Plans to Restore Sydney's Historic Olympia Milk Bar Spark Nostalgia

For decades, the Olympia milk bar in Stanmore, Sydney, stood as a nostalgic relic along Parramatta Road.

With its worn terrazzo flooring and faded signs promoting "smokes" and "sweets," the decaying establishment piqued the curiosity of passersby, though few ventured inside. Despite its dilapidated state, it remained a cherished piece of urban history.

Now, a glimmer of hope shines for the Olympia’s restoration. In November, a development application was submitted to the Inner West Council outlining plans for a million-dollar renovation by the new owner, local businessman Paul Barone. The proposed transformation includes an upscale four-bedroom residence above the shop, a new second floor with a roof terrace, and extensive repairs to both the shopfront and interior. The renovation plan emphasizes "repair over replacement," according to the application documents.

Recognized as a heritage item under local planning regulations, the Olympia is described in a heritage impact statement as "a rare largely intact survivor of a 1930s-1960s suburban milk bar." Existing signage will be restored or replaced with exact replicas, and shop fittings, including the original counter, will be carefully reinstated.

The proposal has generated excitement among locals and milk bar enthusiasts alike. The Olympia, which the council shut down in 2017 due to safety concerns, was the last remaining link to Sydney’s once-thriving milk bar culture, largely shaped by Greek migrants. Its private owner, Nicolas Fotiou, lived on-site until 2021 and died two years later at 86.

Melbourne-based author and publisher Eamon Donnelly, who has spent years documenting milk bars across Australia, fondly recalls the Olympia. In his book The Milk Bars Book Vol II: A Sweet History, he reflects on his bittersweet memory of enjoying a milkshake there “exactly 10 years ago.”

Buy the Book here