16/08/2026
There’s something about these old Coles Cafeteriapieces that brings back so many memories.
For generations, a trip into town often meant stopping at the Coles Cafeteria for lunch. Coles opened its first cafeteria in its Bourke Street, Melbourne store in 1930, and the cafeteria became a much-loved part of shopping trips for families around Australia.
I remember going to the George Street, Town Hall store in Sydney with Mum and my sister. My choice was always a toasted sandwich, while Mum and my sister would have raisin toast — which, at the time, we thought was very exotic! It’s funny how something as simple as lunch in town can become such a strong childhood memory.
These lovely pieces have their own South Australian story. They came from the Coles Cafeteria in Kadina and show two different eras of Coles branding — the older 1950s Coles Stores logo and the later 1970s Coles design.
Cups, saucers and plates like these weren’t made to sit in a cabinet; they were part of everyday Australian life — cups of tea and coffee, toasted sandwiches, cakes, milkshakes and lunches shared during a day in town.
We’d love to hear your memories.
Did you go to a Coles Cafeteria? Where was your local one, and what did you always order?
