sun loungers, the new QR codes let you order poolside so you can ensure sustenance and not have to give up your spot.

What’s interesting about Oh Boy is how operators, Bird and Bear group, have adapted to the hospitality staff shortage. The offering – both the menu and service levels – are split according to the busyness of the week. Bottomless brunches are available Friday-Sunday and while poolside ordering is available all week, your order only comes to you on Saturdays and Sundays.

Related review: Chill at the bar or splash out on dinner at the newly revamped Icebergs 

The menu options are limited on Monday-Wednesday, but everything is available Thursday-Sunday. If you don’t want to miss out on the labneh dip, Angus steak sandwich or spaghetti with cuttlefish ragu, make sure to visit later in the week.

On the plus side, earlier in the week the breakfast menu is available until 2.30pm so we kick off lunch with a toasted double smoked ham and cheese croissant. Two slices of provolone are generous, but they’re so thick that the middle is cold. A little bit of ooze would’ve gone a long way.

Luckily, the yellow slice of American cheese on the classic cheeseburger drapes perfectly over the patty. It’s what you want a poolside burger to be and the accompanying chips are crunchy and hot. For those looking to eat a little lighter, the poached chicken salad is a solid option. It sits on a textural quinoa tabouli with pops of sweet/sour cranberries, salad and tangy green goddess dressing.

Coffee is Allpress, tea is Kwala Organic and kombucha is Naked Bondi. There are also sodas, cold-pressed juices and smoothies. If you want to go large, there’s a magnum of NV Laurent Perrier “La Cuvee” Brut on the drinks list for $250, but wines by the glass are just a few bucks more than you’d pay for a smoothie. Beers are cheaper. 

In the current economic climate of #cozzielivs, booze at cafe prices matched with a million-dollar view is a great match. Dive in and leave refreshed.

Related review: Lola’s in Bondi relaunches as an Italian restaurant with a top Ragazzi chef at the helm