Play Pokies at National Press Club of Australia in Barton

I had an incredibly frustrating experience at the National Press club cafe. I walked in and ordered a simple coffee. The cafe was completely empty, yet I sat there waiting for 15 minutes.
When I finally went up to the counter to check on my order, I saw four members of staff just standing there. Because I was completely out of time and had to leave, I asked for a refund. It was only at that exact moment that another staff member walked out from the back, claimed they had \"already made it,\" and told the counter staff to just hand it to me.
If the coffee was already made, why was it sitting in the back while four staff members ignored the only customer in the cafe? Waiting 15 minutes for a coffee in an empty room while multiple employees do nothing is completely unacceptable. Disappointing service, zero urgency, and a total lack of communication. I won\'t be back.

The National Press club of Australia in Canberra is already known as a place of influence and history, but what truly struck me during my visit was how deeply it preserves the stories behind the headlines.

From the moment I stepped inside, there was a quiet sense of significance - this is not just a venue, but a living archive of Australia's political and journalistic heritage. However, it was the first floor that left the strongest impression on me.

Walking through that space felt like stepping back in time. The collection of original black-and-white photographs is extraordinary. Each image captures a moment that once shaped public conversation - leaders mid-speech, candid exchanges, expressions frozen in time. There's an authenticity in monochrome photography that colour sometimes dilutes; here, it sharpens the gravity of each moment. You don't just see history - you feel it.

What truly elevated the experience was the display of autographs. Seeing the signatures of influential figures - individuals whose words and decisions have shaped national discourse - adds a personal dimension to the historical narrative. It's one thing to read about these people, but quite another to stand in front of something they physically touched. It creates a tangible connection across time.

The curation is thoughtful and respectful, allowing visitors to move at their own pace and absorb the significance of each piece. It doesn't feel staged or overly polished - instead, it feels genuine, almost intimate, like being invited into a private collection of memories.

Overall, the National Press club offers more than just a prestigious setting for events and speeches. It is a place where history is carefully preserved and quietly honoured. The first-floor gallery, with its striking photographs and meaningful autographs, is a highlight that lingers long after the visit ends.

We attended a Human Rights Presentation and had Paella as a meal. 4 people and all four couldn\'t eat the meal. I was hungry and ate a bit and ended up with upset stomach after. Other tables were served tea and coffee and we were skipped. Quiet disappointing. I wonder who was a chef on that day and how could he cook such an awful meal. The Presentation itself was amazing and we loved it. Thank you.

Great little place. Was visiting and Amy helped me with info and arranging a visit. Thank you Chris also. I now have an idea of what I look at on Television. Opens at 11am best to call them up front. Good membervilla of past PM\'S and have boards of honour of journalists. Interesting really nice club and facilities. Worth a look.
Trevor Powis
Cohuna Victoria Australia 🇦🇺

Always have a fabulous meal here. A good variety of choices, beautifully presented, and worked around my dietaries. The service is also very friendly & attentive. And on a Friday night, we were the only table! Bonus is the excellent price. And they make a mean French martini