About Bristol Arms Retro Tavern
Bristol Arms Retro Tavern is a hotel and pub located at 81 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000. Sydney CBD's multi-level home of retro vibes and rooftop views. The venue has 16 approved gaming machines (pokies). It is rated 4 out of 5 from 480 Google reviews. Food is served at the venue. Phone: (02) 9262 5491.
Sydney CBD's multi-level home of retro vibes and rooftop views
Located on Sussex Street in the heart of Sydney, the Bristol Arms Retro Tavern is a vibrant multi-story venue known for its nostalgic atmosphere and iconic rooftop bar. Combining a traditional pub feel with a dedicated retro party space, it offers a unique blend of classic bistro dining, craft cocktails, and high-energy dance floors playing hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
What Bristol Arms Retro Tavern offers
Restaurant
Food served
Bar
16 Gaming machines
Establishment
Events
Open now
Bristol Arms Retro Tavern location and map
Frequently asked questions about Bristol Arms Retro Tavern
Where is Bristol Arms Retro Tavern located?
Bristol Arms Retro Tavern is located at 81 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000. It is a hotel and pub in the suburb of Sydney, New South Wales.
Does Bristol Arms Retro Tavern have pokies?
Yes. Bristol Arms Retro Tavern has 16 gaming machines (pokies) approved under its NSW hotel licence, ranking number 1053 among NSW hotels by gaming machine numbers.
Does Bristol Arms Retro Tavern serve food?
Yes. Bristol Arms Retro Tavern serves food.
Does Bristol Arms Retro Tavern have a bar?
Yes. Bristol Arms Retro Tavern holds a NSW liquor hotel licence and serves alcoholic drinks at the bar.
What is the phone number for Bristol Arms Retro Tavern?
You can phone Bristol Arms Retro Tavern on (02) 9262 5491.
How is Bristol Arms Retro Tavern rated?
Bristol Arms Retro Tavern is rated 4 out of 5 based on 480 Google reviews.
Which venues are near Bristol Arms Retro Tavern?
Licensed venues close to Bristol Arms Retro Tavern include Wynyard Hotel, The Office Hotel, Slip Inn, Kent St. Hotel. See the nearby venues list on this page for distances and details.
Tavern Services & Facilities
Dining & Bars
Bristol Bistro
Offers a classic pub menu featuring favorites such as hand-crumbed schnitzels, premium steaks, burgers, and fresh salads.
The Bristol Rooftop
An open-air rooftop space with views of the Sydney CBD skyline, serving craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and a selection of wines.
Retro Bar
A themed bar level dedicated to nostalgic fun, featuring retro-inspired decor and a party-focused drink list.
Entertainment & Leisure
Retro Party Nights
Resident DJs spinning classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s every Friday and Saturday night on the dedicated dance floors.
Sports Viewing
Large screens located in the public bar area broadcasting live sporting events including NRL, AFL, and international cricket.
Gaming Lounge
A dedicated area featuring modern gaming machines and TAB facilities for wagering.
Family Features
Kids Dining Options
A selection of child-friendly meals available in the bistro during lunch and dinner service.
Functions & Events
Rooftop Event Space
A premium outdoor/indoor space suitable for corporate events, product launches, and private celebrations for up to 200 guests.
Level One Retro Space
A large private level featuring its own bar and dance floor, ideal for milestone birthdays and themed parties.
Event Catering
Tailored food packages including canapés, grazing stations, and set menus to suit various event styles.
Amenities & Services
Lift Access
Elevator access is available to transport guests between the ground floor, retro levels, and the rooftop bar.
Nearby Public Transport
Conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from Wynyard Station and King Street Wharf ferry terminals.
Local Parking
Multiple commercial parking stations are located nearby on Sussex Street and Kent Street; no on-site parking provided.
Our Food & Drinks Menu
Unfortunately, this venue does not currently have a food menu available.
Venue owners/licencees should contact our customer support for inclusion.
Bristol Arms Retro Tavern reviews
3 Star Review by Ryan Xu
Great air con inside, especially in the hot weather. Prompt service if you're ordering a drink. Great, terrific food when they come as it does get rather busy. But you need to be very patient. Waited 40mins for the food, was told to wait another 10 or so minutes.
4 Star Review by Mick Hungry Diner
Bristol Arms Hotel is part of the Oscars Hospitality Group with over 26 sister and brother venues within NSW. Few venues stand the test of time in #sydney and Bristol Arms Hotel formerly known as The Retro is one of those venues. The venue has three different eating spaces. #1 The Rooftop Bar #2 The Public Bar #3 The Bristol Kitchen The Rooftop Bar with views toward Barangaroo is a large, open bright space perfect for functions, private events, a good after-work stiff drink and weekend fun. On this mid-week night, I dined on the rooftop with fellow Sydney foodies @jimmywongeats @justin_time2eat and @everycrumb for a #boysnightout. We dined in the inside section of the rooftop close to the bar on one of the high tables. The venue manager and bartender were super nice. They helped us navigate our way through the bistro menu and cocktail selection. Entrees: Crumbed mozzarella sticks chipotle, parmesan Garlic prawns flatbread Peking duck cigars sweet chili sauce Salt & Pepper calamari tartare Mains: Rump steak 25ogr salad, fries Country beef red wine sausage mash, onion gravy Beef goulash pappardelle Steak-Frites w herb butter Wine: Fat Bastard Malbec Mendoza, Argentina
5 Star Review by James Choi
The place is consist of 5 levels - underground , retro 1 and 2 (level 1 and 2 pretty much) being nightclub (apparently retro 1 is used as dance teaching area during weekdays), ground level (where you enter) has bar and TAB facility and finally rooftop lounge with smoking terrace. Rooftop is quite amazing as other people have mentioned. Beer selections at the bar tap is exceptional (Big Shed Golden Stout time - literally tastes like golden gaytime. So much happiness!). Fod has came out relatively quick compared to other reviews and it did come out quite nice! (Consider i paid $14. Oh by the way from Monday to Wednesday there is $14 menu and steak is OK inclucded). Happy hour goes from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Monday to Thursday. In conclusion i would say this place is mad place to pay a visit on weekdays if you ever get a day off.
5 Star Review by Mark McEntee
It has a really nice roof bar, nice snack menu, good selection of beers and is not far from the train. A great place to meet. Home to Sydney Harbour Runners too!!
5 Star Review by James Dewar
Nice rooftop terrace, pretty good food and nice selection of beers/drinks. Worth trying out.
4 Star Review by Hy Tse
No comment provided.
5 Star Review by pretty nita o’brien
I use go there I use love it great music and nice works always busy
4 Star Review by Harvey Callaghan
Good vibe, friendly staff and $6 pints !
5 Star Review by Sandipan Ghosh
No comment provided.
4 Star Review by Jess Goode
No comment provided.