From a Corso landmark (c. 1919–1921) to Shelly Beach’s refreshment rooms and Le Kiosk
By Lost Manly · 17 September 2025

Image: Gosbell’s Corner, The Corso & Whistler St, Manly — colourised (c. 1919–1921).

This colourised view fixes **Gosbell’s Corner** on the junction of **The Corso & Whistler Street**. The War Memorial obelisk (unveiled 1916) sits in the frame, the awnings read **“COLD LUNCHEONS / SANDWICHES,”** and the wide‑brim hats and long day dresses place it squarely in the **post‑WWI, pre‑cloche** years. Business directories show **Gosbell at 1 The Corso in 1919–1921**, so the photograph is best dated **c. 1919–1921**.

How we date the photo

·       War Memorial is present → the image is post‑1916.

·       Awnings advertise “COLD LUNCHEONS / SANDWICHES” → period language of refreshment rooms in the 1910s–20s.

·       Fashion: wide‑brim hats and long skirts → **c. 1919–1923**, before cloche hats dominate.

·       Architecture: Federation/Edwardian shopfronts; The Corso’s Art Deco refits arrive later in the 1930s.

Gosbell’s Corner was a popular rendezvous for locals, surfers and day‑trippers. The three‑storey brick corner, with striped awnings and bold block‑serif signage, served **cold luncheons** and **sandwiches**. By the mid‑1930s the address trades as **Jaspers** (pastry/cake), keeping the food story alive through the 1950s.

Sepia social version used on Lost Manly.

Shelly Beach connection → Le Kiosk

Beyond the Corso, Gosbell’s name appears at **Shelly Beach**. Manly Library Local Studies records that on **8 November 1934**, **Mr G. Gosbell** applied for materials to improve the **Shelly Beach Refreshment Rooms** he leased from Council — a clear link between the Corso business and operations down at Marine Parade. A **tea room (1928 façade)** later evolves into the beloved **Le Kiosk** restaurant, a landmark venue from the 1970s to the 2000s.

Quick timeline

·       1916 — Manly War Memorial unveiled on The Corso.

·       c. 1919–1921 — Gosbell’s trading at 1 The Corso; likely date of the photograph.

·       1928 — Tea room built at Shelly Beach (façade later fronting Le Kiosk).

·       8 Nov 1934 — G. Gosbell seeks materials to improve Shelly Beach Refreshment Rooms (Council minutes).

·       Mid‑1930s–1950s — **Jaspers** pastry/cake at No. 1 The Corso.

·       1970s–2000s — **Le Kiosk** era at Shelly; a celebrated dining spot.

Share your memory: Did your family meet at Gosbell’s Corner, visit the Shelly tea rooms, or celebrate at Le Kiosk?

Sources & further reading

·       Manly Heritage Plaques / Council heritage notes (Corso corner; ‘Cold Luncheons’ building still extant).

·       Trove, National Library of Australia — business directories & classifieds for 1 The Corso; Jaspers ads; kiosk leases/notices.

·       Manly Library Local Studies (Health & Building Committee minutes, **8 Nov 1934**, file MAN02202) — Shelly Beach Refreshment Rooms.

·       Australian War Memorial embarkation roll — George Gosbell (service background).

·       Manly Daily features (1985, 2003) — Le Kiosk history and reminiscences.