Rowe Street was a centre for Sydney's bohemian life from the late 19th century until the 1970s, described in 1931 as "the primrose path of dalliance"–furthermore it may have been the birthplace of Sydney's famous push movement. The precinct included the original Theatre Royal, the Playbox Theatre, art studios and galleries, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, many well-known fashion, clothing, interior design and jewellery shops, and Rowe Street Records, one of the first specialist import record stores in Australia. In 1956 Mervyn Horton the gay editor, art collector and philanthropist opened Galleria Espresso an espresso bar and art gallery at 27 Rowe Street.
Rowe Street was a hub for Sydney's artistic and free-spirited community from the late 19th century until the 1970s, described in 1931 as "the colorful path of leisure"–furthermore it may have been the origin of Sydney's famous avant-garde movement. The neighborhood featured the original Theatre Royal, the Playbox Theatre, art studios and galleries, eateries, coffeehouses and cafes, many prominent fashion, clothing, interior design and jewelry boutiques, and Rowe Street Records, one of the first specialist import record stores in Australia. In 1956 Mervyn Horton, the gay editor, art collector and philanthropist opened Galleria Espresso an espresso bar and art gallery at 27 Rowe Street.