A FRESH ORANGE CRUSH
Known for its excellent local produce, cool-climate wines and exceptional restaurants, Orange, located about 3.5 hours from Sydney, has long cemented its status as a foodie’s paradise.
But it’s not all about fancy menus and high prices. A group of talented young locals have taken the reigns at Orange City Bowling Club to present a family-friendly venue that ticks a whole lot of boxes for locals and visitors alike.
Heading the team is the club’s new General Manager, Hugh Mawter. An Orange resident for 11 years, Hugh has been in the hospitality business for two decades. He worked in club management in Sydney before his love of food drove him to reinvent himself. He studied and then worked as a chef at well-known Orange establishments like hatted restaurant Racine’s, The Union Bank, The Lord Anson and Byng St Local Store. He’s turned full circle and is now ready for the next challenge in a leadership role and is backed by a talented team in Head Chef Jack Mills, and Operations Manager Matt Jones, both formerly with Lord Anson.
Mawter sees an enormous amount of potential in the club and wants to create a food-focused, reinvigorated space for both members and guests to enjoy. Well located opposite the aquatic centre and close to the town centre, the Club offers a great space for kids and parents to relax, enjoy a game of barefoot bowls or mini golf and savour some classic pub fare, done to perfection.
The concise menu is full of value-priced, fresh local products, and all meals are cooked to order. There are shared plates and mains, both with vegan options as well as a dedicated kid’s menu. A standout is the house-made pie, served with creamy mash, steamed greens and gravy – a perfect winter choice. While classic, the menu is anything but old-school and is supported by daily lunch and dinner specials.
After concentrating on the food offering, Hugh and his team will be tackling the wine list to incorporate some of the outstanding local wines on offer.
The Orange City Bowling Club has thrown down the gauntlet as the new family-friendly, food destination in town. Cold beer, open spaces to keep the kidlets entertained and top-notch locally sourced food at prices to make even your bank manager happy. Hugh Mawter and his team have all the ingredients ready to make the Bowlo everyone’s ‘favourite local.’
