The Coronation Club in Sydney’s booming Burwood has welcomed back members and guests after a three-year hiatus, reopening as CORO88.
The Tully Heard refit features a 130-seat sports bar and eatery plus stylish café, Nelsons By The Park, directly opposite Burwood Park.
The new CORO88, within walking distance of Westfield Burwood, forms part of an estimated $10m mixed-use development, including 32 apartments, at the once traditional Coronation Club, which closed its doors to membership in 2018 during construction.
“Closing the Coronation Club was a very difficult decision for us as it meant our loyal members would be without ‘their’ club and meeting place,” CEO Carolynne Williams said.
“However, it was a move that had to be made, the original building dated from the 60s, had insufficient parking and we were landlocked. Trading had to be revived and renewed for a new customer and era so the only way we could provide our members with a secure future for the club was to demolish and rebuild.
“What has resulted is a modern venue with direct access from the street, 60 car spaces directly under the club, a revived destination for past and present members with an environment activated to bring in the mixed demographic CORO88 has been designed for.”
If the food at CORO88 and Nelson’s By The Park seems familiar to club professionals, it’s because it has been curated by specialist catering consultancy Great Eats, best known for Tully Heard’s The Fernery at Mosman Club.
The menu features a fusion of contemporary Western and Asian flavours, using modern and traditional techniques, so a sticky Korean-style chicken and blue swimmer crab in coconut milk is matched by Beef Wagyu Sando or bistro classics such as battered fish and chips.
Save room for the dessert menu, which includes a chocolate cookie ice cream sandwich, a mille feuille, and the doughnuts with caramelised banana.
There is a solid drinks menu too, from classic cocktails and extensive wine list with alcohol-free beers and wines also on offer.
Nelson’s Café is also on-point, serving cult St Dreux coffee alongside acai bowls, granola parfait with seasonal fruits or the more indulgent toasted brioche with mascarpone cheese or Mac and cheese croquettes, and aims to become a local morning focal point to capture the passing foot traffic of Burwood Rd.
The styling is all sleek timber and tile, with the crew continuing to tweak the fit-out as old members return, but more so, as new members sign up.
“We are truly excited to open our doors and to welcome back the Burwood community – and beyond!” said Ms Williams.
Following in CORO88’s footsteps at Burwood will be the $209m Burwood RSL development at 2 George St, which was given concept approval early last year by the Central Sydney Planning Panel. Plans for stage one were lodged in June 2017.
The main features will include a food precinct, multi-functional event and entertainment centre, several themed bars and lounges, a health and fitness centre, a large basement carpark and an 18-storey hotel.
