Catch up for coffee, meal, beer

Having been there and done that last year, Cumberland’s major clubs are raring to and ramping up their food and beverage orders in time for Monday’s expected opening.
With full Covid-safe protocols in place and staff and customers needing to show proof of double dose vaccination, Club Auburn CEO Neill Hendry says their biggest concern has been making sure they have enough draught beer to welcome back patrons.
“There’d been no beer delivery since June so we’ve got our orders in and will be having all the fresh stuff arriving this week,” he said.
“Tooheys brewery assures me they learnt from last time and have produced a lot of beer in bulk and ready to go.
“We can’t wait to open our doors and get the ball rolling again.”
It’s all systems go at Dooleys clubs too while Merrylands RSL are knee deep in Melbourne Cup day plans.
“We are on top of everything,” Merrylands group marketing manager Jane Smith said.
“Staff are back this week making sure everything is perfect; we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back.”
Likewise Berala Kebab Manager Jason Aslan says they are very excited to offer customers a seat.
“Everyone is looking forward to taking their time, having a chat and socialising again,” he said.
“We have no particular stance on vaccination but will be abiding by the regulations.”
Piccolo Me Lidcombe owner Sam Rigoli says everyone needs to do the right thing.
“We can’t wait to see the smiling faces,” he said.
Merrylands Escape Cafe owner Valerie Ye says customers will need to show their vaccination certificates.
“But we won’t have time to check names,” she said.
However Mase Cafe owner Rosemary Georges says they prefer not to discriminate against unvaccinated customers.
“We don’t feel comfortable doing that but will have to do what the Government says; there was light at the end of the tunnel after all.”