June 13, 2023
Shop stories: Explore Bang Bang at the Rifle Club in Elsternwick Village
Pictured: Isabella da Silva, venue manager at Bang Bang at the Rifle Club in Elsternwick Village.
Hospitality is in Isabella da Silva’s blood – and it shows.
She’s a people person. Interacting with and talking to all sorts of people every day is what she loves to do.
As the venue manager at Bang Bang at the Rifle Club, a restaurant and bar in Elsternwick Village, she has been working in hospitality for about 10 years, so she knows what makes a great hang out.
“A lot of my experience is from Portugal where I lived for six years before moving to Australia,” Ms da Silva said.
“I’ve worked in many roles and all venues from bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels, you name it.”
Ms da Silva took over as venue manager of Bang Bang about five months ago and is loving it.
“I love the opportunity to meet and engage with different people every day,” she said.
“We have an amazing community around us and I’m always keen to have a chat with everyone and get to know them better.”
A venue for everyone
That energy and passion is just the fit for a such a bustling venue. Whether it’s a boozy brunch, a ‘Bang-quet’, dinner or simply a cocktail or a glass of wine, Bang Bang offers something for everyone.
“There’s a Bang Bang for any occasion,” is how Ms da Silva describes it.
“We’ve got a great happy hour offer every day and Bangin’ Curry Tuesday, which makes for a great casual spot to drop-in for a drink, unwind or catch up with friends,” she said.
“Our menu is designed to share which is great when you’re dining with a group. Plus, our drinks and food menu is seasonal, so there always something new and delicious to try.”
Destination Bang Bang
The glamorous venue with an Indochine-inspired menu is in the historic former Caulfield Rifle Club.
Ms da Silva said the venue attracts a very mixed demographic.
“I believe that having a more relaxed vibe and different experiences to offer brings us all kinds of people, which as absolutely amazing,” she said.
And it is a destination venue for people from all areas of Melbourne.
“It is absolutely worth the trip,” Ms da Silva said.
“Our bottomless boozy brunch is one of the best around due to the quality of food we serve and gorgeous setting in our weatherproof patio.”
Ms da Silva said Bang Bang’s quality and unique food menu is a big attraction.
“You can try dishes influenced from different Indochine countries that use French cooking techniques,” she said.
“It’s also our incredible team that makes Bang Bang special. I’m so proud to be a part of it. They consistently go above and beyond to deliver the best experience for our guests.”
Travelling from further afield is easy, with the venue located right next to Elsternwick train station and loads of parking close by.
‘Focus is always on the people’
Ms da Silva said Elsternwick Village is great location for the venue.
“The community is lovely, there’s always something happening, and I love that we are located on the (shopping) strip. I look forward to getting to know more of the locals and businesses,” she said.
As venue manager, Ms da Silva has her customers front and centre all the time.
“My focus is always on the people,” she said.
“And I’m very grateful to work for Riverland Group which has the same values as myself. We take our time training our staff and giving them the tools they need to be the best version of themselves and therefore delivering the best experience to our guests.”
Ms da Silva said it is wonderful to work with a team she feels proud of.
“Everyone is supportive, communicates well, and we always have a good time when on shift,” she said.
“Like me, they really love what they do.”
