History

The Imperial Hotel dates back to 1880 under the ownership of George Mercer, a bricklayer of Newtown. The hotel was sold a year later to the Wright family, a local victualler and remained with the Wright family until 1924.  The hotel was purchased by Tooth and Co in 1931 and then leased to a succession of landlords.  The fortunes of the hotel and brewing industry followed the pattern of the Australian economy and were influenced by the rise of the temperance movement from the 1870’s, changes in the licensing laws, changing social pattern and economic depressions. The hotels patronage declined as a result during the depression of the early 1930’s, but after 1936 there was a boom in building remodelling throughout Sydney encouraged by the low property and building prices.

The Imperial was remodelled in the 1940’s in the art deco style of the day. The redevelopment of the hotel reflected the economic buoyancy of the time and the breweries desire to keep abreast of changing drinking patterns, social behaviour and architectural trends.

The building is a landmark feature of the streetscape and is much supported by the local community.

The hotel would soon develop into the centre for Drag in Sydney, inspiring the feature film Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1995).

The Imperial hotel has been an important venue within the Sydney Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and bisexual community.