Originally the land where the log cabin was built was used as a berry farm until 1908. Then in 1926 when the road linking Montrose and Upper Ferntree Gully was built, Agnes Portelli saw the opportunity to build a warm and welcoming place to enjoy some tea and take in the hills and that’s when the Log Cabin was built.

With the help of her family and friends Agnes ran the tea house until her death in 1945, then her niece Evelyn Anstey worked at the tea rooms from a young age. The menu included scones with jam and cream, cakes, sandwiches topped off with a pot of tea.

Over the years the Log Cabin grew into a popular venue for fundraising events, celebrations and in the 1980’s hosted regular ‘Australian’ shows. During this time celebrated Olinda artist/author Peg Maltby moved her iconic Fairyland Dioramas to the Log Cabin.

More recently it has re-branded over the years to become Kelly’s Bar and Kitchen, a meeting place for locals and a destination for tourists to enjoy, have a meal and a drink. We recently celebrated the 100th birthday of the building with a weekend full of music and plenty of stories.