The Marble Bar, a speakeasy-style bar underground the Hilton Sydney hotel, turned 130 in 2023. It’s hard to believe Sydney has any bars that are this old, right? Pubs, sure? But bars! This one was actually originally built as part of the Tattersall’s Hotel, and all the way back then it cost an astronomical 32,000 pounds to create. The Victorian-style bar was then dismantled when the hotel was demolished, and carefully reassembled in 1973 in the new Hilton.
The lavish fit-out makes the place feel like a time capsule. It is, indeed, clad in marble, with elaborate pillars and archways throughout. The ceilings are designed with ornate plaster detail, coated in gold. The bars are made from polished mahogany. And a collection of French realist-style paintings by Julian Ashton, commissioned in the late 1800s for a record-breaking sum, line the walls in gilded frames. The space is divine, and we say you can’t really call yourself a true Sydneysider until you’ve at least stopped by for a cocktail.
You’re best off swinging by at Marble Hour – every Sunday to Wednesday from 4-6pm. That’s when you’ll get $20 signature cocktails and $12 house wines and spirits. The cocktails are inspired by aspects of the bar’s 130-year history – for instance, the Four Sons (Wild Turkey bourbon, cognac, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum and Manuka honey) is a nod to the bar’s founder, George Adams, who was the youngest of four sons. While the Doris Martini (riesling, Hendricks gin, St. Germain and rosé) is named after Doris Smith, a beloved barmaid who worked at the bar during the ’60s.
They also have a big whiskey collection, and you can get their nip of the week for 25 per cent off the original price.
But our favourite part of Marble Bar is that it’s long been a champion for live music. They feature live bands on their raised stage five nights a week (Monday to Friday) and have a DJ on Saturday nights. The bands are often cover bands who bash out R’n’B, soul and funk – the types of tunes that get people dancing. So although the décor is of the Victorian era, the vibe is relaxed and funky.
Our verdict? Marble Bar is well worth a visit for both travellers and locals.
