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The East Coast Social Club
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The East Coast Social Club


The Plastic Card is Dead: Introducing the ECSC Flash Pass
The era of the lanyard and plastic card is over. The ECSC Flash Pass is a digital-first, anti-fraud ID that lives on your phone. Faster access, better security, and more partners.
Mar 41 min read


The Rosewood Brisbane Hotel: The Jewel Arrives Late
While Queen's Wharf is open, the crown jewel is still coming. The Rosewood Brisbane Hotel arrives late 2026, promising a 'Manor House' vibe and international dining that will set a new benchmark for the city.
Mar 21 min read


Waldorf Astoria Sydney: A New Icon on the Quay
Waldorf Astoria Sydney render Sydney’s skyline is no stranger to cranes, but the one at Circular Quay One is building something special. The Waldorf Astoria Sydney is entering its final construction phase, aiming for a Q4 2026 launch. - ( but more likely early 2027) What to Expect from Waldorf Astoria Sydney Why does this matter to us? Because Waldorf doesn't do "standard." They are bringing their legendary "Peacock Alley" entrance and a level of concierge service that usual
Feb 271 min read


The "Supper Club" Revival: The Valley and Newstead's Nightlife Grows Up
Brisbane nightlife is growing up. The rise of Supper Clubs in Brisbane, specifically in Newstead and Tenerife, marks a shift from noisy bars to civilized late-night dining. Perfect for the 35+ crowd.
Feb 251 min read


The Top 5 "Power Lunch" Spots in Melbourne (2026 Edition)
A bad meal can kill a good deal in Melbourne. We list the 5 institutions—including Gimlet and Society—where the food credibility matches the business stakes.
Feb 231 min read


The Top 5 "Power Lunch" Spots in Sydney (2026 Edition)
In Sydney, the venue you choose says as much as the pitch itself. From Rockpool to Icebergs, here are the 5 heavy hitters for a Power Lunch in the harbour city.
Feb 231 min read


The Top 5 "Power Lunch" Spots on the Gold Coast (2026 Edition)
From Rick Shores to The Langham, the Gold Coast has serious venues for serious business. Here is where to take your clients for a Power Lunch on the coast.
Feb 231 min read


The Top 5 "Power Lunch" Spots in Brisbane (2026 Edition)
In a world of Zoom calls, the Power Lunch is back. Here are the 5 best venues in Brisbane—from Blackbird to Hellenika—where serious business gets done over serious food.
Feb 231 min read


The ECSC Manifesto: Value Add over Discounts
'Discount' is a dirty word at ECSC. We believe in the 'Value Add'—offering members something special like a chef's starter or room upgrade, rather than devaluing your brand with cheap deals.
Feb 221 min read


The $2k Weekend: How ECSC Members Do Brisbane
We often get asked: 'Who is an ECSC member?' The answer is in the receipts. See how one couple injected $2,000 into the Brisbane hospitality economy in just 48 hours.
Feb 221 min read


Are Byron Bay Accommodation Prices Finally Bursting?
For years, a weekend in Byron cost the same as a week in Bali. But in 2026, we are seeing a correction in Byron Bay accommodation prices. Value is returning, and mid-week packages are looking attractive again.
Feb 201 min read


The Next Merivale Move? Surry Hills Hospitality Watch
You can't talk about Sydney dining without watching the big players. Rumours suggest a new consolidation in Surry Hills hospitality, with a potential precinct linking to Redfern. Expect multi-venue concepts.
Feb 181 min read


Avani Mooloolaba Opening: The Coast Gets a New Skyline
The Sunshine Coast is waking up. The Avani Mooloolaba opening this April marks the first major international hotel arrival in years. Expect a rooftop pool club that rivals the Gold Coast and a new standard for Mooloolaba accommodation.
Feb 151 min read


The Death of the QR Code Menu
If there is one trend we are happily burying in 2026, it is the QR Code menu. Top-tier venues are bringing back leather-bound menus and waiters who know the specials. Service is the new luxury.
Feb 121 min read


Main Beach Rising: The St Regis Gold Coast Resurrection
Burleigh Heads has had its moment. The St Regis Gold Coast is the anchor of the massive La Pelago precinct, signalling a return to luxury for Main Beach. It’s quiet, it’s expensive, and it’s exactly what the north end needed.
Feb 101 min read


The StandardX Melbourne Effect: Fitzroy Grows Up
It has been over a year since The StandardX Melbourne opened, and Fitzroy has grown up. The hotel has shifted the center of gravity for luxury stays away from the CBD to the inner north. Here is why it remains our top pick.
Feb 81 min read
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