01 Introduction
Play Lounge is the result of bringing together two worlds that seem far apart at first glance but actually share the same pursuit of quality. We're a team of professionals who wanted to build a place in Canberra where no compromises are made on any point.
Our mission is to offer polished, international-standard hospitality and to host a circle of players for whom strategy counts, not luck. We believe class isn't about expensive things but about the standard of service and respect for our guests' time.
Lounge Café · 312 London Circuit
02 How it began
From a group of friends to a house with character
It began with a group of friends, lovers of good hospitality, who spent their evenings replaying shared hands. We noticed a place was missing that pairs a polished café with an elegant club room.
We decided to fill that gap and built Play Lounge — a house for people who expect more from an evening than the standard offer. Choosing the centre of Canberra was the obvious move, with accessibility for our guests in mind.
From day one we've held that a visit should be a whole — from the moment you walk in, through the conversation with our team, to the last hand of the night. That idea shaped both our team and the design of the space.
03 Our team
People who love their craft
The Play Lounge team is no accident — it's carefully chosen professionals. Our baristas are experienced pros who treat their work as a craft. The club-room hosts have an excellent feel for etiquette.
Lounge Café
Precision behind the counter
We invest in development and send our team to training and trade events across the country.
Club
Etiquette at the table
Our floor hosts make sure every evening at the table is special, with full respect for the culture of the game.
Standards
Equipment and tools
Every process is geared to durability and the safety of our equipment. We only use products we fully trust.
04 Our view of hospitality
No compromises
In hospitality we take no shortcuts. We only work with products we've tasted ourselves and fully trust. Every part of our work is geared to durability and safety.
We understand an evening with us is often a special occasion, so we treat every party with the greatest care. Each booking gets its own preparation and a clear quote, and the evening itself follows a plan we go through with you beforehand.
05 Our view of the game
Poker as a mind sport
To us, poker is chess with cards. We promote play built on skill, probability and reading people.
We want to shed the image of the card game as something shady and show its elegant, sporting side. Play Lounge is where you can improve your game in a safe, polished and calm environment. We welcome guests who see every hand as part of a bigger picture.
06 Responsibility
Working sustainably
In our daily work we think of the environment. We separate our waste, limit wastage and choose eco-friendly supplies where possible without compromising on quality.
Water and consumption
Our rooms are fitted with energy-efficient equipment, keeping consumption down every evening.
Eco-friendly supplies
We choose cleaning products that meet strict environmental standards yet stay effective.
Ventilation and waste
We keep an eye on waste separation and modern ventilation, protecting staff and surroundings alike.
We believe a modern business carries responsibility — to its guests, to the city and to the environment it works in.
07 Community and trust
An exchange of ideas, not just services
Community
Play Lounge as a meeting place
We don't just want to deliver a service — we want to be a place where ideas are exchanged. We host gatherings that bring guests from both sides of our house together, forming a network of its own.
Many contacts made at our tables have grown into partnerships beyond the club. This is where relationships form around shared values and interests.
Values
Discretion and trust
Confidentiality is in our DNA. Whether we're hosting a small party or a well-known guest in the club room — we guarantee complete discretion.
Every Play Lounge employee signs a strict confidentiality agreement. That trust let us build a name that's recognised across Canberra.
08 Future and partnership
Direction and standards for partners
We don't rest on our laurels and keep looking for ways to raise our standard. We're working on guided programs for groups and new tournament formats in the club room.
We only partner with parties who share our quality standards — from coffee suppliers to makers of gaming tables. Those contacts give us access to equipment and products we can offer first in the region.
Our goal is to be the place that sets the standard in Australia for houses that pair hospitality with the culture of play.
09 Invitation
An invitation into our world
We want everyone who steps through the door at 312 London Circuit to feel at home straight away.
Play Lounge is open to enthusiasts, professionals and anyone who values quality of life. Come for a chat, bring your questions and become part of our story.
Your satisfaction is our greatest reward and the reason we keep going.
10 Frequently asked questions
Questions about Play Lounge
Is Play Lounge part of an international chain?
No — we're an independent, homegrown concept born in Canberra, which gives us complete freedom in how we work. Every part of the offering — from the menu to the tournament format — we decide ourselves, based on what our guests ask for.
What are the venue's opening hours?
The Lounge Café is open from 8:00 to 18:00, while the club room opens in the evening. You'll find the full overview and details on the contact page.
Do you also host charity evenings?
Yes, we regularly take part in local initiatives and host evenings where proceeds go to a good cause. Announcements appear in our schedule.
The club room is strictly for adults. Games at the table are played on site for points, with an emphasis on skill — we offer no online gambling and pay out no cash prizes.
Address
312 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone
+61 2 2892 1932Opening Hours
Mon–Fri: 09:00–20:00 · Sat: 10:00–18:00