Village Life
About The Village
Tucked back behind the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, The East Village is a hotel steeped in Sydney’s history and modern day culture. The East Village Hotel began her life as a favourite haunt for Sydney underworld crime, playing host to Australian crime legend, Tilly Devine and was a centre piece to working class Sydney. Now The East Village Hotel plays host to Sydney-siders who want somewhere to come and enjoy fine food, fine wines and a whole host of great events and entertainment.
Having survived the poker machine and chrome age intact, the Village Hotel is a beautiful iconic c.1918 building which boasts three levels of well appointed traditionally-styled comfortable, warm and sunny bars below what is arguably the best rooftop terrace in Sydney.
Our kitchen features the talents of English young gun chef Adam Spencer and his team, who has earned an enviable reputation through his tantalising twists on English traditional and modern cuisine. The East Village Hotel offers high quality restaurant experiences in the Dining Room and much loved pub fare in the Ground Level Bar as well as top end catering for functions.
Whether you are looking for an intriguing venue to hold your next meeting, looking to celebrate meaningful milestones of your life in style or simply looking for a place that makes you feel welcome as you sip on a quiet beer with friends, The East Village Hotel has something to suit.
Come and join us for a drink or two! We are open midday to midnight, Monday through Saturday and midday to 10pm Sundays.
The East Village’s darker past
The razor became the weapon of choice for intimidation, and if necessary enforcement, after the enactment of The Pistol Licencing Act (1927) made it illegal to carry a firearm without a license. The razor was a persuasive ally and if used to full effect would leave the victim with a deep and recognizable scar.
Prior to its recent incarnation the Tradesman’s Arms Hotel was a popular meeting place for many members of Sydney’s underworld. The hotel was commonly known as the “Bloodhouse” due to the countless scenes of violence that played out within its walls. Tilly Devine along with Nellie Cameron and Guido Caletti frequented the establishment and no doubt brought with them a swathe of associates and enemies. Devine’s main brothel was located just across the way at 253 Liverpool Street. Cameron was often referred to as Sydney’s most desirable prostitute who spent much of her working life at Tilly’s address. Meanwhile, across the street, her beau (thug and leader of the Darlinghurst Push), Calleti may have waited for his moll with a Tooths Ale in hand and a concealed razor.
The Tradesman’s Arms Hotel has since been renamed the East Village Hotel and although there is little evidence left it’s interiors to indicate its notorious and bloody history, the building still proudly boasts “Tradesman’s Arms Hotel” and “1918” on its facade.
Some further information on the East Village’s colourful past
This photograph dates from around 1930
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