Daisy’s Milkbar Petersham : An Introduction to Mixed Lollies

When I was young, the milkbar was the favoured hangout for all the cool kids. I appreciated our local establishment mostly for its assortment of mixed lollies which could be purchased for 1 cent, 2 cents and 5 cents a piece. It wasn’t until I was an adult that the ambience, the chatter and even the smell became something that I missed. I’ve been chasing a traditional milkbar in Sydney ever since. Let me just rephrase that: I have been chasing a milkbar which would take me back to the fuzzy feeling of childhood.

A few weekends back I was told Summer Hill boasted a traditional milkbar so we headed over to see for ourselves. We weren’t in luck as it was closed. I vented my frustration on Instagram and I think it was Stav Hatchett from My Messy Room that recommended we try Daisy’s Milkbar in Petersham. I made a mental note to seek it out next time I was in the area. The opportunity presented itself a few days later.

Daisy’s Milkbar is a diamond in the rough, standing on Stanmore Street between a doctor’s surgery and a vacant storefront. Nostalgia washed over me as soon as I stepped through the doors. It is fun. It is playful. It is so 50s cool and pastel sweet. Daisy’s Milkbar is so much better than the milkbar I remember whilst maintaining the chatter and the smells.

With two very tired kids accompanying me, I was hoping a quick drink and a treat would spark them up after a rather full day of appointments. We weren’t seeking a large meal and settled on milkshakes for the kids, a juice for me and sweet delights (a small sundae and a banana split).

While we waited for our order to arrive, Master R spotted the cordial stand and immediately perked up (just quietly, mention ‘free’ or ‘bargain’ to Master R and he tends to always have this reaction). He took his sister across to enjoy selecting and mixing their choices.

Our orders arrived and immediately delighted. The Banana Split featured shattered pieces of toffee, nuts and what I suspect was fudge layered on 3 scoops of ice-cream and a banana. It was plentiful and was the first dessert my son has complimented and asked for me to replicate at home. Miss N’s sundae featured a cherry on top which I stole and don’t regret one bit. Like always, she nibbled at the edges before passing it to me. I was surprised to watch her drink her milkshake in full for the very first time.

Embarrassing mum moments were rampant on this visit. The bathroom was irresistible for both kids and they visited numerous times. I had to take a peek inside myself to see what was so lovely about it and can only speculate that the skull soap dispenser or the lovely air freshener made it worth a second and third visit. My two were very messy and splashed ice-cream over their bowls onto the table. Not drips…splashes. The staff were so accommodating and waved away my apologies elevating my anxiety.

Of course, a visit to a milkbar wouldn’t be right without the procurement of a bag of mixed lollies. We left with two bags and a promise to return (if they’ll have our messy selves back!).

Want to visit? Daisy’s Milkbar can be found at 340 Stanmore Road, Petersham NSW. Arrive early to secure 1 hour street parking.