“Asked and answered”
Nineteen questions that arrive again and again by phone, by e-mail and across the front desk, with straight answers from the people who work here. If yours is not on the list, ring us.
About dinner, the building and your visit
What time do the doors open?
From half past five, Tuesday to Sunday. The kitchen takes the last order at half past nine, and the building closes at half past ten.
What should I wear?
Whatever suits you. Most guests come straight from work or from home in neat everyday clothes. Nobody will mind a collared shirt or a pair of boots, and no one will ask for a tie. Sandals, work gear and a good hat are all welcome in the dining room.
Is there parking?
Mitchell Street has angled parking along the kerb, and there is a small car park behind the building with a lane from the side street. On busy nights the lane is marked with a lamp.
Is the building accessible?
The front door has a ramp and the dining room is on one level. The felt room is two steps down, so please tell Louise if you would like a table beside the door.
Can I bring children?
Yes, to the dining room until seven. Anyone under eighteen must leave before the felt room opens, and we cannot make exceptions.
What drinks do you serve?
Tea, coffee, lemonade, juice and sparkling water. The tea is free from the pot in the front hall.
Do you cater for allergies?
We do our best. Tell us when you book, and Imogen Payne will plan around gluten, nuts, dairy and shellfish.
Do you take groups?
Gladly. The long table seats twelve, and a private evening on a Monday can seat the whole building. Tell us the numbers and the occasion and Louise Georgiou will suggest a menu and a time.
Do you do takeaway?
Not as a rule, because the pies and puddings are best eaten warm at the table. For a pie or a sausage roll to take home, ask at the front desk and we will box one up when the kitchen has spare.
Can I come in just for tea?
Yes. There is a pot on the counter in the front hall and a couple of armchairs. Sit as long as you like, and ask Louise if the scones are out.
If your question isn't here
Ring the front desk on the number below, or write to bookings at our own address. Louise Georgiou answers most messages the same day, and if she does not have the answer she will ask Noel Saunders and call you back.
We would rather hear a silly question than watch a guest walk past the door unsure. Everyone here was once new, and nobody forgets what that felt like.
About the felt room and how it runs
What kind of room is the felt room?
A room of tables where games are played with chips that have no value, with no wagering, no stakes and no prizes. It is a place for company, practice and a good evening.
Can I win money?
No, and you cannot lose any either. The best a player can win is a name on the board and a round of applause.
Who can come into the felt room?
Anyone aged eighteen or over with photo ID, whether or not they have eaten with us.
Can I play online?
There is nothing online. No app, no website tables and no remote play: the wheel, cards and dealers are here, in person.
Why are there no pokies?
Because this is a house of cards, a wheel and good company. There are no pokies and no gaming machines of any kind, and there never will be.
Are the dealers trained?
Yes. Lisa Rossi trains each new dealer herself, and the first thing they learn is how to explain a rule kindly. Speed comes later; patience comes first, and it shows in the way a table relaxes.
What if I lose all my chips?
Ask the dealer for more. They are only plastic, and there are plenty. Nobody keeps score of how many you have been given, and nobody will make you feel foolish for asking.
Can I take chips or cards home?
No. Everything in the felt room stays in the felt room, because the chips are numbered and the decks are sealed. If you would like a keepsake, ask Louise for a printed hand guide.
Are tournaments only for experts?
Not at all. Friday attracts the most seasoned players, but Thursday and Saturday are gentler. Noel Saunders will happily match you with a table that suits your level.