Best Cocktail Party Venues Melbourne for Hire

Cocktail parties come in all shapes and sizes. Some are huge fancy affairs fit for a corporate crowd whilst others are intimate gatherings arranged for a close bunch of your best mates. Regardless of the occasion, the theme of your event or the size of your celebration, the trick is to choose a cocktail party venue suitable for your guest list. The Melbourne Cocktail Party Venue Guide is all you need when planning your next event.

So frock up, grab your mates and find a venue in Melbourne for a spectacular occasion.

Types of cocktail party venues your guests will love

From popular watering holes to award-winning restaurants, private dining rooms and picturesque outdoor spaces, Melbourne is jam-packed with one-of-a-kind venues that will provide the right ambience and amenities for your next cocktail-style event. These are some of the most versatile cocktail party venues in Melbourne:

Bars - Bars have everything you need to throw a great cocktail party. Drinks: check! Finger foods: check! Enough space for a stand-up event: check! A moody and cosy atmosphere for both formal and casual gatherings: check!

Art galleries - If you’re planning a product launch, live demo or corporate event, a blank canvas space like the dozens of adaptable art galleries in Melbourne is a versatile venue. Art galleries have a contemporary aesthetic that you can easily adapt depending on your vision of the event. Aside from corporate parties, these modern spaces are also suitable for wedding receptions, engagement parties and other cocktail-style events.

Mansions - Whether you’re planning a corporate event or a laidback family affair, you can’t go wrong with a cocktail party set in an elegant Melbourne mansion. This type of venue hire provides a picture-perfect setting and adds a dash of glamour to your cocktail reception.

Hotels - Hotels are classic choices for cocktail parties, offering a wide range of function spaces that can accommodate your event’s specific needs. From grand ballrooms to stylish outdoor terraces and smaller private dining rooms, there’s definitely a hotel venue in Melbourne that will suit your budget and event requirements.

Restaurants - For an intimate gathering or a sit-down dinner party with a twist, consider hosting your cocktail party in a Melbourne restaurant. Many of the city’s top restaurants have private dining rooms that can be hired for special occasions, so you and your guests can enjoy a delicious meal while celebrating in style.

Wineries - Melbournians love outdoor venues, especially those with sweeping views. Fortunately, this vibrant city is home to many gorgeous wineries and farms where your guests can sip on award-winning wines grown and bottled onsite.

What events are celebrated in a cocktail party venue?

For busy hosts, cocktail-style events are an easy and convenient way to celebrate milestones and entertain guests. As these parties last only about an hour or two, they’re perfect for attendees who are tired after a full workday or those who don’t have time for a multi-course dinner. These are our favourite event types for Melbourne cocktail party venues:

Engagement parties - Host a cocktail reception celebrating your upcoming wedding in one of Melbourne’s many elegant wine bars or old-school speakeasies. A cocktail party is perfect for hosting guests who are meeting each other for the first time — they’ll be free to move around instead of being forced to sit across or beside one another at an hours-long dinner party.

Check out these Melbourne engagement party venues.

Corporate events - Product launches, team-building exercises or company milestones are all excellent excuses for a cocktail party. A bar is a great place to unwind after work and to mingle with colleagues in a more casual setting.

Check out these Melbourne corporate function venues.

Wedding receptions - Cocktail receptions are becoming increasingly popular among couples tying the knot. Not only do they allow guests to move around and socialise, but they’re also more budget-friendly than sit-down dinners.

Check out these Melbourne wedding reception venues.

Hen’s nights - Throw a party for your gal pal before she ties the knot! From rooftop bars to subterranean watering holes, there are heaps of fun venues for an unforgettable cocktail party in Melbourne!

Check out these Melbourne Hen's night venues.

End-of-financial-year parties - Celebrate with your colleagues by booking a private dining room, a stunning waterfront venue or a classic tapas bar. There are loads of cocktail party venues in Melbourne for your next office event that are sure to strike all the right chords.

Check out these Melbourne EOFY party venues.

What are some of the best bars in Melbourne for cocktails?

Melbourne is famous for having some of the best bars in the world. These are our top picks for bars that make top cocktail party venues in Melbourne:

La Di Da

La Di Da stands as a multi-faceted public house nestled in Melbourne's vibrant core, presenting a lavish assortment of amenities. With its collection of bars, a dine-in restaurant, dance floors, and an array of private function rooms, it serves as an ideal venue for a broad spectrum of events, from corporate gatherings to celebratory occasions. The venue offers adaptable event packages and a variety of spaces, including a cozy heated courtyard and a lively nightclub, all set within an elegant yet welcoming ambience. With its vibrant atmosphere and flexible spaces, this is the ideal setting for your next private cocktail party.

