The Yarraville Club is no ordinary entertainment destination. It’s a genuine community hub, reaching out to people of all ages and interests — from children to senior citizens — and transcending the stereotypical gaming venue in so many ways.
It’s the kind of place that provides space for people to gather for a meal, support a charitable cause, hold a wedding, watch sporting events, be thoroughly entertained, take a salsa class, shoot some pool, join a children’s chess club or meet with friends in cosy nooks.
Violet Browne, the club’s vivacious promotions manager, says everyone can find something of interest to take part in.
“We have an outstanding calendar of entertainment. The Dave Allen duo will be crooning into people’s hearts on October 14, joined by local Michelle Louise singing classics; the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street dinner and show is on November 3 and Grace Knight’s spellbinding performance on November 23.
“And our Melbourne Cup Eve extravaganza promises to be unmissable. Pekish Restaurant will be decked out as a marquee for dressed-up guests to have a pre-dinner tipple followed by a meal, then move to our function room to dance to Itchy Fingers, a fabulously funky band.”
In keeping with the club’s commitment to community support, 10 per cent of the Cup Eve profits will be donated to charity.
This goes hand-in-hand with the club’s backing of sporting groups and other community organisations.
For example, the Rotary Club’s toy exchange day (November 10)gets free use of the car park and function room; parents of Downs Syndrome children meet in the function room; and a free discussion about Alzheimer’s disease is being held on October 16.
But it’s not all about big events at the club. Between 6 and 9pm on the first Friday each month, the Atrium Bar transforms into an intimate, candle-lit space for friends to meet over hot nibbles while listening to a cool band.
Of course, the club is also home to Pekish Restaurant, serving up dishes a cut above pub grub but wisely retaining family favourites. Children eat free from 5.30-6.30pm, Monday to Friday, and there’s a play area with free WiFi and PlayStations.
