Canberra Labor Club’s newest Central Social Club is bringing new life to their iconic corner of City Walk.
Designed by CTRL Space Australia and fitted out by Braddon’s own Fore Group, its interiors are now awash with natural light, warm shades of terracotta and greenery, and with Espresso Martinis on tap, it’s worthy of any Instagram feed.
However, stay a moment, and you will quickly find the warmth, comfort, affordability, and big portions in the heart of the city that the Club does best.
Complementing the contemporary feel, 2022’s AHA Chef of the Year, Sam McCarthy has stepped on as Executive Chef, creating an all-day dining menu that you don’t want to miss out on.
“The vision was to keep the club classics but provide an elevated dining experience for members and guests,” he told CW.
“We’re using as much local produce as possible, which adds up to a big difference in the final product.”
Sam honed his skills in London before becoming Executive Chef of the National Gallery of Australia, then working as part of the Burley Group.
His top pick from the menu is the braised Cowra lamb shoulder pappardelle, seasoned with rosemary pangritata picked from the Chef’s own garden.
“We offer three desserts which are all knockouts, although my favourite is the salted caramel dolce de leche tart with lemon sorbet.”
Breakfast is served until 11.30am.
All day dining kicks off at 11.30am, and then the Club’s late-night pizza menu is dished up until midnight. Gluten-free pizza is also on offer.
Canberrans can continue to look forward to the biggest chicken schnitzel for the best price in the city, which continues to be a sell-out, the scrumptious lamb cutlets, and sweet corn and pea risotto – a vegetarian must-try.
Despite only having opened its doors two weeks ago, members and guests alike are flocking to get social at Central Social.
Soon, live music will also join the Club’s Friday night offerings, as local Canberra talent will help welcome in the end of the work week.
Jim Webster, who has relished the role of Club Manager for 15 years, says the fit-out is bringing new life to the club for its members, while still keeping that same warmth and friendly faces.
“The venue is fantastic, the staff are great, the food is brilliant. It’s just magic,” he smiles.
Jim started out at the Canberra Labor Club in Belconnen for two years, before going on to manage the Canberra City Labor Club for well over a decade.
He says that while the Club is at least four times busier than it was before, thanks to our fantastic elevated offering, some things never change.
“It’s always been like a really big family,” he says. “Our chicken schnitzels are awesome. The steaks are mouth-watering, and we have the best beers on tap in Canberra.”
The premium steak cuts are sourced from a supplier right here in Canberra and a variety of local beers are always flowing.
“If you’re in Canberra and you haven’t been here yet, you don’t know what you’re missing,” Jim says.
Central Social Club, 202 City Walk, Canberra City; Bookings: 6230 0404
