The Laurel Hotel
289 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032, Australia
The Laurel Hotel’s probably well-known to those in and around Ascot Vale. As is to be expected; it’s been there, sitting on its corner pub corner position since 1853. For those not in the know, here’s the news: the Laurel Hotel’s a pub, it’s in Ascot Vale, and pretty much constitutes a “neighbourhood institution” by now. The local watering hole known as the Laurel is run by a mother-daughter team, who’s been steadily renovating, doing up and improving the building since 2008. The pub now boasts a rooftop beer garden, a sports bar, and a couple of upstairs function spaces, and the entire space is still proudly sans pokies. The Laurel hosts live music throughout the weekend, offers pub meal specials throughout the week, and resides (oh, convenience) along the 59 tram line. For a meal a little more fancy-pants than the run-of-the-mill pub grub, Bistro 289 sits adjacent to the main pub. The Laurel Hotel is found on the corner of Mt Alexander Road and Middle Street, Ascot Vale. Uh-huh, legit corner pub. Fun fact: that’s along the 59 tram line. It’s also about a fifteen to twenty-minute drive from Melbourne city.
The Laurel Hotel Function Rooms

Rooftop Beer Garden
Rooftop! Balcony! Need more be said? A perfect space to kick back on a sunny morning, afternoon, or evening. With its own bar, you have everything you need. There's even a retractable roof so you don't need to worry about the elements. The...

Upstairs at The Laurel
The upstairs function space easily accommodates up to 180 guests within its modern surroundings. It features a private bar, striking red walls, and when the weather's good, can be combined with the rooftop. Lends itself to family events, ...

Atrium and Back of Bistro
This combines the sunny, bright Atrium private dining space, as well as the back of the Hotel's bistro. Wham-bam-space for 60 guests. It's a popular spot for large, sprawling family dinners, as well as corporate events. back of our Bistro w...

Atrium
The Atrium is the hotel's private dining space. It's bright, airy, with sunlight streaming in. It comfortably fits up to 30 guests, so it's a good pick for business meetings, family dinners, and small-scale cocktail events.

