The greyer the hair, the more likely you are to find yourself at the local sports club. Overhyped, trendy nightspots with overpriced, trendy drinks tend to lose their appeal. Decent quality food and drink at an affordable price in a relaxed and unpretentious setting emerge as the key considerations.
Redlands Sporting Club, located in Wellington Point, does a good job of ticking off the mature patron requirements. It's not unique or earth-shattering stuff, but it typifies the community hub vibe that every sports club should aspire to.
The Basics
Surrounded by a bevy of sporting facilities including Redlands Cricket Club fields, netball and tennis courts and bowling greens, the club is clearly the after-play watering hole for Wellington Point athletes. It's easily accessed via Anson Drive and offers ample parking options.
The building itself is impressive but it's not until you get inside (after swiping/signing in of course) that you realise the scale of operations. High ceilings and spread-out facilities enhance the feeling of space. A helpful sign provides directions and confirms that it's the sort of mega-club where you could actually become disoriented.
The Options
We'll knock the worst option off first - the giant room of pension pinchers. To be fair, the poker machines likely ensure the financial security of the club but they still send an involuntary shiver up the spine. Why play something that's programmed to lose?
There's a bingo room too for those who prefer a more numerical punt. Draws are frequent and no doubt attract a fair crowd of regulars.
Thursday night is poker night and the tables are set up in front of the stage. Live music is on offer on the weekends and trivia on Tuesday nights. The club also offers an impressive range of other activities including dance classes. It regularly hosts tribute-style concerts too - the
What's On section of the website is well worth a look.
For those keen to keep an eye on the game or ponies, the sports bar offers TAB facilities and a plethora of screens.
The Food
The Club Steakhouse is the premier dining option with lunch served from 11am - 2pm and dinner from 5pm - 8pm. The Club Cafe offers a light meals alternative from 10am til late.
Good value specials are available at the Steakhouse each night with steak nights being especially popular. The food isn't the height of fine dining but it's not supposed to be. It's well-priced and at least on par with what's on offer at similar establishments.
Meals and drinks are obviously cheaper if you become a member and it's worth doing if you plan to come more than once. Single-year options start at $5 ($3 for pensioners). Check out the
website for further options.
The Verdict
Redlands Sporting Club is what a community club is supposed to be - an inclusive meeting point for locals. Always well-staffed and patronised, it's definitely the venue of choice for more-mature Wellington Point residents and provides behind-the-bar employment opportunities for Redlands youth. It fulfils its charter well and plays an integral role in the social lives of many members.
