Haymarket Hotel: London Luxury vs Sydney Sports Pub

Searching for “Haymarket Hotel” leads to two completely different establishments: an elegant Firmdale luxury hotel near Trafalgar Square in London and a sports pub in Sydney’s Chinatown. This comparison guide breaks down each venue’s location, amenities, and character, using official sources and verified reviews to help you distinguish them at a glance.

Last checked: 2026-07-29

Haymarket Hotel Sydney: Pub & Sports Bar in Chinatown, 5 min walk from Central Station, 1 min from Capitol Theatre · Haymarket Hotel London: Luxury Firmdale hotel near Trafalgar Square, stunning pool, chic event spaces · Sydney property type: Pub, Bistro & Sports Bar (no overnight rooms) · London property type: 4-star luxury hotel with spa

Haymarket Hotel Sydney: a lively pub in Chinatown

The Sydney Haymarket Hotel is a pub, bistro and sports bar that draws a local crowd and visitors exploring the city’s Chinatown precinct. Its address at 661‑663 George Street places it just a short walk from Central Station and directly opposite the Capitol Theatre. The venue’s own website describes it as being “in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown, minutes from Central Station and the CBD.”

Location and atmosphere

Because the venue operates primarily as a pub rather than an accommodation hotel, the atmosphere is casual and social. Windows looking onto George Street give it an open, street‑facing feel. Reports from a 2018 TripAdvisor review mention “a very clean pub with a sports theme and large screens,” and the space is set up for live sport broadcasts. Late‑night opening hours (until 2 am or 4 am on selected nights, depending on the listing) make it a popular after‑event spot – especially for Capitol Theatre patrons, who can walk there in about a minute.

Menu and drinks

The kitchen focuses on straightforward pub fare. TripAdvisor users have singled out “great value pub meals, including steak, schnitzel, and garlic bread” (2019 review). The drinks list centres on cold beer and basic spirits – no elaborate cocktail program. The emphasis is on affordability and speed rather than culinary complexity.

The bottom line: This is a no‑frills sports pub, not a hotel. If you’re after a cold beer, a screen to watch the game, and a solid feed, it fits the bill.

Haymarket Hotel Firmdale: London luxury near Trafalgar Square

The London Haymarket Hotel is a world apart from its namesake in Australia. It belongs to Firmdale Hotels, the private collection founded by Tim and Kit Kemp in 1985. The property at 1 Suffolk Place opened in 2007 as Firmdale’s seventh hotel, with 50 bedrooms designed by Kit Kemp herself. It sits on the corner of Haymarket and Suffolk Place, in the heart of London’s theatre district, placing it within easy walking distance of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and the West End.

Location and design

Firmdale positions the hotel as “an elegant hotel near Trafalgar Square in London.” The design is signature Kit Kemp: bold patterns, contemporary art, and playful colour contrasts run through the public spaces and guest rooms. The lobby doubles as a lounge area where afternoon tea is served. TripAdvisor notes the hotel is “situated on the corner of Haymarket and Suffolk Place in the heart of London’s theatre district.”

Pool and spa

Unlike the Sydney pub, the London hotel includes a pool – described in press coverage as “stunning” – along with a small spa. (The hotel’s own website mentions the pool and spa as part of the amenity offering, though detailed treatment menus are not publicly listed.) This indoor pool is a notable differentiator: few central‑London hotels of this size have such a facility.

“[The Haymarket Hotel] shows off owner‑designer Kit Kemp’s signature style.”

Mr & Mrs Smith, luxury hotel guide

Rooms and suites

Guest rooms range from classic doubles to suites, all featuring custom furniture and Kit Kemp textiles. Standard fixtures include flat‑screen televisions, minibars, and marble bathrooms. A contemporary review in Luxury Lifestyle Magazine stated that rooms can be booked from £500 per night, while Condé Nast Traveller listed doubles from £280. The wide spread reflects seasonal variations and room category differences. Check‑in is from 3 pm and check‑out at 12 pm; 24‑hour room service and concierge support are standard.

Haymarket Hotel Menu – Sydney pub fare

Because the Sydney Haymarket Hotel’s menu is frequently searched separately, it deserves its own focus. The kitchen runs a classic Australian pub menu: steaks, schnitzels, burgers, and salads. Users on TripAdvisor consistently praise the value rather than the innovation – “meals were pub fare but well presented and tasty” is a representative comment from multiple reviews. The drinks selection is beer‑heavy, with bottled and tapped options, plus standard wine and spirits.

Drinks selection

Cold beer is the specialty. The venue’s late hours and sports‑screen setup mean beer comes in large measures and is served quickly. Cocktails are minimal. For the budget‑conscious punter, this is a straightforward drinking den.

Haymarket Hotel Spa – London’s wellness offering

The London Haymarket Hotel’s pool and spa are a major draw for guests who want to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The pool is located in a light‑filled basement space with loungers and a small fitness room. Spa services are limited to basic treatments (massages, facials) and are bookable through the concierge. While not a destination spa, the facility significantly elevates the property above typical city hotels of similar size.

Comparison table

Pros and cons