The Poker Lounge is not a separate venue or an online platform. It is a room inside Gourmet Parlour where dinner, conversation, and a few hands of cards share the same table. The lounge is designed to feel like a well-kept secret: warm light, worn timber, and the soft clink of chips as part of the restaurant's atmosphere.
The Poker Lounge occupies a dedicated corner of Gourmet Parlour, separated from the main dining area by a low timber partition and a change in lighting. The walls are lined with dark green felt panels, reminiscent of a card table, and the ceiling is lower, creating an intimate, club-like feel. Vintage playing cards are framed in small clusters, and a single brass pendant light hangs over the central table.
The lounge seats up to 12 guests across two tables. The felt panels are acoustic, helping to keep conversation intimate, and the lighting is dimmed to a warm amber, distinct from the brighter dining room. It is a room that invites you to settle in, order a drink, and let the evening slow down.
The two main tables are custom-made from solid oak, with a recessed felt playing surface and a raised wooden rail. They are designed for comfort over long evenings, with enough space for drinks, small plates, and a deck of cards. The felt is a deep forest green, chosen to reduce glare under the pendant lights.
Cards and chips are always present, but they are treated as part of the table setting, like cutlery or glassware. The house decks are vintage-style, with a linen finish, and the chips are clay composite in muted colors. They are used for friendly games, magic tricks, or simply as conversation pieces.
No cash or betting occurs; chips are purely for play. Guests are welcome to handle the cards and chips, and the house provides a simple guide to a few classic card games.
Part of the lounge's charm is the ritual of preparing the table: the soft riffle of cards, the clatter of chips being stacked, the slow dealing of a hand. It is a quiet, meditative act that signals the start of the evening's play, whether for a serious game or a casual round.
Staff are trained to shuffle and deal in a relaxed, unhurried manner. Guests may request a demonstration or join in.
The Poker Lounge is a place for friendly play, not high-stakes competition. The house encourages laughter, storytelling, and a relaxed pace. There is no pressure to know the rules; staff are happy to teach simple games or suggest alternatives.
Treat the tables and equipment with care. Drinks should be placed on coasters, cards should not be bent, and chips should be returned to their trays after use. This care is part of the lounge's charm and ensures the space remains beautiful for everyone.
Coasters at every seat. Staff will demonstrate proper chip handling.
There is no strict dress code, but the lounge has a smart-casual atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to dress for an evening out, and to keep conversations at a considerate volume. The lounge is a shared space, and respect for other diners is paramount.
Smart casual is recommended. Quiet conversation is appreciated after 10pm.
The lounge offers a dedicated menu of small plates designed to be eaten with one hand while the other holds a card. Think crispy polenta bites, mini beef pies, and charcuterie cones. The full restaurant menu is also available, but the lounge menu is curated for easy sharing and minimal interruption to the game.
Lounge menu items are served on small wooden boards, and the menu changes seasonally. Guests can order from the main menu at any time.
The bar program extends into the lounge with a selection of classic cocktails, Australian wines, and non-alcoholic options. The signature 'Parlour Old Fashioned' is a favourite, served with a single large ice cube and a twist of orange. Staff are trained to serve drinks without disrupting the game.
Cocktails are stirred, not shaken, to keep noise down. Wine list features small Australian producers.
Yes, everything is real and meant to be touched. The cards are made of a linen-finish paper that feels soft and slightly textured. The chips are clay composite with a satisfying weight. Guests are encouraged to shuffle, stack, and deal as part of the experience.
House decks are replaced regularly to keep them fresh, and chips are cleaned and sanitized after each use. Guests may ask for a new deck at any time.
The lounge also displays a small collection of vintage poker memorabilia: old chip sets, antique card decks, and a few framed photographs of past poker nights at the restaurant. These items are not for sale but are part of the room's story, adding to the sense of a well-loved space.
Ask staff about the 1960s chip set in the glass cabinet.
The Poker Lounge is available for dinner reservations and private events. To book a table, call us or send an email, and our team will confirm availability. We recommend booking in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.
+61255504821· [email protected] · 47 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
