IN FOCUS: CENTRAL SOCIAL CLUB

Central Social Club is a top ACT

Canberra Labor Club manager Jim Webster talks to Grant Jones about the new Central Social Club, in the heart of the national capital.

“IT’S GOT LOTS and lots of glass. The sun just streams in. It is beautiful,” says general manager Jim Webster of Central Social Club, his new pride and joy at the junction of City Walk and Petrie Plaza in the national capital.

In contrast to the bright carpets and dark cavernous interiors of its parent Canberra Labor Club’s original home, Webster’s new baby in Central Social Club is a slim space that features Hamptons-esque blonde wood panelling, a pastel palette and gingham fabric accents.

“The new decor has been warmly received by locals and our regulars love it,” he says. “It is totally different from our other clubs. It isn’t bright and lairy. It’s got a bit of a country feel to it.

“And our gaming area is at the rear and is very spacious. It’s lovely, it’s well lit and very comfortable and spacious and brand new.”

Webster is effusive about this new showpiece, a move he says is in the right direction for a club group he has served for 15 years.

“We just love our environment, it’s very different to be in,” he says.

Despite Webster’s initial doubts, members are easily interacting with technology, including the CleverQ ordering system.

“It works very well. Rarely do we have any issues with it. To be honest, I love it,” he says. Those orders go through to executive chef Sam McCarthy, last year’s AHA ACT Chef of the Year. His focus is on an all-day menu featuring local produce such as braised Cowra lamb shoulder, plus “knockout” desserts paired with a selection of local ACT and NSW wines and local craft beers.

“His food is just fabulous,” Webster says of McCarthy. “I really enjoy working with him and he is very open to ideas and he loves changing things. He’s not afraid to do things and he experiments with food and puts this together with that, something I would never dream of.

“The lime tart, for example, is unbelievable.” So far visitors to Central Social Club seem to agree with Webster.

“Fridays and Saturdays, when the weather has been warm, they are just hanging off the rafters,” he says.

Country to City

INSIDE CENTRAL SOCIAL Club, the bar opens onto a long restaurant and café space with bench seating and dining areas separated by walls of frosted glass for privacy.

“The design concept reflects the nostalgic touches of the classic club environment while providing a refreshing new experience for first-time visitors,” interior designers CTRL _ said.

“The interior has been designed to enable a comfortable hospitality moment, incorporating high-seated bar options with an impressive central bar, through to cozy and private dining spaces for dinner and lunching options.

“Large upholstered banquettes are presented throughout, complemented with fluted wall panels and herringbone oak timber floors. A curved tiled entry lounge greets its visitors, while an impressive double-height void in the main bar enables natural light to flood into the interior.”

With an overall design by Pelle Architects, construction by local Braddon builder Fore Group, interiors by CTRL Space, furniture by James Richardson Furniture + BCI Furniture, flooring by Tongue & Groove, carpet by Modieus and ceiling by Autex Acoustics, the club group’s 40,000 members now have a new place to dwell.