White Eagle House is home to a Polish club but welcomes all nationalities and ages to enjoy its bistro and other facilities.
Open daily at 10am, with the bistro operating midday to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm, the bistro offers a wide variety of cuisine with live music in the sports bar area Friday nights.
Lunch specials are available weekdays with the choice of two or three-course meals.
The club hosts weekly rock and roll dance lessons and a monthly rock and roll dance night for couples to show off their new moves.
This year’s Christmas day lunch menu includes a traditional roast with a selection of soups, entrees and classic desserts such as plum pudding served with custard.
The first large influx of Polish migrants came to Geelong in 1949, four years after WWII, says club secretary Henry Szkuta, whose parents migrated to Geelong during the 1950s.
“Many were displaced and did not wish to return to Poland after the war as the country was under communist rule. In the 1950s and ’60s the Polish community in Geelong had grown substantially to over 4,000 people,“ Mr Szkuta says.
“They soon set up organisations like Polish Saturday schools, Polish dance groups, choirs and scout groups in an endeavour to maintain their Polish culture, handing it down to their children – like me.“
White Eagle House proudly sponsors Geelong Pool Club, Breakwater Eagles Soccer Club, St Alban’s/Breakwater Cricket Club and Geelong Darts Association, which uses the facilities for weekly competitions as well as an international competition every October.
Traditional Polish dance classes are held Tuesdays and the Krakowiak dance group has opportunities to perform at various events throughout the year in traditional red, white and black costumes, complete with pin-up vests.
Two authentic Polish dishes – Pierogi dumplings and cabbage leaf-wrapped Golabki – can be purchased at the bistro.
Function rooms are also available for events including weddings, birthdays, wakes, fundraisers and end-of-year work or Christmas parties.
Phone 5229 1009 for bookings or more information.
