Police are searching for three armed men who robbed a hotel in Annandale last night.

Witnesses told police about 1am today (Saturday 2 March) the men smashed their way through a glass door and threatened staff.

The men took cash from the Parramatta Road business and left in a red Audi A3 being driven by a fourth man.

Patrolling police saw the Audi in Pyrmont a short time later and pursued the car until they lost sight of it at the intersection Macarthur Street and Bay Street at Ultimo.

A crime scene was established at the hotel and witnesses have been interviewed.

Police are now looking for four men who they believe can assist with inquiries into the robbery.

The first man is described as wearing a black hooded jumper, black loose pants and his face was covered; the second man was wearing a grey hooded jumper, dark pants and had a blue bandana covering his face; the third man was wearing a black hooded jumper, black pants, and had a white mask covering his face. There is no description of the fourth man.