Mark Wong can look across the road to where he used to work. But, of course, the old Katoomba RSL club is now just a concrete slab.
Mr Wong helped run the Chinese restaurant at the RSL. Now, he has bought the neighbouring Hotel Blue on Lurline Street.
While he has run restaurants in the past, notably a long stint in Pymble on Sydney’s North Shore, this is the first time he has run a hotel.
But with help of his efficient staff, the accommodation side of things is running smoothly.
The kitchen, however, has seen a few alterations to facilitate the big woks so instrumental to Chinese cooking.
Mr Wong said the restaurant is now serving both Chinese and Western food and is open to the public, as well as guests, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
He is marketing the hotel to Asian tourism, with some success.
He plans to investigate the history of the hotel and compile it into a little booklet for visitors. He is also ready to celebrate the hotel’s centenary in a couple of years.
Mr Wong, who moved to Wentworth Falls a decade ago, said he doesn’t plan to make many changes, and will continue the popular live jazz music on Friday and Saturday nights.
The function room will also continue to be available for the use of local community groups.