Story by Callie Sharkey | Photos by Jenny Schartner
The Clubhouse at PBPCC, located in the Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club, offers dishes that are both creative and traditional in a setting fit for any occasion.
With beautiful views of the golf course and elegant décor, guests can enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or colleagues, or reserve larger spaces for special events.
Following years of success as the seasonal venue Patio at Polo, husband and wife owners Sheila Motley and Chef Mathew Allen committed to a year-round concept, opening the Clubhouse in the fall of 2019.
“After three years, the Patio at Polo lease was finished,” Motley said. “We were lucky enough to build a relationship with the owner, and we shifted to a larger space and are now open year-round.”
The Patio at Polo was consistently selling out during the equestrian season, and the couple decided to transition to a full-time concept, which remains busy enough that reservations are recommended.
While popular with Palm Beach Polo residents and members, the restaurant is open to the public.
“The Clubhouse offers the best event venue in Wellington. We have numerous outdoor spaces, as well as a variety of indoor options,” Motley said. “Our staff is well-versed in hosting small and large groups, as well as team members with successful careers in event planning and catering.”
Having trained staff at your service means that any occasion can be transformed into the event of the year. From quiet dinners to large receptions, the Clubhouse has a dedicated space for any need. The private dining room is perfect for groups of 12 or less, and patrons have options seating up to 100 guests without even having to book the full venue.
Guests do not have to be country club members to enjoy the amazing cuisine and exceptional service available. Looking for that special place to celebrate? The Clubhouse has you covered.
“The terrace tables make a perfect location for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner,” said Motley, who suggests a 6 p.m. reservation to enjoy the stunning sunset view. The Clubhouse’s outdoor seating was so coveted even before the pandemic that the restaurant has expanded the amount of available terrace space with golf course views.
While the location is lovely, it is the food that makes this restaurant spectacular. The menu is designed around classic dishes with an upscale twist and flawless execution.
“The short rib with potato puree and roast Brussels sprouts is very popular here, as well as the salmon with Mediterranean flavors of tomatoes, olives and capers,” Motley said. “My personal favorite is the goat cheese with caramelized onions and honey — it is so delicious it could be a dessert!”
Allen hails from Britain, where the cuisine is known for being hearty, but don’t expect to find any casual pub fare at the Clubhouse. The dishes are designed with a community of athletic patrons in mind. Catering to avid golfers and tennis players, along with dedicated equestrians, the menu is bursting with healthy, protein-packed options to keep one fit and feeling satisfied.
Allen was born in Colchester, England, and has always been passionate about creating classic American dishes with a contemporary twist. He came to the U.S. at age 18 for an internship with the Orient Express Group at the prestigious Keswick Hall in Virginia. He moved to Palm Beach County in 2010 and then traveled the country as a personal chef, serving many celebrity guests.
“We met while working together at the same restaurant in Charlottesville, Virginia, where I worked as the special events and catering manager, and he was the head chef,” Motley said. “We worked together then and still do. When we were ready to leave, I immediately wanted to come to Wellington.”
Motley grew up spending winters with her parents here in Wellington, while showing and competing during the equestrian season. “My parents started coming down when I was a child, so I’ve seen it grow from a tiny town with a little polo to what it is now,” Motley said. “We are so happy to be in this community and raising our son here in Wellington.”
The restaurant is more than just a local hotspot. It is becoming a culinary icon in Wellington and in the greater equestrian community.
“The Clubhouse offers intimate spaces for 12 guests up to large event capacities of 250-plus guests. The earlier the client books a space the better, so we may customize any needs they may have,” Motley said.
From weddings and bar mitzvahs to private dinners, patrons can rest assured they will receive outstanding treatment and there will certainly be something on the menu for everyone to enjoy.
The Clubhouse at PBPCC is located at 11630 Polo Club Road in Wellington. It is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served the same days from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are required for non-members and can be arranged by calling (561) 660-3300. For more info., and to view the menu, visit www.theclubhousepbpcc.com.
