Overview
Built in 1898, The Bristol Arms (also formerly known as the Retro Hotel) was as quintessential a Sydney pub as you could imagine. It had no-frills interiors, a gastro-pub menu and a melting pot of patrons, from white-collar workers and construction tradies to curious tourists and pint-sipping geezers.
What set it apart from other city hotels was its expansive roof terraces — plural. While these two large decks, dotted with sun umbrellas and patio furniture, didn't offer the most remarkable views, such an impressive swathe of al fresco space made The Bristol Arms a go-to for sunny afternoon hangs and after-work beers.
However, in 2019, the historic pub became one of the many hospitality businesses forced to close permanently as a result of the national shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the five years since the venue has remained dormant, but it will soon be reborn as the latest addition to Sydney's boom in multi-venue hospitality hubs.
The Bristol Arms Hotel's original roof terrace.
The Bristol will offer a complete night out. At The Rooftop, guests will enjoy a relaxed sun-downer before heading down to Ela Ela, a Mediterranean restaurant. After dining, it's on to the luxurious cocktail lounge for after-dinner drinks and should the vibes demand it, there will even be a nightclub venue so patrons can party into the early hours. There will also be a sport bar and a casual bar on the ground floor, making a nod to the venue's pub heritage. The decor will be a major departure from the traditional look of The Bristol's previous iteration, with the tartan carpets and wood panelling of the original pub replaced with sleek, modern decor, giving each level its own distinctive aesthetic.
The developers are keeping some details about the new hospitality haven a secret for the time being, including the name of the revered chef helming the venue's main dining space, Ela Ela. However, Sydneysiders won't have to wait long to discover what The Bristol has to offer, with the ground floor bars, The Rooftop and the nightclub set to open before the end of the month, and the cocktail lounge soon after.
Find The Bristol at 81 Sussex Street in the CBD. Follow The Bristol on Instagram for more updates.