Since purchasing the Rose of Australia pub 21 years ago, the Leach family have left the top floor untouched, but for the occasional event. Built in 1934, the pub is about to undergo its second redevelopment ever, under the eye of Scott Leach, who will turn the floor into a tribute to his late father, Howard.

"The top floor has been derelict for two years now, but the conversion reflects the change of the inner west," owner Scott Leach says. "The bar is inspired by the memory of my father. He passed away ten years ago now, but he loved his smoked ribs, dancing on tables and taking great excitment in meal times.''

Howard's Cantina and Cocktails takes a high-low run at pub fare, with white wine-poached lobster butties, pork and veal sausage rolls, and a "picnic table" spread of house-made sourdough and cheese, with bresaola and pickles. Margaret and David – named after Australia's famed movie critics – is a mash-up of cola sorbet, Malteasers mousse and popcorn.

Expect a mix of solid classics on the cocktail list, with a few twists – pomegranate-laced mojitos, cherry bitters spiked Cuba Libre and Grand Marnier-soaked wood chips flamed over the smoking negroni.

Wed, 6pm-late; Thurs-Sun, noon until late

1 Swanson St, Erskineville, roseofaustralia.com, 9565 1441