Club Rose Bay
Led by Merivale and Akin Atelier, Club Rose Bay enters a new chapter with its first major transformation since 1979 – while retaining the history, character and soul of the Sydney institution.
Words HANDE RENSHAW Photos ANSON SMART
The design brief carried responsibility: to honour the club’s legacy, modernise its facilities and make sure that it remains relevant for generations to come.
Vinyl for days in the cocktail bar at Club Rose Bay.
‘I’m honoured that Merivale has been entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of supporting the reopening of Club Rose Bay, an institution that has been a cornerstone of the community for more than 100 years,’ says Justin Hemmes, Merivale CEO.
Timber, brick and textured glass reference the club’s 1940s character, giving the new spaces a sense of familiarity without relying on nostalgia.
The sports bar draws on the familiar language of the RSL, with pool tables, leather banquettes, chrome-edged tables set against diagonally patterned carpet, and solid timber tables inlaid with mahogany chessboards.
The upgraded sports bar features five pool tables and weekly events including pool competitions.
While Club Rose Bay has evolved over the decades, its history remains closely tied to the local community.
Deep leather banquettes in the moody sports bar.
A new memorabilia hall was created to honour more than a century of Australian service and sacrifice, offering an educational and reflective space for the next generation.
Club Rose Bay traces its origins to 1919, when a group of WWI veterans established a meeting place that later evolved into Kent Hall, the sick bay for HMAS Tingira.
“This refurbishment was about protecting the future of our Club while honouring its past.”
Outside, landscaped courtyards bring together alfresco dining, an Airstream bar, a full-size pickleball court and a half basketball court.
The redevelopment includes a beautifully landscaped family and dog friendly outdoor transformation, including rain gardens, pickleball and basketball court and alfresco dining areas.
After more than 75 years serving veterans and locals, Club Rose Bay has reopened following its first major refurbishment since 1979 — and it’s every bit the comeback the Sydney institution deserved.
The project was led by Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes, with architecture and interiors by Akin Atelier and styling by Merivale Design Studio, led by design director Nasim Koerting.
The brief was clear, but carried considerable responsibility: to honour the club’s legacy, modernise its facilities and ensure it remains relevant for generations to come.
The transformation included extensive structural changes, new kitchens and redesigned interiors, alongside a landscaped, dog-friendly outdoor area. Rain gardens, alfresco dining, pickleball and basketball courts, and an outdoor Airstream bar extend the club beyond its original footprint.
‘Working closely with the Club, we have designed the venue to capture the nostalgia of classic RSLs while introducing contemporary elements to preserve its heritage and futureproof it for many generations to come,’ says Justin.
Rather than removing the club’s history, the refurbishment places it at the centre of the new design. A dedicated memorabilia hall honours more than a century of Australian service and sacrifice, creating a space for reflection and education within the club itself.
Executive Chef Mike Eggert leads the food offering across two distinct venues. Notti’s is a casual take on Totti’s, serving snacks, pizzas, pastas and dishes from the wood-fired grill. Mr Pop draws on Rose Bay’s history as the site of Australia’s first international airport, with a 1950s jet-age cocktail and record bar.
The upgraded sports bar includes five pool tables, while a new children’s menu and beach showers cater to families arriving from nearby Rose Bay Beach.
For Club Rose Bay President John Bax, the refurbishment was as much about securing the club’s future as it was about updating the building.
‘This refurbishment was about protecting the future of our Club while honouring its past,’ he says. ‘Our members overwhelmingly supported this partnership, and thanks to Merivale’s involvement we’ve been able to restore our facilities, preserve our military heritage and secure the Club’s long-term future. It’s wonderful to open the doors again and welcome everyone back.’
Each evening at 6pm, the Ode of Remembrance is read, followed by a minute of silence for those who lost their lives in service. It remains an important part of the club’s identity, connecting its renewed spaces with the history that has shaped it.
Club Rose Bay
1 Vickery Ave, Rose Bay NSW
Follow @clubrosebay
