The Beresford
"The Bero” is a beloved Sydney landmark celebrated for its art deco elegance, lush leafy courtyard, and legendary Sunday sessions.
The recently-renovated gastropub exudes an upscale charm, and though it no longer brands itself exclusively as a gay bar, it continues to attract a vibrant, diverse clientele and regularly hosts major queer events, including parties during the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and other key dates on the LGBTQ+ calendar.
Beresford Sundays
The hotel's weekly highlight is undoubtedly the famous "Beresford Sundays." This free-entry event begins in the sun-drenched courtyard with laid-back afternoon drinks and eclectic DJ sets, transitioning as the sun sets into an electrifying club night upstairs, featuring some of Sydney’s top DJs spinning a lively mix of house and pop hits. This popular gathering has firmly cemented its place as a staple of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, drawing in an energetic crowd every week.
While today's polished ambiance might hint otherwise, The Beresford has deep roots in Sydney’s gay history. It first embraced its queer identity in the late 1970s, quickly becoming a hub for the city’s more masculine gay subcultures—particularly the bear and clone crowds[11].
Historically, the laneway connecting the Beresford with the nearby Flinders Hotel would be closed off during major events, creating a popular recovery space that became a celebrated venue in its own right, known as "Flinders Lane".[14]
Since Merivale, the renowned Sydney property developer, acquired the hotel in 2011, the Beresford no longer markets itself solely as a gay venue, yet it remains a cherished space for queer-friendly events and gatherings, particularly Beresford Sundays and special events during Mardi Gras.
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Location
354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours
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