Brisbane just unlocked a New York-inspired hidden rooftop cafe and events space
You could Google it, you could ask a friend for directions or you could just look up into the sky and see the olive trees peering over the rooftop of 157 Ann Street. Up here, elevated above the hustle and bustle is where you will find RAISE Rooftop – The City’s latest alternative to a New York-style rooftop cafe and events venue. We got a glimpse ahead of its opening, here’s what we saw …
Ride the elevator up to level thirteen of 157 Ann Street and you’ll instantly uncover your new go-to spot for a morning brew, sky-high sweet treat or recharge in the sun before heading back to the office. What you’ll also discover is a space that offers more than just a cafe but a hub for conversation and collaboration with a 180-degree views of The City.
It all started when founders Laura Campion of Brisbane-based brand agency LCC Group and Alex Afflick, chief technology officer of Audeara, took that same lift up to what was then just a blank rooftop space. “I fell in love with it the moment I stepped out of the lift – all this beautiful sky, fresh air and potential,” Laura says. “In the CBD, it’s easy to keep your head down, eyes on your phone and headphones in while you mentally run through your never ending to-do list.” RAISE is about creating those little moments of ease – a space to look up, take a few deep breaths and tell yourself I’ve got this.
And it’s inspiring to see those moments already happening. “In our opening week, two guys who’ve worked on the same floor for four years met here for the first time,” she laughs.
For Alex, the passion project started with coffee. “I fell in love with it back in uni – hopping between cafes, trying different brews and learning techniques,” he says. That love took him all the way to the coffee fields of Uganda in 2018 and now, back home to this new rooftop home base. Partnering with Coffee Supreme was a no-brainer for the team as the brand is aligned with amazing quality and strong focus on consistency.
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However, RAISE Rooftop is not just a spot for a quick coffee stop. Relaxing in the sun certainly gets the stomach grumbling and with a range of I Heart Brownies (all gluten-free) and daily artisan pastries from West End’s Banette available, it’s easy to sink down into a corner lounge for hours, which is exactly what we did.
Come sunset, the terrace transforms into a versatile venue with room for up to 60 guests for corporate functions, workshops, launch parties and seasonal celebrations. There’s room to put your own personal touch on the space and speakers ready to set the vibe for the evening, whether that be a jazzy New York playlist or a bit of RnB. As for a cheeky sip? Laura and Alex are currently in the process of obtaining their liquor licence however are taking event bookings from October onwards.
“Whether it’s coffee in the sunshine, a networking opportunity, or a private rooftop celebration, RAISE is here for it,” says Laura.
RAISE Rooftop is officially open, with event bookings now available. For opening hours and contact details, head to The Directory.