2 April 2025
An early survivor in Little Collins near Exhibition that I snapped in 2014. It was built as a pair of shops/houses in 1858, by builder John Bayne, who may have designed them – which would explain the unusual indeed unique use of long plain stone blocks as window surrounds, adding a touch of class without too much effort.
It was various shops over the next 120 years, until maybe the early 70s, when it became Little Reata, relocated from Little Lonsdale, where it began as a colonial style licensed restaurant. Perhaps named after the fictional ranch in Giant.
And then it hosted folk acts like the Seekers, and …AC/DC when they got some awards in 1976 ! Seems it was a 24hr Mexican by then. I remember various nightclub performers into the 80s. Then at some point it became a bar, first Pony ? Then Boney in 2014. Then since 2021 @cherrybarmelb, which moved from … AC/DC lane.
Old pics are c1861, and 1973, AC/DC pics via Cherry Bar Facebook.
Storey of Melbourne 