The Golden Barley Hotel lies on the land of the Cadigal people, at the head of what was once the Gumbramorra Swamp. The swamp was drained in 1890, following devastating flooding to the area, and opened up low lying land between Marrickville and St Peters.
The earliest occupation of the hotel site after the swamp was drained was by Robert Wall, who ran a Timber Yard on the site during the 1930s. Across the road from the timber yard was The Enmore Hotel.
In 1938, Tooths signalled their concern about the dilapidated nature of the Enmore Hotel by buying the block of land where the timber yard was situated, with the intention or removing the license from The Enmore Hotel, and building a new hotel across the road – The Golden Barley Hotel.
August 1939 saw the opening of The Golden Barley Hotel, as it now stands. Designed by architects Joy & Pollitt, The Golden Barley Hotel is now recognised as a prime example of Art Deco architecture and many original features are still in evidence throughout the hotel.
Reschs anecdote:
A significant event for clientele of the Golden Barley was the change over to Reschs beer in 1942. War shortages meant popular beers were difficult to supply and after initial resistance from the licensee and clientele, Reschs was eventually found to be fairly palatable according to the pleasantly surprised locals. (Property Office City Hotel Files N60/6480)
The original bar followed the length of the public bar, continuing to the rear of the hotel, where it curved around to a finish where the lounge area currently is. This length of bar was essential for the ‘6 O’Clock Swill’. The current TAB area was once the Ladies’ Lounge (hen pen), and is still where the ladies’ toilet for the main bar is situated. At the rear of the hotel was the Saloon Bar, where the lounge bar now stands.
The upstairs area of the hotel comprised of accommodation – 4 single, and 3 double rooms, as well as lounge and dining areas. There was also a sun room and 2 bathrooms. All these areas remain very close to their original configuration and condition today.
Over the years there have been many changes, as the area and hotel’s customer needs have changed alike. But if you want to step back in time, it’s not hard. Look at the photos, have a wander around. On the surface it may look different, but when you open your eyes, you’ll see the past shine. A hotel can’t remain unchanged by time, it must follow the needs of the people around it in order to be useful and thrive. However, we blend the old with the new and are proud of the building that is The Golden Barley Hotel, and never fail to be stunned and surprised by its beauty and detail.
Note: Much of the historical information written here about The Golden Barley Hotel was gathered from the Statement of Heritage Impact report on the hotel, prepared by Jill Sheppard and Dr Stephen Gapps. Any errors in this extremely abbreviated version are ours, not theirs. Their report has been an invaluable tool in learning about our hotel, and we see it through new eyes, thanks to them showing it to us through theirs.
