Going to an RSL is part of our Aussie DNA. Who hasn’t been dragged by their parents to the local for the carvery with tinned sweetcorn and peas or a chicken schnitzel? Rarely was it a brag-worthy experience. The launch of The Alcott may well change your mind as a new breed of club launches in Lane Cove.
This looks more like a flashy Merivale takeover, fans of The Fernery will feel right at home thanks to Pony Design Co who nail it again. We love their garden party flair creating adorable, welcoming spaces flowing with greenery, pot plants, soft woods and artisan lighting. There’s oodles of soft furnishings from cushions you’ll stroke like a pampered pooch to gorgeous throws you might want to swap your outfit for… “Darling do I look good in teal velvet?”
Whether you opt for the main room with its forest coloured circular couches, the intimate dining area or the outside veranda with sunken seats, heaters and cozy corners, chef Richard Slarp (ex Sake, Aria, Est and Slip Inn) has created a crowd pleasing menu which takes advantage of a char grill inspired with Mediterranean flavours.
A new take on Burrata is a winner with smashed peas, pesto and sourdough wafers. Lovers of kingfish will enjoy a chunkier approach dotted with beetroot labne and ocean trout roe. The hero of mains is the twice cooked lamb ribs. It’s a dish of dreams as you tug on a rib which sexily, silkily slides away; lap up the sumac and coriander juices with chat potatoes and steamed greens with macadamia. Southern calamari shows off the grill with lashings of pickled fennel, lemon and tomato pangrattato. A Peanutella ice-cream dessert arrives as a waffle sandwich on a bed of oozy chocolate.
Simply add a glass of Grenache, Syrah from South West France or perhaps go local with a Hunter Valley sticky De Lullis, late picked Semillon. Many years ago, The Alcott was a cottage. Today its transformed, its bang on trend – and is the kind of club we want to be a part of and call our local.
The Alcott
No. 1 Birdwood Avenue, Lane Cove NSW 2061
https://thealcott.com.au/
