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First Look: Campbell & George

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It turns out that Queanbeyan’s new kid on the hospitality block, Campbell & George, isn’t so new after all. 

For those of you denying that Queanbeyan is fast becoming one of Canberra’s hottest emerging precincts—we’ve got some bad news for you.

That’s, right. Another iconic Queanbeyan establishment has been given a facelift and we have to say, it’s looking pretty slick.

The establishment is none other than the historic Queanbeyan Bowls Club, which has bowled us over (sorry) with its new look and a new name—Campbell & George.

The new name comes from the two streets the venue fronts, while the interiors have been updated with a decidedly mid-century modern feel—think blonde wood, a floating fireplace and geometric rugs with sweeping views across the bowling green. There’s even a long table style private dining room for special occasions.

Dining and drink options come in the form of a sports bar and Italian bistro respectively, where you can order classics like woodfired pizza, steak sandwiches, Caesar salad, lasagne and, of course, schnittys.

There’s also an extensive grill menu and summer sessions are well taken care of with cocktail pitchers perfect for groups.

But if you suspect locals are turning their noses up at the new kid on the block, you’d be wrong.

“The site has an entrenched history for those passionate about bowls, as well as the extended local community,” said Wayne Brownlie, who has been a member of the former ‘bowlo’ for years. “Many locals have fond memories of this spot—whether they had a birthday here a few years ago, frequent for after work drinks or for a friendly game of bowls.

“It’s also exciting for the future of our bowls club, with many of us being members for decades. We have been kept well informed and consulted on the changes since the very beginning of the project. It’s great that many contemporary features are being introduced without having to lose the facilities we enjoy. It’s a win for all.”

A win for all indeed—including families, who will enjoy the large outdoor ‘family green’ which can be hired for functions or barefoot bowls.

Keeping the spirit and heritage of the club intact while updating it for a new era has been the task of the Queanbeyan Sports & Community Club, in partnership with the Vikings Group, who are both chuffed with the end result.

“We have been working on this project since 2014 when the Queanbeyan Bowling Club fell on hard times,” explains Anthony Hill, CEO of the Vikings Group. “It has been a rocky road but I am thrilled to see the end product and the contribution it will make to Queanbeyan and the surrounding community.”

“Campbell & George is a great example of two Clubs coming together in partnership to work towards the sustainability of, not only the historic Bowling Club, but the Community Club as well.”

Refreshing a much-loved venue is always a tricky tightrope to walk, but Shane Holland, General Manager of the Queanbeyan Sports & Community Club, is confident that both locals and interstaters from Canberra will love Campbell & George’s fresh look when the venue opens in a few weeks’ time—especially as they’ve worked hard to keep as much of the old club as possible.

“We [didn’t] want to lose the club’s unique feel during the renovation process,” says Shane. “So, the venue is littered with artefacts from the former club, such as the lockers from the change rooms and the iconic archway entry. Our beer garden has been named ‘The Paddock’ in honour of the former police horse paddock that once called the site home.”

“The club has been around since 1934 and has great local significance. We wanted to make sure the club could continue to be here for many more generations of locals.”

the essentials 

What: Campbell & George
When: Now open. Call 6209 5555 for opening hours
Where: Corner of Campbell and George Street, Queanbeyan
Bookings: 6209 5555
More information: facebook.com/CampbellandGeorge and campbellandgeorge.com.au

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