The Strawberry Hills Hotel has long been a cornerstone of Sydney’s live music scene.

Originally established in the late 19th century, the venue rose to prominence in the 1980s and ’90s as a beloved stage for pub rock, punk, and emerging alternative acts. Bands like The Triffids, The Celibate Rifles, Lime Spiders, and The Hard-Ons all played to packed rooms, cementing its reputation as a launchpad for local talent.

It also became a key venue for Sydney’s jazz and improvised music movement, thanks to bookings by the Sydney Improvised Music Association.

Throughout this period, Strawberry Hills stood alongside legendary venues like the Hopetoun and Trade Union Club, helping define the city’s inner-urban music culture.

Though its focus has since evolved, the pub’s musical legacy remains deeply woven into its character.