Viewpoint: Reasons to Go West with Richard Errington

Ashley Pini talks to Richard Errington, CEO of West HQ, on large-scale venue operation and why clubs should move towards a quality food and beverage offering.

What are your views on the importance of having a diverse and inclusive range of entertainment options at your venue, including a premium food and beverage offer to support your position as a destination for entertainment?

West HQ is focused on creating a destination that provides our guests with diverse experiences and quality offerings that reflect what Sydney CBD venues offer.  This commitment has seen us develop into an events business driven by our hospitality, fitness, leisure, and entertainment-dedicated spaces. With this commitment we have an easily accessible venue providing premium dining experiences, such as our CHU Restaurant by China Doll, providing a new benchmark in dining for our guests.  CHU has received many accolades, including the 2022 Wine List of The Year, a three Glasses-rated wine list, an Australian Good Food Guide chef’s hat, and a Daily Telegraph Best in Sydney Yum Cha recommendation. The dining experience nicely compliments the shows and performances in our Sydney Coliseum Theatre, a multi-mode theatre that is the first of its kind in Greater Western Sydney.

How important is it to you to offer a superior entertainment experience for your visitors and community members who engage with West HQ?

At West HQ, we're an all-in-one destination for Western Sydney locals, Greater Sydney and regional guests who are looking for a tailored premium experience no matter how they wish to eat, relax, and even stay, given our venue includes the Novotel Sydney West HQ as part of our cohesive offering. Support of the arts is also important to us, and the Sydney Coliseum Theatre forms part of this. It's a world-class entertainment venue featuring nationally and internationally renowned acts. In the coming months, we'll see the likes of Delta Goodrem, the Sydney Dance Company, and the world premiere of Metaverse of Magic on our stage.

Were you confident that it would work and be embraced by the community?

We had no doubt that our vision to create a diverse destination would succeed with the Western Sydney community and greater Sydney.  And that confidence has been realised, with West HQ’s visitation rates increasing through our truly diverse destination offering.  People from Greater Sydney and regional NSW are heading to the venue for an experience to watch a great show at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre, attend a gymnastic event, or experience new taste sensations.   

Not only do we provide the community with a world-class venue, but we are also the largest non-government employer in the area. We are continually growing as an employer and are adding more employment opportunities into the community including roles in tourism, hospitality, and arts and culture.

When did West HQ first enter the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards, and what does being recognised as having the “Best Club Restaurant Wine List” mean to you?

West HQ first entered the Awards in 2019, the first year we opened CHU Restaurant and to be recognised as setting the benchmark in our sector and setting the national standard here in Western Sydney means so much to the entire West HQ team and for us to have achieved it has been a great acknowledgement of our passionate and dedicated team.

Was there a specific motivation to embark on this journey, and how can you measure its effectiveness?

Australia's culinary scene reflects our nation's great love of good food. So, to be recognised for the quality of our restaurant and its staff from our industry peers is the ultimate feedback for our team that we're on the right path.

What effect does this award have on other outlets in your venue, and are there any plans to have additional entries?

The team celebrates all its wins, and this time it's no different; from our hospitality and fitness to our leisure and entertainment venues, everyone unites to see West HQ continuing to meet and exceed expectations for what a premium venue can and should look like in Sydney's vibrant west. Recognition from industry peers is always an excellent testament to us meeting our objectives and rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication to our goal.  

How do you support your staff in upskilling so you can maximise your returns on such a great list of wines available to your patrons?

As part of our focus on offering our guests a premium dining and leisure experience, our staff undergo meticulous training and professional support as part of their employment experience at West HQ.

This article was originally published in the Spring edition of Drinks Trade.

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news with the Drinks Trade e-newsletter.