Plate XII — Private Evenings
Private Evenings at Ashend Willoow are intimate, curated gatherings where the restaurant and offline poker salon become your private gallery for an evening.
A private evening transforms Ashend Willoow into a personal exhibition space, where every detail—from the menu to the table settings—is arranged for your group alone. The restaurant and salon are closed to the public during private evenings, and the Renaissance gallery atmosphere becomes the backdrop for your event. Hospitality is central: service is attentive, unhurried, and tailored to the rhythm of your gathering.
The experience is framed as a living exhibition of hospitality and social play. Groups can reserve the dining room, card lounge, or both, depending on the evening's design. Every private evening is tailored to the host's preferences within the Ashend Willoow aesthetic.
Hospitality is central: service is attentive, unhurried, and tailored.
Private evenings are designed around conversation, dining, and the quiet ritual of card play, never around speed or turnover. Evenings typically span several hours, allowing guests to move naturally between dining and the card lounge. The focus is on atmosphere and company, not on gaming outcomes. Chips are provided as tactile props to enhance the physical feel of the poker table.
The main dining room seats up to 24 guests among marble-topped tables and fresco-toned walls, with soft light that recalls a candlelit gallery. Tables can be arranged as one long banquet or separate rounds. The room features arched niches displaying curated artworks, and is ideal for dinners, celebrations, and corporate gatherings.
The card lounge is an intimate space for offline poker and conversation, furnished with a single custom poker table and leather chairs, surrounded by framed playing-card art. The poker table is a centrepiece, handcrafted with a felt surface and wooden rim. Chip trays are set out as part of the table's still-life composition. The lounge accommodates up to 8 players plus observers.
For larger groups, the adjacent private gallery can be opened, offering additional seating and a quiet space for pre-dinner drinks or post-poker conversation. The gallery features a rotating selection of Renaissance-inspired works. It can be combined with the dining room for groups up to 40, and is flexible for standing receptions or seated talks.
Plate XIIb
A refined dinner format where the evening centres on a multi-course seasonal menu, with the card lounge available afterwards for informal poker play. Ideal for groups who want a gastronomic focus with a relaxed poker finale. The menu is designed by the chef and presented as a printed card. Poker is optional; guests may choose to remain in the dining room.
Plate XIIc
An evening dedicated to the offline poker salon, where the card lounge becomes the heart of the gathering, with a light supper served between hands. The poker table is set with chip trays and cards as still-life props. A salon host guides the play, focusing on etiquette and social interaction. No money, betting, or prizes are involved; the experience is purely social.
Plate XIId
A comprehensive private evening that combines dining, poker, and gallery time, allowing guests to move freely between spaces throughout the night. Best for larger groups or special occasions. Includes a welcome drink in the private gallery, dinner in the dining room, and poker in the card lounge. The evening can be extended with a dessert course or digestif service.
At Ashend Willoow, poker is treated as a physical ritual: the weight of the chips, the texture of the felt, the sound of cards being dealt—all part of a sensory, social experience. The poker table is a handcrafted piece, designed for comfort and aesthetics. Chip trays are arranged as part of the table's composition, like objects in a still life. Play is unhurried, with conversation encouraged between hands.
The salon follows a code of etiquette that prioritises respect, attention, and the shared enjoyment of the game, never competition or stakes. A salon host is present to guide play and ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to learn and appreciate the game's physical and social dimensions. The lounge is lit to mimic candlelight, enhancing the gallery mood.
Private evening menus are drawn from the seasonal menu, then tailored to your group's preferences and the evening's format. The chef presents a selection of dishes that reflect the current season. Menus can be printed as keepsake cards with the evening's plate number. Dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice.
A private evening at Ashend Willoow unfolds in a relaxed sequence, allowing guests to settle into the gallery atmosphere.
Arrival and welcome drink in the private gallery or dining room.
Dinner service, paced to encourage conversation.
Transition to the card lounge for offline poker, if included.
Dessert or digestif service, either in the dining room or lounge.
Departure at a mutually agreed time.
Private evenings are available Tuesday through Saturday, with start times typically between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Advance booking of at least two weeks is recommended. The salon is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Special requests for other days may be considered. Booking is subject to availability and confirmation by the host.
To begin planning your private evening, contact Ashend Willoow by phone or email, or use the enquiry form on the Contact page. A member of the team will respond within one business day.
Phone: +61255501234
Email: [email protected]
Please include your preferred date, group size, and evening format in your enquiry.
Visit the Contact pagePlate XIIf
No. At Ashend Willoow, poker is a physical, social game played for enjoyment and conversation. No money, betting, or prizes are involved. Chips are used as tactile props to enhance the experience. The salon is hospitality-led, and chips have no monetary value.
Plate XIIg
Yes, menus are tailored to your group's preferences and dietary needs. The chef will work with you to create a menu that suits the evening's format. Seasonal ingredients are used, and advance notice is required for dietary restrictions.
Plate XIIh
The dress code is smart casual, in keeping with the gallery atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably but elegantly. No formal attire is required; the focus is on comfort and atmosphere.
You must be 18 years or older to enter Ashend Willoow.
