Revisiting Glebe

Twenty years ago and I was in Glebe wearing a school uniform. Before anyone gets excited, it was maroon with a thousand pleats that virtually came to the ankles.

Ten years ago and I was in Glebe living in a shared household that often resembled the Judgement Bar at 2:00am in the morning. In those days you were allowed to smoke inside.

Last week I was in Glebe celebrating Mother’s Day with my mum of course. Nothing has really changed actually except of course the pubs.

The Ancient Briton was a dive, Toxteth Hotel was a disgrace and the Harold Park Hotel was a hole in the ground. I loved all three of them. Now the Ancient Briton (or as tactfully they’ve renamed the AB Hotel) has a fish tank, overpriced glasses of ‘house’ wine and lousy service to match.

And the last time I recalled a visit to Harold Park was to see Ed Kuepper and the Yard Goes on Forever. It was the 80s and I wore patent leather heels, silk pants and drank midori. And yes, even Ed at the time would have thought my attire a disgrace.

They’ve really renovated the joint. Water features, chandeliers, lounges upholstered in fabric that resembled Florence Broadhurst style prints and an a la carte restaurant. It was a Sunday afternoon and so the place was filled with trendy blokes enjoying an Asahi beer with their mum’s (many whom settled for a pims).

At least Gleebooks is still around, Badde Manors is still happening and there are some tacky restaurants to choose.

Just wished the pubs weren’t too posh. Would have still liked Glebe to have the live music scene it had with the Harold Park Hotel.

Or maybe I am just getting too old.