Leonda By The Yarra

Leonda's successful history began in 1970, during the year when John Gorton was Prime Minister, and seatbelts became compulsory in cars throughout Victoria. Previously known as the Hawthorn Tea Gardens, the property that Leonda now occupies was a popular destination for boats to dock, and ladies to socialize while sipping on teas and nibbling on scones, gazing over the beautiful surroundings. When the Hawthorn Tea Gardens fatefully burnt down, partners Leon Jolson and David Walker bought the land and built Melbourne's leading reception center. The name bestowed upon the stunning reception center was Leonda, a fusion of the names Leon and David. Leonda was originally built as a large 500-guest function room with an adjoining room called the "River Club Restaurant," which catered to 132 guests.