The Rawson Bar and Restaurant, a historic dining establishment in Sydney's The Rocks area with panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has permanently closed its doors after encountering severe financial challenges. A notice on the restaurant's website confirms the venue is 'currently closed,' thanking the community and guests for their support while promising updates if they become available.
Liquidator Cites Unsustainable Costs and Changing Habits
Liquidator Shabnam Amirbeaggi of Crouch Amirbeaggi confirmed the closure to the Daily Telegraph, explaining that the owners decided to wind up the business due to escalating and unsustainable expenses, coupled with shifts in customer dining patterns in the Central Business District (CBD) following the pandemic.
'It is early in the liquidation, but my preliminary review indicates that ongoing increases in labour costs, utility costs and the cost of supplies, coupled with a change in the dynamic of patronage in the CBD since the pandemic, has led to this business closing its doors,' Ms Amirbeaggi stated.
She added that the directors made the difficult decision to cease trading after their management agreement expired, with the largest creditors being related parties. Investigations into the financial situation are ongoing.
Employee Payments Assured
The liquidator assured that plans are in place to fulfil outstanding employee payments. 'The directors of The Rawson Sydney have been personally funding the business trading costs up until the date of closure, ensuring employee wages and superannuation were paid,' Ms Amirbeaggi emphasised.
A Prime Heritage Location
The beloved venue occupied a prime position in The Rocks, housed within a 160-year-old heritage building at 100 George Street. This sprawling, multi-level site is part of the heritage-listed Rawson Institute for Seamen building, a recognisable sandstone landmark deeply connected to Sydney's seafaring history.
Rich Historical Background
Originally constructed in the late 1850s as the Mariners' Church, designed by architect John Bibb, the building served as a place of worship and refuge for merchant seamen. Financial difficulties in the late 1800s led to it being leased to the Missions to Seamen.
Major extensions between 1909 and 1910, overseen by then NSW Governor Sir Harry Rawson, gave the building its distinctive George Street facade and new name. A further chapel was added in 1927. Throughout the late 20th century, the building evolved into a cultural venue, housing the Craft Council of NSW.
Transformation into a Hospitality Destination
In 2011, the site was transformed into a bar known as Bar 100, later rebranded as The Rawson in 2016. Its latest incarnation featured a modern Mediterranean-inspired menu, multiple bar and function spaces, and a design that highlighted the building's heritage features.
Part of a Wider Trend
The Rawson Bar and Restaurant is the latest casualty in Sydney's struggling hospitality industry, which continues to face post-pandemic challenges. Other notable inner Sydney eateries that have shuttered in 2026 include:
- The Boathouse at Rose Bay, which closed on January 11.
- Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano in Sydney's CBD, which shut for the Christmas break and never reopened.
- The iconic multi-award-winning Quay, which had its final service on Valentine's Day after 23 years of trading.
Daily Mail reached out to a spokesperson for The Rawson Bar and Restaurant but had not received a response at the time of publication.
