In a city known for its expansive rooftop venues, a new bar is set to redefine the norm with an intimate twist. Scheduled to open on October 17, 2025, Above will bring a cozy, 60-seat experience to the seventh-floor rooftop of Ovolo The Valley in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. This new venue promises to offer a unique blend of culinary and entertainment experiences, curated by celebrated chef Justin North and award-winning bartender Jake Down.
Daniel Sprange, the general manager of Ovolo The Valley, observed a trend in Brisbane’s rooftop bars upon his arrival six months ago. “For someone from Sydney, Brisbane does them a bit differently,” he noted. “It’s a unique concept to walk into a corporate or residential building, and you’re on the hunt for it. Then you get up to the rooftop and it’s this wide open space.” Above aims to contrast this trend by offering a more intimate setting.
A New Vision for Rooftop Venues
The concept for Above was initiated by Sprange’s predecessor, James Clark, and has been in development for about a year. The initiative aims to enhance the hotel’s food and beverage offerings following the closure of Za Za Ta in May, which made space for functions and events. “We have our brand pillars at Ovolo and food and beverage is a big component of that,” Sprange explained. “This will help elevate us and set us apart [among our competitors].”
In charge of the redesign is BSPN Architecture, which has been tasked with transforming the space, previously a small gym and sauna, into a lush, textured environment. “We’re giving the tiles a speckled blue treatment, and we hope it will add up to something that gives a Mediterranean feel,” Sprange said. “There will be a lot of sensory elements, with rendered sand-style walls.”
Culinary and Beverage Offerings
Above’s menu, crafted by consulting chef Justin North and head chef Kya Knights, will feature a grazing menu with a Mediterranean twist. Dishes will include stone-baked pita with linseed and garlic oil, old-school hummus with crunchy chili oil, and beetroot served with bulgar spread. The culinary offerings are designed to reflect the Middle Eastern focus of Kazba and Za Za Ta, with a slight shift towards Mediterranean flavors.
Meanwhile, bartender Jake Down is creating a cocktail list that will twist the classics and include original concoctions. “There will be a focus throughout the list on showcasing Brisbane produce,” Sprange noted. The bar will also feature live entertainment four nights a week, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
Sprange emphasized the importance of community involvement in the success of Above. “Yes, we’re a hotel but we can’t stand on our own two feet without the support of the local community,” he said. “It’s on the fringe of the Valley and it’s somewhere they can wind down and enjoy something different.”
As Above prepares to open its doors, the venue is set to become a distinctive addition to Brisbane’s hospitality scene. With its focus on intimacy, quality, and community, Above aims to offer a refreshing alternative to the city’s larger rooftop venues.
Above will open October 17 at Ovolo The Valley, 33/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley.
