Bars for hire in Melbourne

Bars are an integral part of the culture of Melbourne. Almost every laneway you walk down or corner you turn features a unique and funky bar that you could hire for your next event. With so many bars to choose from, how do you narrow it down to the top few that are best for your needs?

What should I consider before hiring a bar?

Bars are a great choice for all types of events from small social gatherings to high-end corporate events.  When hiring a bar you should consider what your event is and how many people you are catering for. If it's just going to be the basics, such as drinks and light snacks then most bars will have everything you need however some bars may also offer more services from food to DJs so make sure that they can cater for all of your needs before booking!

What types of bars can I hire?

You'll find lots of different types of bars in Melbourne with varying themes ranging from traditional pubs through to modern nightclubs. The type of bar or club that suits your event depends on if it's an intimate affair or a high-end corporate party; these venues differ greatly but there really is something for everyone!

What type of food and beverage options are available at bars?

Bars are great for organising cocktail parties, with bars offering a wide selection of cocktails alongside other drinks. You'll find that most bars have food options too such as nibbles and finger foods although some venues may offer more substantial dishes so make sure you ask before booking!

How much is it to hire a bar?

The cost should be included in the venue rental fee but you can usually expect to pay anywhere a minimum of 1000-5000 depending on what type of event you're hosting and how many people will attend. A good rule of thumb is around 60-80 per person, however this can change depending on your requirements, the time of the year and whether your event is during the week or on a weekend.

Private or exclusive hire?

You'll find there are many venues who offer these options - prices vary depending on what type of experience you're looking for as well as how long you would like them privately book out for.

What steps are involved in booking a bar in Melbourne?

VenueNow can help with the bulk of this process for free, making it easy for you to find, compare and book the best venue for your needs. Simply get in touch with the VenueNow team here with your event brief and they'll compile a list of the best venues that fit your brief. Once you've compared the recommendations, simply let the VenueNow team know which venues you are interested in. They'll then get in contact with the venues and get a quote with the best pricing as soon as possible. Once you're happy with a quote, the VenueNow will make an introduction to the venue and they'll handle things from there!

Once VenueNow has made an introduction to the venue, you will need to speak with the venue manager about your needs and requirements, and they'll be able to provide you with a final quote. Then once you have decided on dates, times and costs it's time to talk catering! The bar staff are usually happy to work alongside the caterers but don't forget that some bars in Melbourne do provide their own food so make sure this isn't an issue when booking.

If you'd like to progress, venues often have a deposit that you're required to pay up front, typically ranging from 10-50% of the event value. Depending on the venue and your event requirements, you'll then need to pay the remaining balance close to the event date or shortly after.

How many quotes from venues should I compare?

We recommend getting quotes from at least three different venues to compare their packages and offerings. Venues will tend to break down a quote into venue hire, food and beverage packages, and audio/visual equipment services.