China House Food for Thought – Art for All!

China House opened its doors third quarter 2011 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

One half of the Australian couple who own China House, Narelle, is one of those amazing people who recognized the potential of Penang, and fell in love with its people, it’s life style and it’s vibrant mix of cultures. I just wish I had discovered this gem of an Island years ago too.

Narelle, is very community-minded, like most Australians an excellent business woman, and all round humble, nice person. Love you Narelle.

She has an animal refuge on Langkawi Island, and quietly helps the stray dogs, with her loyal band of volunteers, who can be seen walking them in the early hours. She wishes to open a similar refuge for dogs, here in George Town.

China House, has opened up George Town to even more exciting cultural events, adding still further to Penang’s Bohemian sophistication. Her art exhibitions, are wonderful, the food absolutely ‘to die for”, the facilities cater for everyone and everything.

The weekend entertainment is second to none, with many of our local, extra-ordinarily talented young performers. Jazz is always a favourite, focusing on the good old songs of the 50’s and 60’s.

The atmosphere is electric, you have to go early to get a seat, a vibrant buzz just exudes from the place.

Seating, if you get there early enough to sample it, is relaxed and homey, with big armchairs to loll in, cosy couches to snuggle in, interesting art adorns the walls, whilst very efficient and attentive staff look after your every whim.

It is the Number one spot to be at weekends, for live entertainment. Running between Victoria Street and Beach Road it is an easy walk from the Jetty where I live, or from George Town centre the other way.

Check it out for yourself, with relatively easy parking, you will come back every weekend – I guarantee it, and possibly during the week for its ever changing exhibitions, not to mention food. A great place for Sunday brunch.

And the cakes are to die for! It took me 20 minutes to choose mine, must have changed my mind 20 times, the variety is huge, they are all hand made, and out of this world!

Explore it’s many facilities, starting at the entrance 155 Beach Street, George Town, wander through Kopi C Expresso Cafe & Bar.

Off to your left you see into BTB & Restaurant & Bon Ton the Shop II. Further along you walk through the reading room, a space divided into magazines, books and cd’s for browsing and purchase. A kids section for books and crayons and paint for them to use, as well as a computer.

From here you can see into Vine and Single, a wine and single malt room, followed by 14 Chairs private dining room, which is available to rent for guest chefs, cooking schools or private dinner parties.

Through a courtyard at the back, you see into the Studio, a small space to rent for retail, one week at a time – a revolving ‘pop-up store’.

There is a set of stairs, leading up to 200 foot long open spaces, where you will find 2 art galleries, the loft apartment, artists accommodation & BonTon the Shop III.

Back downstairs, continue into the outdoor courtyard, shaded by mango trees, featuring a cooling water pond, more like a swimming pool.

With its mood lighting and huge mango trees, it’s almost ethereal, very relaxing to sit and just contemplate, or discuss the exhibitions, what painting you may purchase, the latest gossip, whatever. A great place to start a new romance!

The rear entrance from Victoria Street is where the live weekend entertainment is. The glass bowl private dining/meeting space with its double height is fun. Upstairs, is yet another area for exhibitions, artists to rest and give talks.

A truly, wonderful home away from home, a great relaxed atmosphere for entertaining your business clients, visitors and friends.

This article was kindly contributed by Irene Newcombe.
“64 in body, 18 in mind. I consider myself a citizen of the world. Live wherever there is a need to be fulfilled to assist people where ever I can.” Irene is a volunteer at the Eden Home & at the Penang Disabled School.