Bistro 289
The hotel's Bistro 289 is a step above the run-of-the-mill pub dining room - it's elegant and modern, with some top-notch offerings on the menu. Of course, the parma's still there too. Small groups are able to utilize part of the Bistro, or...
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an event cost at The Laurel Hotel?
Events at The Laurel Hotel start from 500.00.
This may be subject to change due to seasonality, day of the week, duration and your specific requirements. For an accurate quote for your event please send an enquiry or contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
What type of events can be hosted at The Laurel Hotel?
The following types of events can be held at The Laurel Hotel:
- 40th Birthday Party
- 50th Birthday Party
- Awards Dinner
- Bar Mitzvah
- Birthday Party
- Bucks Night
- Christening
- Christmas Party
- Cocktail Party
- Corporate Function
- End of Financial Year Party
- Function
- Hens Night
- Networking Event
- 30th Birthday Party
- 21st Birthday Party
- 18th Birthday Party
- Product Launch
- Trivia Night
- Workshop
- Bat Mitzvah
- Baby shower
- Bridal shower
- Engagement Party
- Ceremony
- Conference
- Meeting
- Private Dining
- Wedding
- School Formal
- Seminar
- Corporate Offsite
If your specific event type is not on the list, contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts and they will check if The Laurel Hotel is able to facilitate your event or will help you find an alternate venue.
How do I find out if The Laurel Hotel is available for my event date?
The best way to find out if The Laurel Hotel is available for your event date is to send an enquiry through or get in contact with one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
Availability at many venues around the country is limited so if your date is flexible, please let the VenueNow team know and the venue may be able to provide a range of dates that suit your needs.
What catering / food and beverage options are available at The Laurel Hotel?
The following food and beverage / catering options are available for guests at The Laurel Hotel:
- Filtered Water
- Coffee / Tea
- Inhouse Catering
- Bar Tab
For more information regarding food and beverage / catering options, please contact a VenueNow Event Booking Expert.
What steps are involved in booking an event at The Laurel Hotel?
There are a few steps involved in booking an event at The Laurel Hotel and the VenueNow team are here to do the heavy lifting for you.
Firstly, contact the VenueNow team by submitting an enquiry or speaking to one of our team members online or over the phone. We'll need to collect a few details from you, such as your:
- Event type
- Number of people attending
- Preferred event date & time (and if this is flexible)
- Budget (per person or total)
- Room layout
- Food and beverage / catering requirements
- Any other requirements
Once we've gathered these details, the VenueNow team will contact the team at The Laurel Hotel to check:
1) Can they host the event on your preferred date / time? If not, what are some alternate dates / times?
2) What is the estimated cost based on your event requirements?
This process tends to take around 1 business day on average to receive a response from the venue. Once we've received a response, the VenueNow team will contact you as soon as possible.
If you're happy with the proposed price and dates / times, the VenueNow team will connect you with The Laurel Hotel to finalise your booking (which may include a site visit if you choose to do so).
VenueNow provides this service free of charge to you as we are paid a small fee by The Laurel Hotel if you book via us.
I have more questions. How do I get in contact?
There are a number of ways you can get in contact:
1) Call the VenueNow team on 1300 647 488 during business hours AEST
2) Contact the VenueNow team via our online chat in the bottom right of the screen
3) Submit an enquiry via the form on the page
The VenueNow team usually reply within a few hours during Australian business.
Where is The Laurel Hotel located?
It is located at 289 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032, Australia.
What sets The Laurel Hotel apart from other venues?
The Laurel Hotel has been in existence since 1853, making it one of the oldest pubs in Melbourne. At The Laurel Hotel, they pride itself on its excellent customer service and commitment to providing top-quality facilities and amenities for all of our guests. Our event spaces are versatile and can be easily tailored to suit a range of different event types, from business meetings and conferences to private gatherings and celebrations. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to host your next event. In addition, this local corner pub offers a wide range of catering options, as well as flexible payment and booking terms that make it easy to plan your event with us. Enjoy traditional pub fare and some amazing other dishes cooked by their head chef and her team. So if you're looking for a professional, reliable venue for your next event, The Laurel Hotel is a perfect choice.
It is the ultimate venue for private functions or larger bookings that will guarantee a pleasant experience for all!
What are the venue spaces available for hire at The Laurel Hotel?
Upstairs At The Laurel
This venue space is a fully exclusive & unique space perfect for cocktail style functions of all nature. The area boasts a private bar, outdoor area, lounges, TVs for presentations, a sound system with AUX connectivity and private toilets. It can cater to up to 140 guests cocktail-style.
The Middle Bar
The elegant lounge bar is a great place to host your next cocktail party or private function. You'll have all the space you need with its own private liquor store, a sound system that connects wirelessly via iPod and an incredible tapas menu! It can cater to cocktails for up to 80 people.
Rooftop
The Rooftop is the ultimate function space with a private bar, ample outdoor furniture and connectivity to your favourite tunes. The retractable roof protects you from rain or snow while still providing an elegant atmosphere for all those attending functions inside! It can cater to 80 seated guests of up to 110 guests cocktail-style.
Nursery
On the roof, you'll find a cozy area that's all yours. You can enjoy your very own space with private umbrellas and heating! It has a 30-guest capacity.
Bistro 289
The dining room is available exclusively or to book in for a table or in sections. When booked exclusively this space boasts a large bar, TVs for presentations, a sound system with AUX connectivity, heating & cooling along with room to move furniture to create almost any environment you would like. It has a capacity of 140 guests.
The Atrium
Host your next event in this spacious, comfortable space with natural wood tables. You can host up to 16 guests on one large table or set aside two smaller ones for 10-12 people each - whatever fits the occasion best!