Imperial Hotel Erskineville, Sydney

User Reviews of Imperial Hotel, Erskineville

Displaying: 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

5.5 Average

Drinks 5 Ambience 8 Service 4 Value 5

The front bar is very similar to the old Imperial before the renovations. They still have the video jukebox where you can request cheesy, retro tunes. They could do with hiring a few more Bar Staff because it gets way too packed in here (because all the cheapskates flood this section, so they don't have to pay cover-charge for the other rooms!) I honestly find it worth it to pay the Cover Charge so you get access to the two other bars, as they are (sadly) empty! So, you can order a drink without any wait, and then take it back into the Front Bar... seriously, it can be 15 minutes waits for drinks in the Front Bar which is a bit ridiculous for an RSL-type venue.

The Cabaret Bar has awesome drag shows, but this room clears-out after every show... so sadly, hardly anyone goes in here. The Owner needs to bring back more tables/chairs in this room! The old Imperial used to have lots of table/chairs in this section so people could sit down with a group and drink/talk... but now it is like a big, empty Scout Hall with a catwalk for the Draq Queens. I took a group of Straight friends here and they thought this venue was vile (Hey! It's meant to be a "dive bar"!) but were very impressed with the Drag Shows every hour. Make sure you stay to catch them.

The downstairs Cellar Club is great in theory... but the place is hardly ever full! Awesome remixes of Top40 tunes get played here... but there is no-one dancing to it! Sometimes the place gets full around 2am... but it depends on the night. Plus, while it is unique having a full-on club in Newtown... I don't think the locals are the type to go "clubbing", so this massive basement never reaches full-capacity... I guess that it a good thing because when you go out with a group of friends it is like your very own VIP Bar!

Oct 17, 2011

TheFussyEater
20

2.8 Not Recommended

Drinks 5 Ambience 2 Service 2 Value 2

The new incarnation of the Imperial is ghastly. They've ruined the front bar which used to be a pleasant local watering hole. Now it's ugly RSL carpet, a great big ugly screen on one wall, arctic air-conditioning and bad pop tunes too loud for conversation capped off by Oxford St prices for drinks. No wonder you're more likely to see all the local GLBT folk across the road at the far more welcoming Erko or down at Hive or the Rose.

Not to mention the insane cover charge to get in on the weekend to watch a tired drag show with busloads of suburban housewives. The Imperial is a mere shell of it's former self. The owner didn't just get Sydney Council offside with his prolonged battle over capacity, the punters are voting with their feet as well.

Feb 13, 2011

Chai1022
24

8.3 Highly Recommended

Drinks 7 Ambience 9 Service 8 Value 9

This place is a classic! Is a must for anyone visiting Sydney. The drinks are a little bit over-priced, but the entertainment in the cabaret lounge makes up for it. A friendly mix of people with little attitude. A great night out.

Mar 21, 2007

Michael G
3

8 Recommended

Drinks 7 Ambience 9 Service 9 Value 7

Do not darken the doorway until after 10am but if you heed that advise then you can have a great time here. Friendly atmosphere, don't wait too long for service and shows are great.

Sep 03, 2004