Mosman’s beloved Warringah Bowls has had a new lease of life thanks to Lusso Kitchen, hospitality experts in the club scene
Spaces for the kids to run around while mum and dad have a quiet drink and a bite to eat are few and far between in Mosman, and the renamed Warringah Bowling Club (WBC), aka Club Bradley, has just ‘gifted’ the neighborhood some prime real estate.
It is no secret the 1903 club was in dire financial straits last year, facing closure and put into administration.
With the board determined to pay off its debt and make WBC a profitable entity, it has relaunched as Club Bradley and brought on experienced hospitality group Lusso Kitchen as catering partners.
Part of the sacrifice has been to allow members of the public free use of one of the pristine bowling greens, maintained so lovingly for its active members. It was a compromise to make the club more family-friendly, says deputy chair Mick Crosbie. “We have secured the club’s future,” Mick said at the launch of Club Bradley on 28 May. “And Lusso Kitchen is a very vital and integral part of our movement going forward.”
There was great energy at the launch, with Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber very positive about the transformation, saying Club Bradley would be a ‘genuine local spot’ for all ages to gather.
“The club is moving away from the traditional feel for something to be much more open and welcoming for everyone,” Mayor Kimber said. “All ages, anyone in the community can feel like they can come here at any time, just drop in. A genuine local spot where you can come for a meal, catch up with some friends, or spend the afternoon with your family.”
Speaking to NL on the night, Mayor Kimber highlighted the fact green open space is at a premium at the harbourside suburb, given the State Government push to build more housing across Sydney – with Mosman not exempt from medium density apartment blocks, with dozens in the pipeline.
“It’s better than having another high-rise here when we need recreation space,” the mayor said. “The high-rise can be up where the transport is (at Spit Junction).”
Deputy Mayor Michael Randall and Mayor Kimber at the relaunch
Lusso Kitchen has completely overhauled the menu, with a wood-fired pizza oven, fresh gelato and cakes also on offer. A highlight is a gorgeous private dining room, with Lusso keen to cater for events of all sizes. There is also now an outdoor bar and the pergola has been done up delightfully. Lusso has done a similar transformation at Longueville’s The Diddy, using bowling greens to draw families with a winning formula of good food and outdoor recreational areas for the children.
Pickleball, free pool and table tennis, as well as trivia are a popular addition to Club Bradley, which is one of Sydney’s oldest and most historical lawn bowling clubs.
“Over its 120-year history, the club has evolved into a focal point for the Mosman community,” Mayor Kimber said at the launch. “Now it has been refreshed into a more open and welcoming space for the entire community.
“It’s really important that the community get behind this new club and support it so that it can be sustainable into the future.”
Club Bradley is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday – with dinner finishing at 8pm.
CLUB BRADLEY
74-82 Bradleys Head Road
Mosman / 9969 4313
