Chris Lucas is opening his first regional Chin Chin restaurant in Geelong
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18.03.2024

Chris Lucas is opening his first regional Chin Chin restaurant in Geelong

Georgie Prespakis, Geelong Cats AFLW player; Ollie Henry, Geelong Cats AFL Player; Patrick Dangerfield, Geelong Cats AFL Captain; Chris Lucas, CEO Lucas Restaurants; Steve Hocking, Geelong Cats CEO; Benjamin Cooper, Chin Chin Executive Chef Image credit: Kate Pascoe
Words by Staff Writer

Club Chin Chin is slated to open its doors in late April, marking the inception of Chin Chin's inaugural regional outpost.

It’s an iconic moment for Geelong foodies as Chris Lucas – the genius behind Chin Chin, Kisume, Yakimono, Society, Grill Americano, Hawker Hall and Baby – announces the imminent arrival of Club Chin Chin to Geelong.

Nestled snugly within the buzzing confines of GMHBA Stadium, this hotspot is gearing up to open its doors in late April, bringing a taste of Chin Chin’s renowned magic to the heart of this regional city.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

Dubbed Club Chin Chin, this exclusive one-year pop-up is a testament to Lucas’s roots, harking back to his upbringing in Geelong and paying homage to his cherished AFL team, the Geelong Cats.

Amidst the spirited atmosphere of GMHBA Stadium, diners are promised an immersive experience that seamlessly merges the vibrancy of South-East Asian cuisine with the local charm of Geelong. We’re talking cheeky cocktails, tantalising bites, and the kind of atmosphere that screams ‘let’s have a good time!’

 

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Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper, the visionary behind the acclaimed Chin Chin, will cook up a storm and win over locals with his famed ‘feed me’ menus, alongside a tantalising à la carte selection featuring signature dishes infused with local flair. From mouth-watering kingfish sashimi to delectable butter chicken curry, the menu is a crowd-pleaser and promises to evoke a serious sense of culinary ecstasy.

Nestled within the newly unveiled Joel Selwood Stand, the 200-seat Club Chin Chin promises to exude the same irrepressible energy that defines its Melbourne and Sydney counterparts, while embracing its unique identity shaped by Geelong’s rich tapestry of culture and community.

Expect neon pink lighting, live DJs, tables for players’ families, exclusive new dishes and Chin Chin’s epic ‘Feed Me’ feasts – all arriving as part of the $142-million upgrade to the home ground of the Geelong Cats.

“As a boy from Geelong, it is beyond my wildest dreams to be able to bring one of Australia’s most loved restaurants to my hometown, and the home of my beloved AFL team the Geelong Cats,” said restaurateur Chris Lucas.

“While Club Chin Chin is a pop-up for now, we would love to stay in Geelong forever. If everyone loves the restaurant, then why wouldn’t we. We’ll be using this opportunity to work closely with the Geelong Football Club to be a positive addition to the local area, by providing employment opportunities and giving back to the community.”

Hungry footy fans will be able to book a table before a game, and diners from the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast will also be able to visit throughout the year for lunch and dinner.

As preparations reach a crescendo, anticipation mounts for the grand unveiling of Club Chin Chin in late April.

For the latest updates on the year long Geelong pop-up, register your interest for the anticipated opening details and reservations here