The landmark Sydney CBD venue formerly known as The Bristol Arms is returning, making its debut as The Bristol this week.
The iconic quintessential wharfie pub, built in 1898, has a storied history and is vividly remembered by many for its late-night retro parties that generated lines down Sussex Street in more recent times, as well as its sprawling rooftop bar that boasts 180-degree views of the glistening Sydney skyline. This is not The Bristol Arms of old though or ‘the retro hotel’ as it was fondly named by some Sydneysiders. The Bristol has not just been renovated – it has been reinvented.
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 taking over from top to bottom and a brand-new food offering, that speaks in modern Greek tones throughout the venue as well as a beverage list that is designed to surprise and delight from the ground floor to the rooftop.
From Sussex Street upward, The Bristol will house six separate offerings in total, with the first three, The Public Bar, Sports Bar and The Rooftop now open to the public.
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. From street to sky level, no detail has been left untouched; what’s old is new again and what’s new is visionary.
The Bristol at a glance
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Sports Bar: not the conventional kind – Lower Ground – Open Now
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Public Bar & Ela Ela: Ground level – Enter the pub with a famous Greek Executive Chef tucked away out the back – Public Bar open now. Ela Ela coming soon.
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Calypso: Level 2 – Sydney’s new ‘night’ in shining armour – Opening Saturday August 24th
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Midtown Bar & Lounge: Level 3 – a cocktail bar with top shelf drinks and next level service – Coming soon
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The Rooftop: a view of the Sydney CBD redefined – Open for drinks, Exclusive food menu available from the 23rd of August.
Take ‘a tour’ from the bottom to top of The Bristol
The Bristol journey begins on the open-plan ground floor housing the Public Bar – but don’t expect your average pub offering. From its sleek interior to its menu where even the fries are differently delicious, seasoned with sumac, oregano and served with sweet chilli tzatziki, The Bristol’s ground floor is both comfortable and exhilarating at the same time. There’s not a burger in sight, instead Chicken and Halloumi souvlaki wraps fill this spot on the traditional pub menu, whilst Lamb Pastitsio and Beef Brisket Moussaka replace the average pub pasta.
Tucked away at the back visitors will enter a whole new world of inspired modern dining, with a renowned chef, soon to be revealed, showcasing the best of the Mediterranean in an elevated yet accessible dining format.
On the second floor, in the middle of the building, visitors can expect a profound change in scenery as they enter Calypso nightclub, which is set to celebrate its grand opening on Saturday August 24th.
The vibrant nightclub is destined to reignite nightlife in the CBD. 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, this is not your ‘days of old’ disco party, it’s premium nightlife that enhances the ‘party till dawn’ experience of the past.
Level up again and you’ll find yourself in a striking old-fashioned cocktail lounge, where the twists keep coming. The aptly named, ‘Midtown Bar & Lounge’ is a destination unto itself with a cocktail menu that readily accepts the challenge to defy your expectations. Top shelf whiskeys, custom cocktails and a secluded cigar lounge are just a few of the treats set to be on offer at Midtown Bar & Lounge come September.
At the very top the beloved Rooftop Bar remains, but not without its own substantial makeover. The sun-kissed oasis energy, shareable Greek Mediterranean menu and extensive beverage list can only be described as something normally out of reach for your typical rooftop bar. “I’m super proud of our wine offering, with over 20 wines by the glass, that separates us from similar venues in the area,” Tom highlights. Off the cocktail menu, Tom’s pick is The Bristol Pina Colada made with a lychee twist that is sure to be a favourite this summer.
Sweeping views and sunsets that play off the surrounding skyscrapers make for a natural lightshow and are perfectly complemented by the little Mediterranean touches woven throughout the interior, think white stone, multicolour bespeckled marble and bar stools finished with beach umbrella like details. The Rooftop’s exclusive laidback “Greek revisited” menu will affirm the mood of European alfresco dining in the heart of Sydney CBD.
“It’s all the little things done right that make the difference,” says Tom, but like a good European beach club, it’s far from being just a relaxing spot to soak up some sun, with DJs set to bring the tranquil backdrop to life and transform The Bristol Rooftop into a spirited Euro-chic dance party from Thursday through till Saturday.
The Bristol Rooftop is open for drinks now, but foodie enthusiasts will have to wait a little longer to indulge, with the The Rooftop’s exclusive food offering launching from Friday 23rd August.
United under one high-energy umbrella, The Bristol is set to be a feast of sensorial delights, no matter where you start your visit or decide to finish it. Through key themes like the Greek-inspired cuisine and stone bars that vary slightly in colour and shading from floor to floor for a distinct yet uniformed feel, The Bristol remains a place undivided in its mission to bring a new and unexpected vibrance to the Sydney CBD.
Tom Corbett says, “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. Start where you please, The Bristol just keeps offering more, it is its own precinct with something for everyone.”