Aussie man creates replica of iconic milk bar INSIDE his home: "Wonderful memories all in one room"
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An Aussie man has won the admiration of hundreds of people thanks to an incredible recreation of an old-fashioned milk bar that he set up in his home.
Sharing in the popular Facebook group called Old Shops Australia, Anthony Launer said that the good memories he had from his childhood served as the inspiration for him to open his own vintage store in the comfort of his own home in Thailand.
"When you love the memories of the Old Shops so much as a child that you need to create one at home," wrote Mr Launer. "A mix of wonderful memories all in one room."
The remarkable space with a retro motif is adorned from floor to ceiling with vintage signage, advertisements, containers, petrol cans, pictures, trinkets, delicacies, and drinks from bygone eras.
Mr Launer has recreated a throwback milk bar in his home, complete with hundreds of vintage artefacts from his boyhood. Credit: Facebook/Old Shops Australia.
The nostalgic imitation store displays how times have changed over the years by placing advertisements for Milo as a "tonic," several cigarette signs, and signs for companies that are no longer in production, such as Bex pharmaceuticals, Leed Lemonade, and Monkey Brand detergent.
Anthony, who relocated from Australia to Thailand and took most of the antiques with him, stated that he uses the retro room as a workspace and plays music from the 1950s in the background to add to the mood.
Hundreds of people who are part of the Facebook group gave Mr Launer's post a positive reaction, and many of them said that his images brought back fond memories from their youth of hanging out in milk bars.
One woman said that seeing the photos made her remember the time when she would simply sit there for her morning coffee. "I love it," she wrote in the comments.
"Wow, that is amazing," said another user, with a third adding: "What a creative way to display your collection!"
After the vintage-loving Aussie posted pictures of the store online, a lot of older people were impressed. Credit: Facebook/Old Shops Australia.
From the 1930s to the late 1960s, milk bars could be found practically anywhere in Australia, especially in rural New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
They contributed to revolutionising popular culture and cuisine in small towns and cities across the country with their art deco interiors, polished chrome, glass, and mirror surfaces, coloured lighting, pert uniformed waiters, and the youthfulness of their cocktails.
They were also famous for their quick service, extended operating hours, affordable rates, and spaces for both formal and informal meetings and entertainment.
Though these days, most of them have now closed or been turned into convenience stores. Milkshakes are still often served in some branches in Melbourne and the rest of Victoria, even using old-fashioned dispensers.
Although there are still a few classic milk bars in cities, most of them are more likely to be found in country communities, where they serve both tourists and residents.
While a quality cappuccino (or any cappuccino) is unlikely to be offered, milkshakes, Mars bars, and hamburgers are almost definitely available.
There used to be a milk bar or café in every town back then. What do you remember the most about the milk bars in your area? Was it the ice cream, the milkshakes, or the sweets?
In the comments section, we would really appreciate it if you could share some of your fondest memories!
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