Historical Review: The Former Rawson Institute for Seamen Building - Now Restaurant
If you're anything like me, you find yourself constantly in awe of old buildings and Sydney's rich history. This building is no exception. I couldn’t resist delving into the story behind some of these magnificent structures that have now been repurposed as exceptional restaurants, and this one truly stands out.
The former Rawson Institute for Seamen, located at 100 George Street in The Rocks, Sydney, is steeped in history. This four-level heritage-listed building carries a fascinating legacy, having served various roles and tenants over time, mirroring the ever-evolving narrative of Sydney’s development and cultural heritage.
Historical Significance
The Rawson
Image Credit: Tarnia Riggs
Constructed in the 1850s, the building originally served as a mariners' church, a project initiated by the Bethel Union. This missionary effort was part of a broader movement to establish religious sites for seamen, with two similar locations previously set up in Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. Despite initial success, the Bethel Union faced financial difficulties towards the end of the 19th century. By 1895, the church was leased to the Missions to Seamen, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
In the early 20th century, Sir Harry Rawson, the then Governor of New South Wales, extended the building, further cementing its place in Sydney's architectural and cultural landscape.
Modern Era Transformations
The building's usage continued to evolve over the decades. In 1981, it became the home of the Craft Council of NSW for nearly a decade. The new millennium brought more changes; in 2011, Bar100 took over the premises, introducing a new era of hospitality to the historic site.
Today, the building houses The Rawson Restaurant and Bar, and its various function rooms still exude the grandeur of a bygone era. The Rawson Room, with its seven-metre-high pressed metal ceilings and sandstone walls, and the restored Chapel, retaining original stained-glass windows and cathedral ceilings, are testament to its historical legacy.
The Rawson Entrance
Image Credit: Tarnia Riggs
Strategic Location
Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the building benefits from its strategic location near the city’s ongoing infrastructure boom. The northern end of the CBD is experiencing significant development, including residential, hotel, office, and retail projects, which promise to enhance trade and pedestrian traffic in the area.
The building occupies 23 metres of frontage across George Street and 26 metres across Circular Quay Way. It is ideally positioned to capitalise on the estimated 2.7 million international and domestic overnight guests that visited The Rocks in 2017.
The Rawson
Image Credit: The Rawson Website
Function Spaces
The building boasts several versatile function spaces, each catering to different event needs:
Grand Bar: Located on the George St level, accommodating up to 300 guests for stand-up functions or 120 for seated events. It is ideal for product launches, cocktail parties, or corporate events.
Mirar Bar: Suitable for stand-up functions of 100-190 guests, featuring a central bar, DJ facilities, and breakout rooms.
Terrace: A significant outdoor function and dining space with a retractable roof, suitable for up to 110 guests.
Conservatory: A private dining room with full bar service, accommodating 30-50 guests for stand-up events or up to 30 for seated dinners.
Visitor Experience
Our visit to the former Rawson Institute for Seamen building on January 7th, 2024, was a delightful experience. Arriving early at the Rawson for lunch, we found it a great spot with excellent food and easy access from Circular Quay. It was the perfect place for a drink or a bite to eat before exploring the nearby Rocks Markets.