BellaRose-Au
19/08/2023
A nice local club.
The food is fairly good, with a selection of Australian-style Chinese restaurant options and some classic Aussie club options (at pretty reasonable prices) available from the bistro. In all honesty, it's probably the best Chinese food available in Riverstone.
Friday nights are packed, with decent live entertainment on offer each week. Live sport plays on a big screen in one area and, of course, there's always the requisite poker machines.
I'm told the dessert selections from the cafe are pretty good, but due to food allergies, I can't try any of them.
The downsides, and the reasons for only 3 stars, are:
1. There's only ONE disabled toilet.
While it's not unusual for many pubs, clubs, and restaurants to have only one disabled toilet, this is a Services club. The number of physically disabled and elderly patrons who frequent the club is higher than most pubs and clubs. This being the case, I'd expect at least two (one at each end of the club).
2. The lone disabled toilet is located right near the door to the smoking pokies area. If the door opens while you're waiting or manoeuvring into/out of the toilet, you cop a few lungs full of second hand smoke.
On our most recent visit, we were able to smell the cigarette smoke right through the club, which made for a less than pleasant visit.
3. The poker machine area, through which one must pass to get to the lone disabled toilet, is rather tight. Anyone using a wheelchair will have to navigate the narrow rows between poker machines. If all chairs are unoccupied and pushed in, you can get down most rows. If the pokies are in use on one side, you can squeeze a wheelchair through most rows. When there are people occupying machines on both sides of the rows, wheelchairs can't get through.
4. Dessert option disappointment. The bistro has extremely limited dessert options (which are only listed on a small notice at the order counter). These seem to be an afterthought, and more suited to young children. All of these limited options include ice cream and are not suitable for vegans or anyone with dairy allergies.
Similarly, everything available from the cafe counter contains some form of dairy products, rendering those unsuitable for vegans and unsafe for those with lactose intolerance and dairy allergies. (They have introduced some gluten free options to the cafe, which is good news for anyone with gluten intolerance). I'd love to be able to enjoy a little cake with a cup of tea after a meal.
5. Parking on site. It usually isn't a problem to park here, and there are a good number of mobility impaired parking spots. Except on Fridays. Friday nights, big sporting event occasions and on commemorative days (ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, etc.) parking on site is almost impossible. Nearby parking is available, but poorly lit. The path and road between the club and the parking area are unlit and dangerous at night for the mobility impaired, elderly and families with children.
Off site parking and lighting between it and the club aren't the responsibility of the club. If you've read this far, at least you are forewarned.