Mandarin Club

Formerly the Mandarin Club

Image Courtesy of: CAHS

Established in the 1960s by Zhongshan-born brothers Keith and Denis Wong, the Mandarin Club was for many years a major focus for Sydney nightlife, not least because it was one of the few venues that stayed open late.

The Wong brothers secured many high profile entertainers - Bob Hope

Image Courtesy of: CAHS

In addition to sponsoring international bands and stars, ranging from Sammy Davis Jr., Shirley Bassey, and Bob Hope to Maori bands, the Mandarin Club was also the first Sydney venue to serve yum cha. Though at first this was a serve yourself style.

A popular New Zealand band appearing at the Mandarin Club

Image Courtesy of: CAHS

Although its peak was in the 1970s, the club continued, including at a new location, until 2009 before finally closing as revenues and the demand for its style of entertainment declined.

In combining international cabaret, local bands, and Cantonese dining, the Mandarin Club embodied a distinctly hybrid form of urban cultural life in postwar Sydney. Its pioneering efforts in this regard are fondly remembered in a Sydney that now takes this kind of fusion for granted.