Saving Our Stalwarts: 22 Historic Sydney Pubs Are Being Considered for Heritage Status to Preserve Them for the Future

Sydney's hospitality sector is in the throes of one of its most challenging periods in decades, with downturns in discretionary spending, soaring produce costs, staffing pressures, increased rents and hiked insurance premiums prompting the closures of venues across the city. A recent casualty of this ongoing crisis is the treasured Paddington pub The Unicorn Hotel on Oxford Street — home of arguably the city's best chicken schnitty — which will call last orders for the final time in September.

The loss of such an iconic stalwart is a reminder that a storied past offers little protection against harsh economic headwinds in the present — unless, of course, that history earns a venue heritage status. The NSW government is currently considering awarding heritage protections to 22 Sydney pubs and while this accolade can't prevent fiscal failures from threatening a venue's future, it can protect the bricks and mortar from being bought by developers and lost to the sands of time.

Once a building receives a heritage listing, it is added to a register of protected sites that prohibit demolition or major alterations without proper state approvals. Heritage-listed buildings are also eligible for government funding to maintain them, easing the burden of such costs on already struggling businesses.

Sydney already boasts a number of heritage-protected pubs with the majority located in the oldest quarters of the city — the CBD and the Rocks. However, all 22 hotels being considered for heritage status under the proposed plans are located in the Inner West and have a history of hosting live music performances. "Our Inner West pub culture has been the breeding ground for some of Australia's best and most famous musicians and performers," Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne explains. "We want to make sure this continues into the future."

The 22 venues awaiting approval of heritage status are:

1. The Cricketers, Balmain
2. The Carlisle Castle Hotel, Newtown
3. Annandale Hotel, Annandale
4. The Balmain Hotel, Balmain
5. The Vic on the Park, Marrickville
6. Cat and Fiddle Hotel, Balmain
7. Websters Bar, Newtown
8. Duke of Enmore Hotel, Enmore
9. Town Hall Hotel, Balmain
10. Royal Exchange Hotel, Marrickville
11. Garry Owen Hotel, Rozelle
12. Native Rose Hotel, Rozelle
13. Livingstone Hotel, Petersham
14. Queens Hotel, Enmore
15. The Welcome Hotel, Rozelle
16. 3 Weeds Hotel, Rozelle
17. East Village Hotel, Balmain
18. The Warren View Hotel, Enmore
19. Dick's Hotel, Balmain
20. Unity Hall Hotel, Balmain
21. The Sackville Hotel, Rozelle
22. Sandringham Hotel, Newtown

Learn more about the Inner West Council's Heritage Pubs Planning Proposal on the Inner West Council website.