Food and Fellowship - Dining at the Parliament of NSW
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TitleFood and Fellowship - Dining at the Parliament of NSWDescriptionWhile browsing Parlimento, you will find ornate silver table centrepieces, etched glasses, wine bottles, porcelain tableware and printed menu cards. Over the decades, such items have adorned Parliament’s fine banquet tables and been in use in its casual daily dining rooms and bar.
Since the 1850s, staff in onsite kitchens have prepared meals for Members, many of whom travelled long journeys from regional NSW to attend Parliament. This culinary convenience, offered in Parliament’s Refreshment Room, was paid for via individual accounts and membership fees.
Food brought parliamentarians from all sides of politics together. Around the table, they discussed current affairs and debated political topics, while also socialising and relaxing after lengthy sittings in the chambers.
Parliament also has a long tradition of hosting countless luncheons and banquets to welcome distinguished visitors from around the world. Guests have included Dr Alexander Graham Bell (telephone inventor), Ernest Shackleton (polar explorer), Amy Johnson (aviator) and even Princess Diana and King Charles III.
Food and Fellowship - Dining at the Parliament of NSW. NSW Parliament, accessed 26/07/2026, https://images.parliament.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/4023
