Former home of Hugo's Lounge for lease
Hugo's Lounge attracted a well-heeled crowd to Kings Cross for 15 years. Photo: Luke Latty

Former home of Hugo's Lounge for lease

The iconic Sydney venue highlighted as an example of the state government’s lockout laws’ negative impact on the hospitality industry is up for lease.

The Hugo’s Lounge site, which closed last year after being placed into voluntary administration, is listed for lease with Metro Commercial.

The property consists of multiple bar and lounge areas. Photo: Supplied The property consists of multiple bar and lounge areas. Photo: Supplied

At the time of its closure, Hugo’s owner Dave Evans, brother of celebrity chef Pete Evans, blamed a dramatic loss in patronage and revenue resulting from the state government’s controversial lockout laws.

“We said it would destroy business, we said it would destroy staff,” he told Fairfax Media at the time. “And here we are.”

Hugo's owner Dave Evans with staff protesting the lockout laws last year. Photo: Nick Moir Hugo’s owner Dave Evans with staff protesting against the lockout laws last year. Photo: Nick Moir

Hugo’s was, for many years, a stalwart of the Kings Cross nightclub scene, renowned for its strict dress standards and high class of clientele.

It is the first time the 33 Bayswater Road site is being offered in 20 years, according to Metro Commercial, with the premises’ licensing arrangements still in place.

The venue comes with a fully fitted open-plan kitchen and 730 square metres of floor space over multiple levels with designated lounge and bar space.

Metro is positioning the site as an “opportunity for someone to rebrand and create an amazing hospitality venue.”

Pricing is available upon application.

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