The latest stage of the much hyped redevelopment of The Imperial Erskineville has been unveiled; Ciao Amanti! Is the latest addition to the inner-west drinking den. The rooftop space has been transformed as a part of the $6 million redevelopment of the pub into a 200-person courtyard, decorated with pop art graphics, quasi-classical sculptures, gold mirror-clad pizza ovens, and stone mosaic bar tops.

Co-owner Fraser Short of Sydney Collective says of the new space; “We have designed a whole level of Imperial as a cocktail bar that acts like your own personal indoor-outdoor living room. I think the easiest way to describe it is: imagine a little Italian trattoria that loves disco and has a very cool lounge room. Put all that on a rooftop and now add some tasty cocktails, postmodern glamour and eclectic LGBTQI-plus crowd, and hey presto – you have Imperial.”

Italian fare is on the menu at Imperial UP, lovingly prepared of course. “Chef Dave Clarke and team have taken the traditional Nonna and titivated her into your queer Auntie serving up stuzzichino, pasta, pizza and Milanese that all taste as delizioso as they sound,” proclaim the venue of its new edible direction. Hand-made, quality ingredients are incorporated where possible, from pizza dough to pasta sauce.

Of course, it being the Imperial, the bar is passionate about equal parts beverage and equal parts socialising. “Imperial UP has been considered as a social space. We know that people in the inner west love to congregate – and congregate they shall!” says Short. The venue is most proud of its welcoming nature, declaring itself a safe space for all, and encouraging of the expression of personal styles and creative ideas.

The multi-function rooftop space will be able to play host to many a special occasions and exclusive and semi-exclusive events. Both the external Rooftop space and the internal Carlotta’s Lounge space are available to reserve, alongside two smaller internal rooms (Rosa Room and Carpriccio’s Corner). The new bar will also be integrated into The Imperial’s busy social calendar – it’s launch on July 15 coincides with the launch of Explore Yourself Sundays, a venue-wide weekly event that will see the venue open arms and doors to the community and embrace the spectacular spectrum of queer culture. Happy Hour will also be hosted at The Imperial from 5-7pm every Sunday, alongside regular drag and queer performances.

Imperial UP will trade 7 days a week. 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, imperialerskineville.com.au.