Sometimes you go to a venue that’s so beautiful, you get a little snap happy.
Grand Pacific is one such venue. The old Reform Club, which closed as Room suddenly in 2015, was purchased just weeks later by Living Ventures. Since then, the refurbishment has been extensive, taking it from a tired, dated venue, and transporting it into something that I don’t mind admitting, I’ve fallen a little bit in love with.
At the end of Room’s existence, things had become jaded and frayed at the edges. The original features were in need of some love and attention. Grand Pacific has not only shown them love and attention, it’s created a beautiful venue. Lots of dark wood, featured lighting and glamour have taken this old lady and given her a new lease on life. And far from some of the other venues seeking a similar position in the market, Grand Pacific is something distinctly classier. More Queen Liz, than Bet Lynch.
The big windows have been taken advantage of, as have the high ceilings. Think the Raffles Club. Think grown up Tiki. Think gentlemen in linen suits, and ladies in light flowing dresses. I’m already mentally picturing myself swanning around in a white floor length slinky dress, with my hair in a turban and a giant pair of sunglasses. Think Joan Collins or Liz Taylor in the 1970s.
The food has a pan Asian influence. We loved the chirashi sushi bowl and the tempura sea bass – lightly battered with that distinct floral Szechuan pepper flavour.
Classics such as asparagus and fillet steak are also on the menu, given a little Asiatic twist using ingredients such as yuzu, wasabi and kimchi.
And the afternoon teas look fabulous!
This isn’t a full review, that will come in a few months. As ever the staff will need a little time to settle in, get used to the menu and the processes that go with a new venue. But from this one visit both my date and I were thoroughly impressed. It’s another fabulous addition to the King Street area, and much needed.
For me and my date – I suspect we won’t be able to wait to go back.
