The Eltham Barrel restaurant was situated off Main Road, Eltham towards Research. The barrel shaped building was constructed in the late 1960s. It was claimed to be the biggest barrel in the world at the time according to a now deleted article on Wikipedia. It had a capacity to hold over 8 million litres. Built from recycled Oregon timber and Convict hand made bricks formerly used in the Cliveden mansion of Jolimont, which was demolished in 1968 – the current site of The Hilton Hotel. 3 floors held over 400 guests who came for Bavarian Entertainment.
There are photos in the collection at the State Library of Victoria and the National Archives of Australia.
A recent listing in local real estate pages describes Natalie Mews, Eltham. “Old-timers might scratch their heads and wonder where Natalie Mews is. Mention the Eltham Barrel and they’ll get it. This barrel-shaped, glass-fronted restaurant was an Eltham icon and the scene of many a big night out before it burnt to the ground more than three decades ago. Today, houses occupy the large blocks carved out of the old Eltham Barrel grounds.”
In January 2011 a souviner mug appeared on e-bay. Made by Elischer Pottery Australia
In May 2011, a souviner ashtray appeared on e-bay with the following description :”Step back in time and remember those Chritmas partys – birthdays or maybe just a night out!! And check out the phone number 4391044 The Eltham Barrel situated in Eltham (Melbourne) Victoria The ashtray is light weight metal and was made in Japan. It measures 4″3/4 left to right 4″1/4 top to bottom & Sits 1″ high.
The Eltham Barrel seems to have been neglected in published local histories. Please record your reminiscences here.
Reminscences from Trina (Jan 2011): “I had been to the Eltham Barrel Resturant a few times on a Sunday If I remember it correctly to have coffee and something called ” black forrest cake ” It was something of a novelty in those days. There were a lot of German emigrants living in Greensborough or it seemed that way. It really brings back memories.”
A Bring back the Eltham Barrel group is on Facebook.
Links:
My Marvelous Melbourne Podcast Episode 5
Eltham District Historical Society: The Eltham Barrel
Eltham District Historical Society: Throwback Thursday Kids of Rock, Eltham Barrel, 1989
Dictionary of Unsung Architects; John F Tipping
Photo:
Eltham Barrel 1968 State Library Victoria
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