Social Club, Games & Stables

Location: Dear Eliza Social Club & Rear Courtyards

By 1862, under Charles Forster and Sarah Cox, the hotel featured extensive stabling with 13 stalls and 12 loose boxes running through to Armstrong Street for coach transport to Geelong (depicted in early archives and an 1864 sketch by local historian Nathan Spielvogel from an unpublished 1943 manuscript by John Hargreaves). The space evolved through changing late-night trade laws—from Charles Forster adding a second public bar in 1887 following Eliza's passing in 1884, to George Lauder (1917) and Martha Lauder adapting to 6 o'clock closing laws with special dining permits and 1926 Licensing Board upgrades. Today, the precinct connects seamlessly to Armstrong Street North via the Melbourne-style laneway and houses the Dear Eliza Social Club (named in honor of historic hostess Eliza Forster). The space offers handcrafted signature cocktails, interactive electronic darts, shuffleboard, billiards, and live music every Friday and Saturday night.

Next Stop: Head upstairs toward the balcony and guest suites to scan QR Code 4!