Rare Chance to Own a Piece of Sydney’s History: Robin Hood Hotel Seeking New Owners

Did you know that the iconic Robin Hood Hotel, which has remained in the hands of one family for three generations, is now on the market?


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The hotel, perched in a commanding position overlooking the bustling Charing Cross Intersection serves as the entrance to the highly-desirable Bronte retail precinct and provides a gateway to Sydney’s most affluent neighbourhoods, including Bronte, Clovelly, and Coogee.

Originally built by Tooth & Co in 1938, the venue has long aimed to be the Eastern Suburbs’ finest ‘local,’ offering live entertainment and consistently excellent food and beverage options. 

Robin Hood Hotel
Photo credit: Dave Sarks/Google Maps

Described in the listing as “One of Sydney’s most treasured suburban hotels underpinned by a high cash flow business woven into the fabric of the local community,” the hotel has become a beloved institution over the years.

Robin Hood Hotel
Photo credit: Kevin Staunton-Lambert/Google Maps

The sale process, overseen by leading agency HTL Property, is anticipated to generate significant interest among local and national industry participants who are eagerly seeking to acquire a prestigious hotel landmark.

Situated on a spacious 1757 sqm landholding, the Robin Hood Hotel benefits from favourable zoning and planning guidelines, presenting potential for future mixed-use redevelopment. This aspect adds an enticing prospect for investors looking to maximise the property’s value and capitalise on the area’s thriving commercial and residential market.

Following a thorough and meticulous renovation and refurbishment project worth $8 million, the multi-story hotel has undergone remarkable improvements. It now showcases an expanded trading area, providing a larger footprint for various activities. Moreover, the hotel has significantly increased its capacity to accommodate up to 451 patrons across two levels.

Robin Hood Hotel
Photo credit: The Robin Hood Hotel/Google Maps

What sets the Robin Hood Hotel apart is its exclusive 3:00 a.m. licence, allowing guests to revel in its unique offerings until the wee hours of the morning. The recent renovation project notably included the activation of Lorraine’s bistro on the first floor, which also holds a distinctive approval for extended trading hours.


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With its prime location, remarkable renovation, and established reputation as a local favourite, the hotel promises to be a lucrative and sought-after acquisition in the thriving Sydney hospitality landscape.

Published 6-June-2023

Have Your Say on the ‘Charing Square’ Planning Proposal

A revised planning proposal for “Charing Square,” which aims to revitalise the Charing Cross Village in Waverley, is open for community consultation and feedback until 6 February 2022.



Knight Frank on behalf of Barbary Coast Investments Pty Ltd and Rayda Investments Pty Ltd lodged the planning proposal and was accepted on 24 April 2020. The planning proposal applies to Charing Cross precinct, encompassing six properties situated between Bronte and Carrington Rd in Waverley.

The specific locations are: 

  • 223-227 Bronte Road 
  • 203-209 Bronte Road 
  • 211-213 Bronte Road 
  • 229-231 Bronte Road  
  • 94 Carrington Road 
  • 98 Carrington Road  
Photo credit: CHARING SQUARE /  charingsquare.com.au 

Apart from the Robin Hood Hotel and its associated bottle shop, the site is also home to three shops, the Legion Club, Reece Plumbing and six apartments. The heritage-listed component of the hotel and garages located on Carrington Road will remain untouched. 

Montage of the proposed Charing Square development as seen from Carrington Road (looking north east)
Montage of the proposed development as seen from Carrington Road (looking north east)
Photo credit: Waverley Council / waverley.nsw.gov.au

The planning proposal covers a total area of 3,473 square metres and will have a maximum height of 13.5 metres. The proposed design will feature a ground-level laneway precinct to be called “Charing Square” which will rejuvenate the precinct through a mix of retail and commercial uses.

Montage of the proposed Charing Square development – Carrington Road ground level entry
Montage of the proposed development – Carrington Road ground level entry 
Photo credit: Waverley Council / waverley.nsw.gov.au

Other public benefits of the proposal include public artwork, street tree planting along Carrington Road, additional on-street parking to Carrington Road and a range of “sustainability initiatives”.

Montage of the proposed Charing Square development – looking east from within the site
Montage of the proposed development – looking east from within the site
Photo credit: Waverley Council / waverley.nsw.gov.au

The Charing Square Planning Proposal follows the previous planning proposal whose appeal was denied by the State Planning Panel on 15 November 2020. Proponents said that the proposal is not a development application but rather a “spot rezoning” request.

Hence, the planning proposal seeks to amend the Waverley Local Environmental Plan 2012 that would “allow for a greater yield of commercial and residential floor space”. 

Montage of the proposed Charing Square development – view from Bronte Road entry looking west
Montage of the proposed development – view from Bronte Road entry looking west
Photo credit: Waverley Council / waverley.nsw.gov.au

The proposed changes include an “incentivised maximum (increased) permissible floor space ratio (FSR) and the maximum permissible height of buildings (HOB)”. Specifically, the proposal seeks to increase the HOB from 9 metres to 13.5 metres and the FSR to 2.25:1 from 1:1.

The Charing Square planning proposal is currently on exhibition with the NSW Planning Department. 

The public is encouraged to have their say by submitting their feedback by 11.59 pm, Sunday 6 February 2022 through the following means:

  • Providing an online submission
  • Email to info@waverley.nsw.gov.au (reference SF21/5272) or upload a document in the feedback form
  • Post to: General Manager, Waverley Council, PO Box 9, Bondi Junction, NSW 1355 (reference SF21/5272)


The Council will then decide on the proposed changes based on the recommendations of Council officers and community feedback. If Council decides to support the proposed changes then a development application can be submitted.