Formerly known as The Bristol Arms Hotel, the Sydney CBD pub has had a major repositioning following its closure at the beginning of Covid lockdowns in March 2020.
The renamed pub, The Bristol, reopens this week, after having been closed for four years – since the first covid lockdown in March 2020. In that time, Oscars Hotel Group took the time to reassess the offering at the five-storey pub, which it purchased in late 2016 from the now defunct Australian Pub Fund for $19.5m.
The quintessential wharfie pub – located just a couple of blocks away from King St Wharf – was built in 1898 and has a storied history. It’s well remembered for its late-night retro parties that generated lines down Sussex Street pre-lockouts, as well as its sprawling rooftop bar that boasts 180-degree views of the glistening Sydney skyline.
With the renaming to The Bristol and a massive reworking of the space, Oscars Hotel Group have gone for a reinvention of the pub, rather than a renovation.
The five-story building has had a facelift to ensure its heritage is maintained for its significance, however inside visitors can expect a much more dramatic transformation, with a premium look and feel and a new food offering, that combines to evoke a modern Greek experience.
Renowned Creative Director, Paul Papadopoulos of DS17 was responsible for the interior transformation and designing a distinct identity for each level whilst maintaining a harmonious feel throughout.
The Bristol will house six separate offerings in total, with the first three, The Public Bar, Sports Bar and The Rooftop opening to the public this week.
Levelling up
The open-plan ground floor of The Bristol houses the Public Bar and Sports Bar, with a Greek twist. Instead of burgers, you’ll find Chicken and Halloumi souvlaki wraps on the menu, alongside fries seasoned with sumac, oregano and served with sweet chilli tzatziki. Likewise a pub pasta is replaced with Lamb Pastitsio and Beef Brisket Moussaka. The ground floor offering is open now.
The first floor houses a modern dining space, showcasing Mediterranean cuisine in an elevated yet accessible dining format under the helm of a renowned chef, whose identity is yet to be revealed. This space is not yet open.
One floor up, visitors can expect a profound change in scenery and atmosphere, as they enter Calypso nightclub, which is set to celebrate its grand opening on Saturday August 24th. The exuberant late-night spot introduces a touch of Salvadore Dali-esc surrealism, and Studio 54 vibes are threaded throughout.
“The disco balls are definitely back bigtime, but in an unexpected way,” says The Bristol’s general manager, Tom Corbett. With bottled table service available and sophisticated snacks to match, plus a line-up of DJs curated by respected Sydney producer/DJ, Aidan Bega, Calypso is aiming for a premium nightlife experience that enhances the ‘party till dawn’ attitude of the past.
On the fourth floor, The Midtown Bar & Lounge is an old-fashioned cocktail lounge, focused on custom cocktails, top shelf whiskeys with a cocktail menu that readily accepts and a secluded cigar lounge. The space opens in September.
At the very top of the pub, the beloved Rooftop Bar remains, although completely reworked. The aesthetic is of a Greek island oasis, likewise with a Greek share menu and an extensive drinks list.
“I’m super proud of our wine offering, with over 20 wines by the glass, that separates us from similar venues in the area,” Corbett states.
DJs will play in the Rooftop space Thursday through to Saturday, with Sunday sessions added in Summer. The Rooftop space will open from 16 August, with its food menu to launch the following week on 23 August.
While all the spaces of the The Bristol are very different, the significant reinvention of the hotel allows for a variety of experiences for anyone in Sydney’s CBD.
“The Bristol is not your typical pub, each level has its own identity, creating the recipe for a full guest experience from dining to dancing,” states Corbett.
“Start where you please, The Bristol just keeps offering more, it is its own precinct with something for everyone.”
