Western Sydney Bowling Club Ushers in New Era

This is particularly true of bowling clubs, where just the upkeep of greens can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. For clubs with more than one green, this cost can skyrocket to more than 100 thousand dollars annually.  

Those who don’t adapt can become vulnerable, with data showing that Sydney alone has lost nearly half its bowling clubs over the past four decades. 

But while once a haven for competitive lawn bowlers exclusively, it’s becoming increasingly common to see a mix of new demographics on the greens, with younger people playing social barefoot bowls, kids playing ball games and families enjoying a drink in the sun. 

When DOOLEYS amalgamated with the Regents Park Bowling Club in 2010, they knew that they would need to adapt in order to stay relevant into the future. 

While initially modernising the interior of the venue, DOOLEYS has now completely overhauled the Western Sydney venue in order to better cater to families, which make up nearly 25 per cent of the local Regents Park community. 

A once underutilised bowling green has been reimagined into a dynamic alfresco dining and entertainment space. The newly-named Regent St Pavilion boasts an all-weather marquee, a trendy pop-up bar and an outdoor kids’ play area. 

“DOOLEYS is pleased to have been able to reimagine the venue for future generations, giving it a much-needed refresh that resonates with the new families and younger people joining Regents Park and the local Cumberland community every day,” says DOOLEYS CEO David Madan.

“As we endeavour to expand our younger membership base, we remain committed to catering to our loyal members with enhanced food and beverage offerings, favourite club activities and our signature friendly service.” 

The food and beverage offering has been overseen by Head Chef Madin Pandit, a two-time winner in the Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards. The venue’s menu combines Australian flavours with an American twist — from schnitzels, battered fish and steak, to the award-winning lamb rump and pork ribs with a homemade smoky BBQ glaze sauce.  

The menu aims to emphasise value-for-money while being uncompromising on quality and is available for lunch and dinner daily. 

The outdoor dining area also features a woodfire pizza oven and a barbecue, with freshly grilled meats and seafood on offer to enjoy alfresco style — along with a beer, wine or cocktail from the pop-up garden bar.  

With a hugely successful launch in October and the onset of summer just around the corner, this once well-kept secret nestled in Western Sydney has it brimming with confidence as its ushers in a new era in its proud six-decade history. 

To find out more about Regent St Pavilion, check out the latest episode of ClubTV here.