RENOVATION: SEVEN HILLS RSL

Seven Hills, alive with revamp

New menus, an indoor-outdoor feel, plus live music and plenty of parking all add to the atmosphere at a new-look Seven Hills RSL Club, writes Grant Jones

FANTASTIC FEEDBACK IS what you want from a $30 million refresh, and Seven Hills RSL Club received just that at its recent grand reopening. Add to that at least a doubling in membership, and it just goes to show that the right investment in your venue brings results.

The club now features 6000sqm of new and refurbished areas including contemporary alfresco and indoor dining spaces with revised F&B offerings supported by new kitchens, a sports bars and a 600-space carpark to accommodate the new members.

Those invited to the official opening on Friday, 14 April, said they loved the interior design of the club extension, including the new outdoor atrium with many praising the Glass House as a feature.

“People liked the fact that the dining area made them feel like they were eating outdoors despite being enclosed inside – most likely due to the ceiling-high windows surrounding the space,” the club said. “It is one of the sunniest and brightest sections of our club and a preferred area to be in by our members.”

Menu upgrades

The new menu offering from Fitzroy Lane was also a highlight with The Atrium and its floor-to-ceiling glass, booth seating and greenery all under 5.5m ceilings as a main attraction. The Fitzroy Lane menu – which also services the Seven Hills Group’s Penrith Golf Club, Pennant Hills Bowling Club and Fox Hills Golf Club – ranges from pasta, pizzas, burgers and banh mi to seafood, schnitzels, salads and steaks on the grill.

“We haven’t upgraded our menus in years so this was a big change,” a club spokesperson said. There is also a new wok menu, offered exclusively at night, with a selection of seven dishes to choose from, starting with a classic stir fry or chicken and prawn pad thai. There are also $18 daily light lunch specials for members and weekly dinner specials ranging from $16 wok night on Wednesdays to $24 for 24 wings on Sundays.

The club has also brought back live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with duos playing from 5pm-8pm, then a DJ playing from

eight until late on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday afternoons, the performance features a soloist playing acoustic music.

Passing muster

Wilson’s Sports Bar was also unveiled as part of the three-stage renovation, as was The Alcove which features several big screens so fans can watch live sport. External works included new facades to both road frontages.

“The feedback we have received so far has been very encouraging, as has the growth in our membership,” says GM Joe Bayssari. “Frankly, much of the work was done beforehand. We strive to offer the best for our members and guests, so we asked them what they wanted in a modern club. Their response indicates that we have met and even exceeded their expectations, so we are very happy that they are happy with the result.

“We look forward to the next phase of the refresh which includes our Iron Bark Cafe.”

The next stage of renovations will also include a 100-seat function room, new 200-seat entertainment area, new sports area with snooker tables, pool tables and darts, plus two new kids’ areas with play equipment and arcade games.