Secrets of the Back Room
LO S T D R I N K
STORY AND IMAGES BY RICHARD CORNISH
There is a precarious lean on the brick wall of the room out back of the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Carefully and securely bolstered by smart architectural formwork it is part of the bohemian nature of this quiet and secluded little salon warmed by an open fire and flooded with smooth tunes from ‘60s soul artists. While the main bar at The Cosmo, as this old pub is known by locals, is a fun and gregarious meeting place, and the dining room often bustling, the Cosmopolitan Cellar and Store is quiet, sedate, almost serene. It is one of the region’s hidden spaces and the word is yet to get out.
in the wooden framework and dates to the 1860s when the pub was originally built. The room is large and airy and above the fireplace is a voluptuous nude surrounded by Mexican trumpet flowers painted by local artist Catherine Abel. There are a few simple bistro style tables and chairs, an ornate lounge and a comfortable sofa sitting on the old worn floorboards.
“It is one of the region’s hidden spaces and the word is yet to get out.”
Apart from the leaning wall, and the doorjamb built to match, the other interesting architectural feature are the brick nogged walls. These is a construction technique in which bricks are used to fill the vacancies
The offer is simple. Come here to try and drink wine from the local wine regions. There are wines on pour for free tasting. If you like what you tried you can order a glass, take it to the lounge by the fire and enjoy it at your leisure. There are 14 wines by the glass mostly all local wines. “This is still such an underrated region for wine,” says Rod. “And because of that they’re still great value for exceptional quality wines.” What we at
massage. facials. therapies. healing. reiki. vibrosaun. tarot. retail. 11 Howe Street, Daylesford 3460 | 03 5348 1099 | massagehealing.com.au L O S T M A G A Z I N E | 31
