A good tile is a good tile is a good tile... These have survived 90 years - in style and durability - simple, elegant and brightly optimistic...
Retailer George Coles commissioned Architect Harry Norris to design the new Flagship Store of his Variety Chain, including a Dining Hall modelled on American Department Stores, with the modern aesthetics of the day...
Mr. Norris and Mr. Coles together designed many of the early Coles Stores which coincided with what's now known as the Art Deco era...
What was the Coles Cafeteria in 1930 is David Jones Menswear in 2020...
and where the Coles Cafeteria Art Tea recently 'returned' to its Cafe Culture origins for a photo opportunity... but can only be purchased at http:/pubcrock.com.au
The Art Deco era introduced the Cafe Experience to the People of Australia... What had been a pastime of the wealthy became affordable to many...
In 1930 Melbourne, Coles Variety Stores opened their first Dining Hall in the sparkling new Flagship Store in the heart of Bourke Street, opposite the Myer Emporium and then Department Store Buckley & Nunn... The entire First Floor was devoted to a thousand Patrons and the noisy goings on...
Shoppers rested with a cuppa... Workers queued for a bite on their tea break... and Teenagers slurped cold milkshakes before the latest movie at the Picture Theatre...
A Family trip into town brought out Sunday best clothes - whatever day it was - and excitement... At a time when dinner at home was served like it or lump it style, Children could choose their own meal as they slid a carry tray along the chrome display cabinet, and drooled over modern menu options...
A meat pie just for one was popular - plus hot chips... Ice cream, banana splits, waffles and jelly were all sweet novelties...
Subsequent years presented European foods, Laminate table tops, American snacks... and opened the culinary door to the famed Coffee Culture known around the globe...
For Everyone who remembers... and
For Anyone who's enjoyed a cup of anything... any decade... any part of the world...