Clubs across the region will be pouring free schooners of beer today to celebrate the industry's reopening thanks to the state's vaccination targets being met.
Your Local Club Freedom Day is the brainchild of ClubsNSW chief executive officer Josh Landis and Batch Brewing Co co-founder Andrew Fineran, who came up with the idea over a virtual catch-up drink during the COVID-19 lockdown in June. At the time, Landis was calling on the NSW Government to identify the vaccination percentage required for the lockdown to be lifted, and publicly pledged a free beer for fully vaccinated club patrons in order to help boost jab rates.
Aptly named Together Ale, a free limited-edition beer has been specially created for Your Local Club Freedom Day by Lion's Malt Shovel Brewers and Marrickville craft brewer Batch Brewing Co.
To receive a coupon for one free schooner of Together Ale, register online at yourlocalclub.promo or scan the QR code at a participating club. A coupon will be sent via email, which can be redeemed at a participating club on the day while stocks last.
"Free beer is a great incentive to get people back into clubs and that's what Together Ale is all about," Adamstown Bowling Club secretary manager Todd Rizzoli said.
"Without our members the club simply wouldn't exist so I'm looking forward to celebrating the return of our freedoms over a cold beer."
Added Philip Gardner, group chief executive officer of Wests New Lambton: "The recent lockdown was tough on the entire industry, but the best thing we can do to recover is welcome patrons back though our doors. The Freedom Day initiative is our way of thanking the community for coming back, and hopefully celebrating the permanent end of lockdowns."
Visit one of the following clubs today to enjoy a free Together Ale while stocks last: Aberdeen Sport and Recreation Club; Adamstown Bowling Club; Club Macquarie; Belmont 16s; Beresfield Bowling Club; Branxton Golf Club; Wests Cardiff; Cessnock Leagues Club; East Cessnock Bowling Club; Dora Creek Workers Club; The Doylo; Dungog Memorial RSL Club; Gresford Bowling Club; Gwandalan Bowling Club; Hexham Bowling Club; Club Kotara; Belmont Golf & Bowls; Marks Point Sports Club; Wests Mayfield; Souths Merewether; Wests Nelson Bay; Wests New Lambton; Wests City; Pelican RSL Club; Club Redhead; Club Maitland City; Scone Bowling Club; Shortland Waters Golf Club; Soldiers Point Bowling Club; Telarah Bowling Club; Teralba Bowling Club; Valentine Bowling Club; Warners Bay Sports Club; West Wallsend Workers Club; and Windale Gateshead Bowling Club.
Big Apple flavours
Marshall & Daughters has opened at 160 Maitland Road, Mayfield, specialising in hand-made New York style loaded choc chip cookies. Owners Nathan and Mel Marshall say they "fell in love" with the cookies while travelling throughout the US over the years. Keen to share the cookie experience with friends and family in Australia, the couple experimented with various flavours, textures and techniques and, after a lot of trial and error, perfected their own cookie recipe.
"Our two daughters have always loved our cookies and throughout their childhood we have spent countless hours making them together as a family in numerous different forms," the Marshalls said. "We are extremely passionate about delivering an authentic New York style cookie taste to our customers, every time. Each giant cookie is loaded with premium ingredients, hand made with love, baked fresh daily and delivered to your door. We bake to order and offer flat rate express shipping Australia wide."
Flavours include Caramilk Choc-chip, Loaded S'mores, and the Nutella Bomb. Yum. Go online to marshallanddaughters.com.
World Burger
Apparently World Burger is opening a restaurant in Newcastle soon. I must admit I haven't heard of them before but they have restaurants at Shellharbour, Windsor, St Mary's and Casula, and every month feature "a new burger from around the world".
Wine tasting night
Local Connections at the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus is hosting a tasting night with Brokenwood Wines on December 10. Tickets ($110) are on sale now though Eventbrite.
Read more: Sample the Hunter on a plate at Local Connections
Low and slow lunch
Bluey's Smokehouse at Cardiff RSL and Kurri Kurri's Regal Hotel has a new $12 lunch menu. It's valid from Wednesday to Friday and includes a brisket pie with chips and gravy as well as a classic burger and chips.
Hotel overhaul
Warners Bay Hotel is undergoing an extensive refurbishment and, if the plans are anything to go by, will be almost unrecognisable upon completion. An industrial warehouse-style extension into an adjoining retail space will house a new kitchen and dining area and feature a mezzanine level. A new gaming room, sports bar and bottle shop will also be added.
Scones at The Station
Marise Coyle is debuting her Boxed Scones business at the Homegrown Markets at The Station on November 27. Go and say hello. Her delicious home-cooked scones can now be picked up from the Hunter Valley Visitor information Centre in Pokolbin, too.
Read more:Scones fresh from the oven to your door