Trinket Bar

Trinket Bar, nestled in the heart of Melbourne, delivers an exceptional dining and drinking experience, featuring Melbourne-style pizzas paired with an array of premium beverages in an elegantly retro setting. This glamorous venue is designed with a sociable ground floor space and a secret cellar bar, accessible only through a wardrobe, offering a snug and intimate environment. Here, guests can indulge in meticulously mixed cocktails amidst an atmosphere that radiates aesthetic charm.

Left Bank Melbourne

Nestled in the vibrant Southbank area, close to the illustrious Crown Melbourne, Left Bank Melbourne presents an array of bespoke function spaces tailored to events of all sizes. This destination boasts exceptional dining experiences, featuring globally inspired menus and exquisite cocktails. With its stunning views over the Yarra River and the Melbourne skyline, Left Bank Melbourne can host up to 580 guests for cocktail receptions and 300 for seated events, establishing itself as a top-tier venue for Melbourne’s premier events.

Little Lon Distilling Co

Nestled in a heritage-listed cottage from 1877, right in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Little Lon Distilling Co marries the historic allure of its surroundings with the artistry of crafting small-batch gins, embodying the spirited vibrancy of the city's rich past. This unique venue provides an array of experiences, featuring a verdant Gin Garden perfect for events and an intimate cocktail bar, offering guests the luxury of savouring unlimited drinks amidst a backdrop steeped in history.

Top neighbourhoods in Melbourne for a cocktail party

Whether it’s a large or small cocktail party, Melbourne is teeming with memorable function venues to choose from. Not sure where to start? First, pick an area that matches your event’s vibe. These are our top neighbourhoods for Melbourne cocktail party venues:

Melbourne CBD

The Central Business District is home to hundreds of charming function venues tucked in the area’s many little alleyways. Whatever type of cocktail event you’re going for, look no further than the hidden bars and restaurants available for private hire in Melbourne CBD. The city centre offers a diverse range of options to suit any taste and style.

Northcote

Want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD? Check out the affordable local bars and lush green spaces in Northcote. Known for its creative vibe and diverse food scene, this is the perfect space to look for laidback and outdoorsy cocktail party venues in Melbourne.

Windsor

If one-of-a-kind artsy spaces and old-world charm are what you’re after, the inner suburb of Windsor is your best bet. The area has a distinctive vibe and is filled with unique venues for practically any type of cocktail event! Private function venues in Windsor offer a blend of sophistication and creativity, making it a sought-after location for cocktail parties.

Ideas for cocktail party planning

Unlike seated dinner parties that involve much more planning and a larger budget, cocktail-style events involve less fuss and are easier on your wallet. Here are our best tips for planning your next cocktail reception:

Have a party planning checklist

Planning an event of any size can get a bit overwhelming. Get organised by putting together a checklist such as this one. It will help you prioritise tasks, keep track of vendors’ details and stay within budget as you find a venue and plan your party. With a checklist, you’ll be a tad more focused on what needs to get done and less likely to miss something important.

Consider unusual cocktail party spaces

Each type of event has a distinct atmosphere — work events tend to be more formal whilst social gatherings tend to be more relaxed, for instance. However, you might sometimes want to mix things up and choose unusual venues located just off the beaten track. Booking an unexpected function venue is the quickest way to make sure your guests will be talking about your event for years to come.

Choose the right catering option 

Are you throwing an appetisers-only wedding reception, planning a product launch or hosting a family member’s retirement party? When planning a cocktail-style event, you’re not expected to provide a feast. But you have to make sure that guests won’t go hungry either. Event planners suggest preparing at least 10 bites per hour per guest. You’ll also want to think about whether the nature of the event and the guest size require platters of finger foods being offered by waitstaff or a cocktail buffet. Last but not least, don’t forget to provide various types of food to cater to guests with special dietary requirements.

How to find the perfect space

For an unforgettable event, here are some tips when looking for stunning venues in Melbourne:

- Consider the size of cocktail space you need for the number of guests. Cocktails are a great way to have smaller groups interact and share ideas so go with a venue that has more or less than 100 square metres per guest, giving people enough room to mingle.

- Look at any existing features in the space as they may be just what you're looking for - from an industrial-chic atmosphere to high ceilings or chandeliers. Does it meet all your needs?

- You'll also need to have enough natural light for the duration of your event. Cocktail parties are not necessarily 24-hours as people tend to drink a lot and go home early but if you want that festive atmosphere, make sure there is plenty of lighting in the room as well as access to power outlets so people can plug in their smartphones or tablets etc

- Consider other factors such as location - close proximity from where you're likely meeting or travelling with guests (right opposite train station), what's nearby like bars/restaurants? Does it offer parking facilities nearby? Is it wheelchair accessible?

