The Sussex is a historic multi-purpose venue located near Barangaroo in central Sydney, close to the city’s CBD. The venue initially opened as a pub in 1915 and is likely the Sydney pub with most name changes over the course of its long history.

The pub was originally known as the Hunter River Hotel, before changing its name to the Big House Hotel from 1973 until 1991, then to Napoleon’s Hotel, Moreton’s on Sussex and Moreton’s Hotel before finally becoming The Sussex Hotel.

For much of its existence the pub was known to be popular with workers from the nearby wharfs at the site of the current Barangaroo. The wharfies, as they were known, of the area would christen the venue with its most popular nickname, The Big House, due to the size and character of the building. At one point 14 barmaids were needed to serve the thirsty workers from the surrounding area at lunch time no less!

The hotel building still looks imposing despite being almost completing encircled by several modern buildings and the Western distributor overpass which was partially built directly into the foundations of the building. Despite this, the pub has managed to avoid any major alterations over its 110-year history having been added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999.

The current owners of The Sussex have used the vast space of the building to great effect. The bottom level features a lounge style bar and outdoor beer garden whilst on level two you’ll find an authentic Thai bistro and bar. Moving up you’ll find ample space for functions and events with and a decent sized rooftop garden bar that takes full advantage of the venue’s location among one of the more built-up areas of Sydney.