If you’re a local to Newcastle, there’s a great chance you’ve driven past Alder Park Sports Club on Bridges Road. The blue façade in the family-friendly suburb of New Lambton has recently welcomed a new foodie joint that is injecting some much-needed love, personality, charm, and foodie goodness into the venue. Meet Norma’s Bistro!

Brought to you by long-time restaurateur, Kenny Vandevelde, Norma’s Bistro opened their doors up to the public on the 6^th of April, serving its unique and delicious offering with a mix of pub favourites alongside Spanish tapas dishes.

Originally from Belgium, but has called Australia home for years, he has been bouncing all around Australia operating hospitality venues and putting his chef talents to good use. Calling Newcastle home for the past few years, it was a no-brainer to inject his own foodie flair into our local market.

Keeping an eye on possible venue locations across Newcastle, and having been a New Lambton resident himself, Kenny noticed a gap in the market for casual eats for the local community.

Approaching the board at Alder Park Sports Club to pitch the idea of taking over the bistro side of things, it was busy six weeks before the doors to Norma’s Bistro were officially opened!

The local family-friendly community of New Lambton has been screaming for exactly this over recent years, so it’s unsurprising to see that residents have welcomed Norma’s with open arms. Featuring a huge 100-seat indoor diner-like dining area, indoor kids play area, expansive outdoor picnic seating, and a food offering that will tickle the fancy of even the pickiest of eaters.

“Norma’s Bistro offers a combination of quality pub favourites and Spanish tapas, and the delicious menu includes gluten-free and vegan options that taste like the ‘real thing’. Norma’s crew is all about creating a family-friendly, welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy.”

Both Kenny’s wife and his son are coeliac, so the menu has a strong gluten-free offering as well as a bunch of vegan dishes.

The menu offers all the favourite dishes you’d want to devour when visiting a bowling club including great tapas like the Arancini, Chilli Chicken Wings, and Oven-baked Garlic + Herb Bread.

With a collection of your typical pub favourites like the Crispy-skin Salmon, Angus Rump, and of course, the Chicken Schnitzel as well an offering of burgers, Norma’s favourites, sides, a dedicated kids’ menu, and desserts; there truly is something for everyone.

So, what about the name?

“Kenny was inspired to name the bistro ‘Norma’s’ after hearing about a member integral to the history of the Club. When the club began in the 1940s, the male bowlers were short of members, so they approached the head of the local female bowlers (Norma Clarke). After some convincing Norma agreed to bring the ladies to join the men and thus, the Club began.

“The era the club was established also influenced the design of the bistro interior. The fun 1940s American diner vibe is alive in Norma’s booth seating and décor.”

This family-friendly venue is sure to be a new favourite amongst both New Lambton locals and diners searching for a relaxed and welcoming spot to spend their days, afternoons, and nights.

Get the family together, gather your friends, even bring along your fur friends, and get to Norma’s Bistro at Alder Park Sports Club to eat great food and have a great time.