Those who are new to Sydney or are of a younger age than I probably have little idea of the history of some of the surroundings they enjoy in this city.
The picture above is of the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar located on the harbour's edge at Circular Quay, adjacent to the Opera House. It is a thriving tourist area.
The picture below is of the Cafe in Hyde Park adjacent to the major shopping precinct in the CBD and to St Mary's Cathedral, the principal Catholic church in the city.
Both locations retain original buildings that pre-date their cafe status. Click both photos for enlargement view.
Both buildings were men's toilets in my youthful days where I made many a visit and where I enjoyed numerous dalliances. I'm sure today's customers enjoy their oysters and lattes but perhaps not quite the satisfaction (and relief) I gained from my patronage.
They look great. Melbourne also had a toilet block that used to be very well patronised and is now a restaurant.
ReplyDeleteFrom time to time there is talk of finding fresh uses for some of the other (now closed down) conveniences, especially the underground ones.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought they should be turned into sex on premises venues. Unfortunately, they are probably too small to return a decent return at the extortionate rents whih council is likely to seek for them (you know, as with all heritage refurbishments or redirected usage, owners always have dollar signs in their eyes and their dreams). Otherwise that would be a very fitting use for, say, the little underground number on Park St in Hyde Park North, or Bulletin Place, or, of course (and maybe this would be big enough) the decommissioned loo at Taylor Square.
A friend once suggested that the Hyde Park cafe illustrated by you could fittingly have been called "Yeldham's." Maybe that is a bit too tragic to be seriously contemplated.
Marcellous - from my recollection, the men's toilets at Wynyard station would have a strong claim to be named 'Yeldham's' too.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, but they haven't been turned into a cafe yet. But can you put me straight: was that the underground ones, or the now shamefully bricked up ones near the bus stop (which were certainly very cruisy right up to their demise)?
ReplyDeleteMarcellous - When I last saw them the Wynyard Park toilets next to the bus terminus were bricked up.
ReplyDeleteThe railway station toilets which are underground and next to the barber shop and a bar were still operating as a toilet. I'm not sure they are a cruising venue anymore.
You misunderstood my question, which was, was the park or the railway station concourse the late Y's preferred haunt? But now that I read your answers together I assume it was the underground station.
ReplyDeleteMarcellous - sorry about that. Yes, it was the railway station concourse.
ReplyDeleteQuite an interesting conversion. Especially now that it's a place where you eat.
ReplyDelete