Roadtest: Where to kick it old school

The local RSL and social club venues are the backbone of many communities and it’s the same here in the Inner West. Not only are they safe places for families and older locals to get together to enjoy a meal, take part in leisure activities and just generally have a good time, they also often support local sports, schools and charitable initiatives. Here’s a round-up of some of the biggest and best local clubs in the area…

Canterbury RSL

One of the biggest in the area, this local club recently got an upgraded indoor and outdoor bar and lounge space. There are also three dining options: Mama Wong, the cafe and Viva Bar and Grill. It caters well to an older crowd and people on a budget who still want to have a good time with free live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, Happy Hour every day and bingo, raffles and a sausage sizzle every week, plus they run a range of hospitality courses and leisure activities like yoga. This place pretty much has it all (and parking!).

Leichhardt Bowling Club

The long-established local bowlo sits on a quiet street in Leichhardt and has a band of devoted regulars. While the focus on bowling means it caters to a niche crowd, the club recently branched out and is hosting open mic nights on Wednesdays from 7.30pm. The Lion’s Den in-house restaurant serves traditional hearty “club grub” and Sundays are the best day to visit for 1pm bowls, followed by a BBQ lunch and Spectacular Seafood raffle.

Club Five Dock

This local club caters to all ages and you’ll likely find a couple of Gen Yers downing a beer in the sports bar as well as families dining at Three Peppers Restaurant, with free meals for kids on Mondays and a play area set aside especially to keep them entertained. There’s also plenty going on from poker to seniors fitness, trivia and live entertainment shows. If you like your drinks be sure to try one of bartender Roberto’s famous cocktails in the main lounge.

Canada Bay Club

This club is filled with regulars, large groups and lots of families – probably because of the groovy kids arcade (every kid’s dream) and regular kid’s discos. There is also plenty for the grown ups to do, including bingo, poker, bridge and exercise and dance classes. Members can take advantage of the club’s courtesy bus to get to and from the venue, which is especially helpful for the less mobile in the community. Aside from the Brasserie, Wing Chinese Restaurant also does yum cha lunches daily at the club.

Petersham Bowling Club

The PBC is one of the only local clubs that is pokie free, instead choosing to focus on live music with regular gigs from local and international performers. They also do craft beers, the occasional film night, swing dance and Zumba lessons and have a BBQ or bistro menu. As an old-school club with a difference this place isn’t bad. Of course kids are welcome and barefoot bowls is always lots of fun.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply