Melbourne’s Celtic Club has revealed the location of their new clubhouse, which had been kept closely under wraps. 

It’s been almost six years since the Celtic Club closed. The club’s committee has scouted and secured a new location at 29 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Melbourne – the current site of the Sarah Sands Hotel. The club is set to re-emerge in March 2024 as ‘The Wild Geese’, a charismatic bistro pub and Celtic Club member’s bar. 

The new venue, easily accessible by tram and train, promises to be a vibrant hub for enthusiasts of Irish culture. The ground floor will house the Wild Geese Bar, featuring a bistro and bar area, as well as a spacious meeting room/private dining room. Ascend to the first floor, and members will discover an exclusive space with a bar, function room, library/private dining room, and an outdoor parlour area, all complemented by member discounts and the convenience of a lift for those with mobility concerns.

Renowned Belfast chef John Paul Dargan will take the helm in the kitchen, crafting a menu that pays homage to Irish ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood and grill items. The restaurant will offer a full Irish traditional breakfast on weekends, a tempting Sunday roast, and an Irish High Tea on weekday afternoons.

Dining at The Wild Geese will be an immersive experience with an extensive range of Irish whiskeys, boutique gins, signature cocktails, and even house gin and vodka with bespoke recipes. As the club gears up for its reopening, a schedule of entertainment and a line-up of local and international sporting events are in the works, promising a diverse range of activities to suit a broad audience.

President Pat McGorry AO expresses the club’s excitement about hosting members in their new home, with a hopeful nod to celebrating their inaugural St Patrick’s Day weekend at the revamped venue. 

He said: “We are very much looking forward to hosting our members at our new home and with some Irish luck we would like to host our very first St Patrick’s Day weekend at our new venue.”

Former hotel will be the new home of the Celtic Club in Melbourne. Picture: Facebook/sarahsandshotel