First Look of 'The Old Clare Hotel' Unveiled

The Old Clare Hotel 

Further plans for Sydney's highly anticipated The Old Clare Hotel have been revealed. The design hotel is set to become the cultural heartbeat of Chippendale's Kensington Street Precinct and will launch in August 2015 under the direction of Unlisted Collection.

The Carlton United Brewery (CUB) Administration Building and historically rich Clare Hotel have been brought together in an adapted conversion, creating a design-led offering with an authentic and semi-industrial feel. The Old Clare Hotel will rework traditions around exceptional hospitality while providing personalised service in an unpretentious setting.

A total of 62 rooms and suites (range: 26.02 m2 to 105.93 m2) will feature soaring ceilings with heritage timber paneling and original exposed walls. The hotel's reception will come complete with a spectacular bar and lounge space, located within the original pub area of the Clare Hotel; retaining elements of its own intriguing history. A considered cocktail list and extensive beer menu are set to quench the thirst of savvy travellers and curious locals.

The rooftop of the CUB Administration Building has been redeveloped and will offer a panoramic retreat to relish in eating, drinking, swimming and relaxing. High above Sydney's thriving creative district, guests will be invited to join a cultural program, or welcome the day with a sunrise poolside yoga session. Additional facilities at The Old Clare Hotel are to include a private gym and day spa, as well as a heritage restored meeting space.

This urban environment is the design of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, known for their work with existing structures and the introduction of the past as 'a compilation of time'. The practice has worked on standout Sydney structures including the nearby Carriageworks Arts Centre and Paddington Reservoir Gardens.

“It's a hotel stitched together from three structures two old and one new” says Tim Greer, Practice Director, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects. “It's unpredictable, with a bit of magic and a twist of fantasy. When you walk around the hotel, you will get a sense that the building is dressing and undressing itself all at once. The building plays games with what a hotel should be, some parts are exquisite and other parts are raw. In short a building of mixed emotions. The Old Clare Hotel will appeal to anybody with a sense of adventure, who likes comfort and fabulous food.”

In collaboration with Unlisted Collection:, three independent restaurants providing a plethora of unique dining experiences will also open from September. Long-time partner of Unlisted Collection:, internationally renowned British chef Jason Atherton will open his first Australian venue, Kensington Street Social; offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Jason Atherton will provide direction over The Old Clare Hotel's special breakfast offering, room service menu and menu curation for both the rooftop pool space and lobby bar.

Clayton Wells, formerly of Momofuku Seiobo and Quay, will open his first restaurant, Automata, on Kensington Street and Sam Miller, former executive sous chef at S.Pellegrino World's Best Restaurant (2014) Noma, will also open his first solo restaurant, Silvereye, on the second floor of The Clare building.

The arrival of The Old Clare Hotel offers Sydney locals and travellers a thriving cultural playground and fixture of authentic urban experiences, bringing a new approach to the Sydney hotel landscape.

For those of the curious persuasion, The Old Clare Hotel is featuring live-updates and behind-the-scenes imagery from inside the project through its Instagram account @TheOldClare #TheOldClareHotel.