[1] Early records indicate that a hotel known as the Hunter River Inn was situated at the northern end of Sussex Street, as it then existed, by the mid-1840s.

It subsequently set about demolishing and reconstructing wharf areas in an endeavour to bring the Port of Sydney up to world standards.

In 1903 the Trust took over resumed properties formerly under the jurisdiction of other bodies and began, in piecemeal fashion, construction of buildings (other than port facilities).

The roof level was partially covered in a flat trafficable material and at the southern end included an enclosed structure which housed a laundry and fuel store, 3 bedrooms and a small bathroom.

Plans prepared in 1928, again by the Architects Office of the Kent Brewery, indicate that modifications were carried out on the third floor – the sitting room was subdivided to provide two additional bedrooms.

An old waterside worker interviewed by the Sydney Morning Herald in 1983 stated that at one stage "you could buy just about anything under the sun at the Big House – it had a nickname of "Paddy's Markets".

[1][2] In 1970, as part of the adjoining Western Distributor road project, a support pillar for the roadway was built through the hotel building itself.

An explanation at the time stated that had been "known to its customers" by that name, and that it derived "from the size and solid appearance of the building, and perhaps from the fact that it was a 'home away from home' for generations of waterside works, truck drivers and seamen".

The building features face brick walls with sandstone trim and typical Federation period detailing of prominent exaggerated classical motifs such as the window hoods.

[10] The hotel has seen excellent retention of original external detailing, including the joinery to the retail shopfront at 26 Sussex Street.

[12] It is an example of an Edwardian public house demonstrating a range of materials, details and form exploited by the Sydney Harbour Trust.

[12] One of a small group of surviving hotels in the central city which together form an interesting collection reflecting an aspect of the social and recreational history of Sydney.

[14][1] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

It is an example of an Edwardian public house demonstrating a range of materials, details and form exploited by the Sydney Harbour Trust.

One of a small group of surviving hotels in the central city which together form an interesting collection reflecting an aspect of the social and recreational history of Sydney.