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Graham Canteen closing at old GTV9 site

Today is your last chance to visit a market and "Graham Canteen" at the old GTV9 Richmond site, before development work begins.

Nostalgic TV fans have just one more day, today, to visit the former site of GTV9 Richmond before demolition work begins on apartments.

The site has recently hosted a market, cafe and temporary cinema as part of The Richmond Weekender in March.

The site was last used by Nine at the end of 2010.

The Homemakers Market features local retailers and designers selling homewares and produce including boutique textiles, teas, honey, plants, cards and crafts. The ‘Speakeasy Cinema’ had its final screening last night.

The ‘Graham Canteen,’ a nod to Graham Kennedy, is run by Rob Cattanach and Kent Bell of Cavarello. Serving breakfast and lunch it promises “charisma, uniqueness and exceptional delivery, much like its namesake.”

Longtime Kennedy gag writer Mike McColl Jones sees humour in the title especially given the Channel Nine canteen was often the target of Kennedy’s barbs.

He tells TV Tonight, “The Canteen aka “Dolly Inn”, “Bureau of Missing Portions”, “Le Chateau Yuk” etc holds many memories, especially the three occasions Graham and I were threatened with legal action because of various comments. The first one that offended canteen management was “Before the flies land on the food they have to have tetanus injections.”

You can visit Richmond Weekender from 10am today before the demolition moves in at 22 Bendigo St. Richmond.

One Response

  1. Ah, thems were the days, eating in the old 9 canteen, with Lee behind the counter and Joe Batag. running around the offices with the tea trays. Not even a trolley – he actually carried these huge trays with big teapots/cups etc on them.

    The food was okay, nothing like that portrayed by Graham and co. The first time I saw my future husband was in a queue there one lunchtime. 46 years later ………………………!

    Sad to see the old place go.

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