Private Offline Poker Lounge Upstairs
Step through the understated doors to our exclusive upstairs sanctuary, where time slows and conversation flourishes. Velvet-backed chairs circle polished walnut tables under warm pools of lamplight, creating the perfect setting for refined evenings and intellectual play.
Upstairs at Straightandsear in the heart of our bistro — a discreet retreat for classic card play, tasting platters, and conversation.
Our Games & Gatherings
In the Straightandsear Offline card lounge, beloved games are given the time and space they deserve. Conversation is unhurried, play is thoughtful, and the focus is always on shared enjoyment.
Groups gather around polished tables for bridge, whist, poker played for skill and camaraderie, and regional favourites enjoyed across Australia. Hosts are on hand to introduce new players or simply ensure your table runs smoothly.
Space & Ambience
Upstairs, the bustle of the bistro softens into a calm, luminous salon. Every detail is tuned to make conversation easy and play unhurried.
The lounge is framed in Belle Époque-style tiling and vintage prints, with linen-draped windows that invite in a gentle glow. Seating is spaced generously so that each table feels private without feeling hidden away.
From the bistro below, our kitchen sends up seasonal tasting platters: artisan cheeses, charcuterie, house-baked breads, and refined small plates that never crowd the table. Each is designed to be shared easily between hands.
Our team recommends regional wines, low-intervention favourites, and a considered whisky and aperitif selection tailored to the tempo of your evening — from first deal to final trick.
To explore the full culinary offering at Straightandsear, visit our Bistro Menu or speak with your host for tailored recommendations.
Membership & Etiquette
Entry to the Straightandsear Card Lounge is by invitation or reservation, ensuring a calm, attentive environment for every guest at the table.
We welcome seasoned players and curious newcomers alike. Our hosts take care to seat complementary groups, balance experience levels, and keep each table's tempo comfortable and considered.
To preserve the character of the lounge, we kindly ask guests to observe a few simple principles:
For more on Straightandsear's values and story, visit our About and Team pages.
Tournament Nights & Events
From weekly evenings dedicated to classic card games to themed gatherings with elegant prizes, our events celebrate tact, concentration, and conviviality.
Gentle, well-paced sessions with mixed-experience tables. Hosts pair you with compatible partners and ensure everyone finds a table that suits their style of play.
Enquire via Reservations to be added to our weekly player list.
An evening of strategic play and conversation, hosted by our lounge team. Emphasis is placed on etiquette, pacing, and shared enjoyment rather than spectacle.
See highlight dates on our Seasonal Events page.
Occasional evenings styled around regional traditions or particular games, with elegant, hospitality-focused prizes such as cellar selections and private tasting experiences.
Announcements are also shared via our Press and bistro channels.
Meet the Hosts
Our experienced lounge hosts curate each gathering, from first welcome to final hand, so that you can settle into the rhythm of the evening.
Hosts greet guests at the base of the stair, introduce new faces, and take a moment to understand the kind of evening you are seeking — quiet instruction, spirited competition, or relaxed social play.
To learn more about the team behind Straightandsear, visit our Team page.
Interested in joining a game or hosting a private card evening with friends? Share a few details below and our lounge hosts will be in touch to shape an evening around your group.
