Hunter police are investigating the armed robbery of a Newcastle hotel on Friday morning, in which an employee was threatened.

About 3.20am on 8 July, a 21-year-old man was leaving a premises on Denison Street, Hamilton, when he was approached by another male armed with a knife.

He brandished the weapon at the employee and demanded to be let inside the hotel, before stealing cash.

The man then ran from the scene south on Beaumont Street towards Hamilton South.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene.

The man – who was wearing all black clothing and a face mask – is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his mid to late-30s, about 170cm tall and of solid build.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone who may have CCTV footage from nearby streets or dashcam footage from Beaumont and Denison streets between 3.15am and 3.30am on Friday to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.