Philip Mallis

hotel

“The first establishment that came close to what was later referred to as a coffee palace in Melbourne was opened by John Tankard in 1849, called 'Tankard's Temperance Hotel' on Lonsdale Street's south side between William Street and Queen Street.”

hotel

“But arguably the most famous and grandest of them all, in Melbourne at least if not in Australia, was the Federal Coffee Palace on the southwest corner of Collins Street and King Street. Built in 1888 to coincide with the Centennial Exhibition, this seven storey building aimed to impress from both the inside and out.”

hotel

“Those that survive are few and far between, and are mostly located in the suburbs. The Windsor Hotel, despite coming very close to being demolished in the 1970s, still stands today. Other examples include the St Kilda Coffee Palace, the Newport Coffee Palace and the Grand Coffee Palace in Mornington.”

hotel

“Among other things, he is known for purchasing what is today called the Windsor Hotel in 1886. He renamed it to the 'Grand Coffee Palace' and ceremoniously burning the liquor license on its steps, famously pledging never to serve alcohol within its walls. The Windsor Hotel, despite coming very close to being demolished in the 1970s, still stands today.”

cafe

“These included the famous Victoria Coffee Palace on Collins Street”