Catering to offer at a cocktail party

Cocktail parties are relatively informal events, and you don't need to provide a feast. It's best to have 10 small bites per hour per guest. You'll need to provide finger foods that can be served by waitstaff or a buffet where guests serve themselves. If your cocktail party is going to have people with particular dietary requirements (e.g., veganism), make sure you provide a good variety of options for them as well.

Appetisers are the perfect way to get your guests mingling at a cocktail party. Plus, they're easily transportable and can be served by waitstaff or put out on a buffet. They allow guests to indulge in their favourite flavour while chatting with friends and meeting new people. An amazing food menu for a cocktail party can include a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Sushi is a great food choice for cocktail parties because it's simple and easy to serve. You can either prepare the sushi in advance and put it out on platters, or create them fresh and offer them as finger foods. Furthermore, sushi is a very social food because you're not required to take large bites like what is required with some Western appetisers. Secondly, sushi tastes delicious but isn't too heavy or filling so people won't feel sluggish after eating it.

Best Melbourne Cocktail Party Venues

There are plenty of options when it comes to cocktail party venues in Melbourne. From trendy rooftop bars to elegant ballrooms, you are bound to find the perfect setting for your event. Check out these incredible venues for your next private celebrations:

Harbour Kitchen

The Harbour Kitchen has grown in popularity since they set up shop on Melbourne's sunny side. This new harbourside precinct is quickly becoming a hotspot for foodies and locals alike, with residents claiming the menu has something to offer all tastes!

The General Assembly

Get your taste buds tingling at The General Assembly with Melbourne's latest culinary trends while sipping on some drinks or listening to local acoustic artists. You can find a perfect spot in the venue which features street art installations mirroring hidden laneways, creating an atmosphere you won't want to leave!

Zagame's House Carlton

Zagame's House boasts two exquisitely furnished event spaces, accommodating 50 to 120 guests. Each space is outfitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and offers a selection of food, beverages, and luxurious lodging options, all designed with a focus on modern aesthetics and sustainability. Situated in close proximity to the Central Business District, this venue is the brainchild of the Zagame brothers, merging the warmth of home with the sophistication of high-end hospitality. Zagame's House is dedicated to delivering an unparalleled, familial experience through its stylish interiors, top-notch amenities, and tailor-made service.

Bond Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the central business district, Bond Melbourne is a masterpiece of design by the acclaimed Hachem, boasting a unique layout that blends the expansiveness of an amphitheatre with secluded, upscale areas. This versatile venue is equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology, making it ideal for a wide range of events including corporate meetings and product launches. Guests at this enchanting venue are treated to a luxurious experience, surrounded by celebrity attendees and premier entertainment.

Arts Centre Melbourne

Arts Centre Melbourne is another fantastic option for hosting a memorable cocktail party in Melbourne. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic venue offers a range of unique event spaces that are sure to impress your guests.

Arts Centre Melbourne also offers a range of catering options to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for gourmet canapés and finger food or a more formal sit-down dinner, their experienced in-house catering team can create a menu that will delight your guests.

The Boatbuilders Yard

The Boatbuilders Yard is a beautiful function space with retractable glass panels, located on the banks of the Yarra River. It can transform from an open-air event to a fully enclosed heated area due to these special features. This venue features an urban industrial-chic design, with natural timber floors and brick walls. The Decks is decorated in whichever style you wish - whether it be contemporary and modern or rustic elegance! Perfect also for birthday parties, anniversaries, networking events or any special occasions, The Boatbuilders Yard offers a unique and picturesque setting for cocktail parties.

Eureka 89

Eureka 89 is an awe-inspiring space where planners can take in the best views of Melbourne and beyond. This venue boasts a floor-to-ceiling window with breathtaking vistas, ample seating for up to 400 guests and facilities that are perfect for memorable events such as conferences or weddings. Their professional functions team will even help you bring your cocktail party ideas to life to ensure your function runs smoothly on the day of the event. If you're looking for more information on how Eureka 89 could be an ideal event location, contact us today!

Looking for exceptional cocktail party venues in Melbourne?

If you’re searching for the perfect function room to host your next event, look no further than VenueNow. We’re Australia’s largest venue-booking platform, with a wide range of unique and stylish spaces to choose from. Whether you need a rooftop bar, converted warehouse venue, hotel function room or restaurant, VenueNow has a diverse range of venue hire options. We’ll help you find the perfect cocktail party venue to suit your needs and budget.