I was watching the evening news tonight, and heard that the original Shingle Inn cafe & tea-room has been relocated to Brisbanes City Hall building.
http://www.shingleinn.com/
http://www.shingleinn.com/shingleinnhistory.html
The Shingle Inn was a genuine Brisbane icon, originally opened in 1936, in Edward St. It was known to be one of the favorite hang-outs for Australian & American servicemen, while on leave during WWII. It was outside the Shingle Inn that a huge fight (riot possibly better description) occured between Autsralian and American servicemen in war time (don't know exact year, sorry). I know a lady that had worked at the 'Inn' and she was at work when the fight developed. Her description is a little vague now, she's now not far short of 90yrs of age, but i'm sure she will be pleased to hear that the 'new' Shingle Inn will have all of the original fittings and hopefully retain the atmosphere of the late 30s and war years. I don't think we need to reenact the fight though. Rather a poor display of comradeship, but Aussie soldiers resented the 'Yanks' for being around the place. Just as well they were, I say, or we might be in a whole different Australia right now!
Shingle Inn has been franchised since the 40s and by 2012 there were 30 stores throughout Australia.
I'll be down that way within the next two weeks, to get Fathers medals for Anzac Day. Must make a point of dropping in, and i'll take a few photos to boot.