Located on the corner of New South Head Road and Cross Street in Double Bay, the One Two Three Milk Bar was designed by F.J. Zipfinger and catered to the teens of well-heeled Sydneysiders. The ceiling was multi-coloured and the counter and fittings were in pink and black.
While the kids enjoyed the pink and black fun of the One Two Three, their parents may have slinked into the risque venue, The Latin Quarter. Located at 250 Pitt Street, The Latin Quarter was designed by Henry Kurzer in the 1950s. The espresso bar featured a mural by M. Pretzel and had a very special ivory coloured acoustic ceiling, recessed with star lights.
The Latin Quarter also had a restaurant - you can see the entrance at the rear of the espresso bar in the above photo. The restaurant/supper club had floor shows nightly. The restaurant was one of the businesses owned and operated by the colourful Sydney identity, Sammy Lee in conjunction with Reg Boom. The pair also opened a restaurant in the 60s in Kings Cross called "Les Girls Restaurant". I bet you'd never guess what went on there!
Here is a photo souvenir of The Latin Quarter from the 1960s. It shows the front cover of the folder advertising The Latin Quarter, the photo within of a couple being entertained in the restaurant, and on the rear, an advertisement for the Les Girls Restaurant, "where every night is New Year's Eve"!
Photos of One Two Three Milk Bar and The Latin Quarter from "Impact of Design" by Clive Carney (1959). The photo souvenir is from the collection of Shanghai Lil & The Scarlet Fez.
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