Universal Hotels Archives

The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has been officially listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, recognising its cultural importance to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Historic Role Recognised in Erskineville

The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has received a State Heritage listing from the NSW Government. The decision acknowledges the venue’s long-standing role as a gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community and its cultural and social significance in Sydney’s Inner West.

From Working Man’s Pub to LGBTQIA+ Hub

Originally a working man’s pub, the Imperial Hotel was purchased in 1983 by Dawn O’Donnell, a community member known for operating LGBTQIA+ venues during a time when homosexuality was still illegal in New South Wales.

The pub became a safe and inclusive space for Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ population and remains the longest-running venue of its kind outside Oxford Street.

A Site of Cultural Identity and Visibility

The Imperial gained international attention after being featured in the Australian film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” It continues to host live drag shows inspired by the film, along with other inclusive events such as “Drag and Dine” and drag bingo.

The venue’s operation has been maintained since 2023 by Universal Hotels, which also manages several other Sydney pubs.

Community Legacy Preserved

The heritage listing ensures protection of both the structure and the venue’s social legacy. It formally recognises the Imperial Hotel’s contributions to the Newtown/Erskineville LGBTQIA+ precinct and its significance in the broader social history of Sydney.

Officials involved in the listing highlighted the importance of safeguarding stories of resilience, identity, and community.

Ongoing Role and Future Outlook

Universal Hotels has stated it will continue to work closely with the community to maintain and develop the venue’s legacy. The listing is set to support ongoing operations while protecting the cultural values that define the space. The hotel is expected to remain a place of connection, visibility, and celebration for future generations.

Published 12-Apr-2025

After seven years of ownership, W. Short Hotel Group has sold the Tudor Hotel Redfern, along 90 Pitt Street, to Universal Hotels for an estimated $17 million.

The sale serves as the latest benchmark for hotel values in the inner-city suburbs, triggering a renewed interest in the hospitality industry. W. Short Hotel Group CEO Martin Short, of the Anderson and Short families, said the decision to sell Tudor Hotel Redfern was a difficult choice but, ultimately, it was the “right next step” for the family business.

Mr Short also believes that Universal Hotels will carry on the great work that the team at Tudor Hotel Redfern has done for the last seven years. Universal Hotels, under the Kospetas family, is the operator of The Oxford Hotel in Darlinghurst, Hotel Downing in the CBD, and the Bat and Ball Hotel in Redfern.

The Tudor Hotel has a long history as a community pub. It was originally called The Cricketer’s Rest in the 1860s and was established by Australian cricketer John Louis Kettle, who wanted to take advantage of the site’s proximity to the former Albert Ground, where cricket was the most popular sporting event.

Tudor Hotel Redfern was formerly The Cricketers Rest — The Cricketers Rest in 1949
Photo Credit: Time Agents

However, the private owners of Albert Ground, decided to sell and subdivide their property in 1879, thus ending all sporting events in the precinct. The area was eventually used for public housing. By this time, Mr Kettle has long given up ownership of The Cricketer’s Rest, which was eventually bought and renamed to Tudor Hotel.

Today, the hotel continues to deliver the greatest pub experience in Redfern and it is regarded as one of the best dog-friendly venues in the inner-city suburbs.

For updates about the hotel, visit the official site or follow the Facebook page.

Tag: Universal Hotels

NSW Heritage Status Awarded to Erskineville LGBTQIA+ Venue

Historic Role Recognised in Erskineville

From Working Man’s Pub to LGBTQIA+ Hub

A Site of Cultural Identity and Visibility

Community Legacy Preserved

Ongoing Role and Future Outlook

W. Short Hotel Group Sells Tudor Hotel Redfern for $17 Million