Your questions, answered

It is a restaurant with a casino room, and I regard the two halves as equal. Most guests dine and then play, some only dine, and a few come straight for the tables. All are made equally welcome.

It was built for a timber company at a time when Orbost was a town of mills and bullock teams, and it has been altered several times since. The plaster ceiling, the panelling and the pay window are original.

I manage the floor on a daily basis. The operator of the venue is named on the About page and in the footer, and Andrew Kennedy, who bought the building, remains closely involved in its care.

Not at the lounge itself. Orbost has a number of places to stay within walking distance or a short drive, and Denise keeps a list at the front desk for guests who would like a suggestion.

Occasionally, on a Wednesday or a Thursday. A party of up to forty can be seated in the counter hall, with the board room reserved for the group. Please telephone me to discuss the details.

Yes. For parties of ten or more, Stuart offers a set menu of soup, a roast and a pudding, agreed in advance. Dietary requirements are accommodated, and the printed menu is available on request.

Blackjack seats five, each poker table seats six and roulette has room for around eight, with others standing behind. A waiting list is kept at the double doors when every seat is taken.

Yes, when a seat is free elsewhere. Tell the dealer, who will count your chips and pass them to the next dealer, and then move across. At poker, a table change is made only between hands.

No. Chips cannot be bought, sold or exchanged. They are lent for the evening at no cost, issued at the double doors and counted back at the end of the night, like the cards on the table.

They are. The cards are new each week, the wheel is checked by the croupier before opening and every table is watched by a dealer. If you feel a hand has been dealt wrongly, say so, and I shall look into it.

No formal dress code is observed. Neat, clean clothing is expected, and most guests come as they are from work. The board room is cool in the evenings, so a jumper is worth bringing.

Of the building, your meal and your own party, certainly. Of the tables, the dealers or other guests, only with permission. Please ask a member of staff if you are unsure, and we shall help.

Telephone and tell Denise. Tables are held for fifteen minutes beyond the time agreed, and for longer if we have been warned. Please do not hurry on the highway on our account.

Yes. There are hooks in the hall for coats and a shelf for small bags. Larger items can be minded behind the front desk, though we are unable to store luggage overnight.

It is. A lamp over the gate and another beside the side door are lit at dusk. The ramp is level and well marked, and Denise will gladly walk guests to their cars on request.

Taxis in Orbost are few, and it is wise to arrange a lift home before the evening ends. Denise can telephone a driver for you, and she will try to find one before closing time.

The lounge generally opens regardless. In the rare event of a flood closing the highway or an alert for severe weather, the house may close early or not open, and the telephone message will say so.