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The Hermitage cafe, Ash Street, Sydney 1942

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National Library of Australia
[Building : the magazine for the architect, builder, property owner and merchant, 24 September 1942, p36 via Trove]

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French Interior design Restaurants and Cafes
Organisation
The Hermitage
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Building : the magazine for the architect, builder, property owner and merchant
Buildings
Palings Warehouse
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Ash Street

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National Library of Australia

Restaurants and Cafes

French

Interior design

The Hermitage

L'Hermitage was a French restaurant opened by French migrants Henry and Jeanne Renault in the former Paling's building on Ash Street in July 1942. Jeanne worked 'front-of-house' while Henry worked as their chef until he established his wine import business. 

The Hermitage served dishes such as venison in wine and steak tartare which shocked some restaurant-goers. Jeanne said one patron ‘could not understand us serving raw steak. It was fit only for dogs.’

The restaurant contained a copy of Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa' near its entrance and became a popular dining spot for many well known individuals including the former Prime Minister of Australia, Sir Robert Gordon Menzies. On its closing in 1957, the Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Jeanne Renault:

Madame smiled her half-smile...But when I asked her: "Are you sad, Madame?" she answered: "Yes, I feel sad. Would not you?"

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Building : the magazine for the architect, builder, property owner and merchant

Journal that promoted ideas for urban planning, improved construction methods and the interests of engineers, architects and builders.

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Palings Warehouse

Office building which used innovative engineering techniques to straddle the Tank Stream and featured safe deposit vaults in the basement. Only the facade still exists as a reminder of the musical heritage of the area.

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Ash Street

Service laneway from the 1800s for the many warehouses and small businesses of the area which now houses upmarket restaurants and bars.

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