A little over two years ago, the Workers Parramatta took over the Masonic Club at 163-165 George Street and spent $5 million giving it a make-over.

Unlike many clubs there is no lurid carpet to welcome guests, instead the Workers Parramatta has a modern inoffensive style.

The cafe is a contemporary design with wooden floorboards and there is a pleasant lounge area.

There are two nice outdoor areas, one with an attractive water feature and heating, and the other looking across bowling greens to parkland and the Parramatta River.

Even the TAB has been done up with some style.

Unlike many clubs there is a lot of natural light coming into the main areas with windows at the front facing the Parramatta River and windows on another side facing playing fields.

Workers Parramatta is a small and friendly local club with raffles, members cash-draws, poker nights and karaoke.

Recently it has up-graded several rooms to hold conferences and functions.

Vice president Terry O'Loughlin said there had been an excellent response to the new rooms, which were competitively priced.

He said another advantage was having lots of free parking close to the CBD.

The club also has two nice grassed areas out front, formerly bowling greens, but as yet it has not found a good use for them, so if readers have any innovative ideas please send it to Walkabout and we'll pass them on.