The Royal Oak Hotel is located at the corner of Nicholson and Freeman Streets, Fitzroy North. The Melbourne pub was opened in March 1871 by Emma Phair. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the hotel was owned by Mick… Read More ›
Melbourne Hotels
Melbourne’s Acting Publican
The Dramatic Club Hotel, Melbourne The Irony of Circumstances. On the same day that Mr. G. R. Ireland the well-known actor commenced to play the part of the reformed drunkard in “Ten nights in a bar-room,” he became the licensee… Read More ›
Thirsty ‘budgie’ was the ‘drinkers’ friend’ and ‘one of the boys’ at Fitzroy’s Standard Hotel
A THIRSTY budgie became somewhat of a celebrity in 1954 when it featured in newspapers from Newcastle to Melbourne. Joe the five-week-old budgerigar, was said to have been the “drinkers’ friend” and “one of the boys” at its home at… Read More ›
Melbourne-Sydney rivalry extended to the bar-room, with beer-pouring challenge
TWO Sydney barmaids — Billie Williams and Gladys Henwood — were not impressed by Melbourne’s champion beer puller, Cyril O’Brien, who boasted he could serve 1000 customers in an hour at the Windsor Hotel. Newspapers across the country reported in… Read More ›
Keep Barmaids Young Smart & Cheerful
NSW politician Les Jordan caused a stir in 1954 when he suggested that barmaids should be dressed in black and be over 60. The Country Party (forerunner of today’s National Party) MLA was commenting on one of the provisions of… Read More ›
The Hotel Illawarra’s First Ladies
By MICK ROBERTS © THE host of the Illawarra Hotel, Hilda Condon brought a touch of glamour to the New South Wales Liquor Royal Commission. The Wollongong socialite splashed a little razzle-dazzle – with her trademark styled blue hair, expensive… Read More ›
New Beer Device: The introduction of ‘drip trays’ into pubs
A NEW non-drip device has been installed in a Melbourne hotel. The barman places the glass of beer on a wire grate on the non-drip tray. Then the customer drags the glass across a synthetic cellulose sponge which absorbs drips…. Read More ›
New brewers’ bar
THIS tote-window bar, opened for employees at the Carlton Brewery, is the most modern in Australia. It has tiled walls and floor, acoustic ceiling fluorescent lighting, spacious seating accommodation, separate counter-lunch bar. There are three beer taps and two windows where glasses… Read More ›
Famous footballer becomes publican
Toast to luck IT’S ON HIM – just for luck. John Coleman behind the bar of the Essendon Hotel, Victoria, gives Joe Evans, his first customer yesterday, a beer “on the house” – and gets a good-luck handshake. Coleman, a former Essendon goal sneak, yesterday… Read More ›
Publican composer made history in 1948 by topping the hit parade
By MICK ROBERTS © A SECOND generation publican, Allan Ryan became famous during the 1940s and 50s for his music writing talents. With orchestra leader William Flynn, Ryan, licensee of Melbourne’s Young & Jackson Hotel, composed the song, ‘Goodnight, Mr… Read More ›