How a Wood-Fired Oven Transformed Dining at One of Melbourne’s Premier Golf Clubs
At Yarra Yarra Golf Club, where rolling greens and a rich history set the tone, something unexpected has been stealing the spotlight. It’s not a championship putt or a pristine fairway. It’s the crackling fire of a wood-fired pizza oven and the unmistakable scent of dough meeting flame.
Since December 2023, a Jalando JA Grande Ash Granite Tiled Pizza Oven has taken centre stage in the club’s dining space, turning Thursday through Saturday evenings into a feast for the senses. It’s not just about the pizzas – though they’re exceptional. It’s about the experience, the ritual, and the conversation sparked by the open-air theatre of live-fire cooking.
For Head Chef Aaron Bawcombe, it’s been a game-changer. And for General Manager Matthew Loughnane, it’s a decision based on experience – because this isn’t his first Jalando oven.
Before taking the helm at Yarra Yarra, Matthew Loughnane was GM at Kew Golf Club, where he first introduced a Jalando wood-fired pizza oven in 2018. The impact was instantaneous members loved it, sales soared, and the oven quickly became a focal point of the club’s dining experience.
So when he made the move to Yarra Yarra, there was no hesitation. A Jalando oven was going on the menu.
“I saw firsthand how much of a drawcard the oven was at Kew,” Matthew explains. “It wasn’t just about the food—it changed the way people engaged with the club. It became a social hub, a reason to stay longer, to gather, to enjoy the atmosphere. That’s what we wanted at Yarra Yarra, too.”
And it wasn’t just for business. In 2020, Matthew even bought a Jalando JA70 oven for his own home, bringing the magic of wood-fired cooking into his backyard.
When Head Chef Aaron Bawcombe took over the kitchen at Yarra Yarra, he inherited a gas pizza oven. But it barely got used. “It was rubbish,” Aaron says bluntly. “It wouldn’t hold its heat properly, so we stopped bothering with it.”
The switch to wood fire, however, required a whole new skill set. Controlling flames isn’t like adjusting a dial. The perfect cooking temperature (between 350 and 400°C) depends on intuition, experience, and an understanding of the fire itself.
“At first, the hardest part was learning to manage the heat,” Aaron admits. “But now? I don’t even need a thermometer. I can stand in front of the oven and just feel when it’s ready.” The transition was worth it. The oven retains heat effortlessly, allowing for consistent, perfectly blistered crusts—the kind you can’t replicate with gas.
The Jalando Ja Grande isn’t just a centrepiece. It’s a workhorse.
Because of its heat retention, Aaron and his team have developed a seamless workflow. The oven is fired up by 12 or 1 PM on Thursdays, so it’s ready for pizza service by 3 PM. By Friday, it still holds residual heat, making the process even quicker and more efficient.
Even the fuel source adds to the experience. Yarra Yarra uses hardwood and red gum from the golf course itself, infusing every pizza with a distinctively Australian smoky flavour.
And while pizzas have been the main attraction, Aaron is just getting started.
“I’d love to start experimenting with braised meats,” he says. “The heat retention is incredible—it’s perfect for slow-cooked dishes.”
With Jalando’s versatility, the possibilities extend far beyond pizza:
For Matthew Loughnane, adding a Jalando oven to Yarra Yarra was never just about cooking—it was about creating an experience.
Higher Engagement – Members are drawn in by the visual, sensory appeal.
Increased Food & Beverage Sales – Pizzas dominate orders.
Differentiation from Other Clubs – A premium offering that stands out.
“It’s more than just food,” he says. “It’s an event. It’s a reason for people to linger, to enjoy, to connect.”
And for anyone in the hospitality industry looking to revitalize their menu, a wood-fired oven might just be the smartest investment they can make.
For Matthew, the love of wood-fired cooking isn’t just professional—it’s personal. His Jalando JA70 at home is a fixture of family gatherings, dinner parties, and weekend cook-ups.
“It’s one of those things that becomes part of your lifestyle,” he says. “Once you have one, you wonder how you ever cooked without it.”
And that’s the heart of what Jalando stands for—bringing people together, through fire, flavour, and unforgettable experiences.
What started as an experiment has become a club-wide favorite. For restaurants, golf clubs, and even home entertainers, a Jalando pizza oven isn’t just an appliance—it’s an experience, a statement, and a game-changer.
Thinking about making the switch? Explore the full range at Jalando Pizza Ovens.
