When table manners were fashionable, eating houses proudly served meals on crockery emblazoned with their establishment name – each mouthful reminding customers of exactly where they were.

Di Sandilands is a curious girl, and has been fossicking for these cups, plates, jugs and alike for years. Some even have their own “pubcrock” Instagram and Facebook page.

Along the way she’s discovered the research value of a box of matches, learnt a bit of Italian and become pretty good at deciphering initials – although there’s an 1895 teapot with “S.Y.P.S.S.” idling in her mystery box.

She’s also developed an abiding affection for Coles Cafeteria, which introduced dining out to the people of Melbourne in 1930, and was at the beginning of our cherished ‘Cafe Culture’.

Join Di for a fun night when she’ll be displaying many Victorian pieces from her vintage hotelware collection, telling their stories and hers. She’ll also be selling her pure linen Coles Cafeteria art tea towels which are printed with each cafeteria location throughout Australia.

Drinks are served from 5:30pm and the Di’s talk will start at 6pm, finishing at 7pm.

This is a Women’s History Month event