The lobby restaurant began its life in 1968 when parliamentarians at the old parliament house, over the road, decided they needed a place to entertain visiting constituents. the "eating establishment" when it was built turned out to be a fine dining restaurant called the lobby. The shocked M.P's had to force the department of administrative services to attach a small cafe so they could buy their long-awaited pies for their constituents. Since then the lobby has been the scene of countless political intrigues performed over long lunches and even longer dinners. Politicians from all sides are regulars to events, as are lobbyists, senior public servants, diplomats, business people and journalists. The lobby restaurant has maintained its rightful place as one of Australia's finest venues and most political eating establishments.