POSTED ON Apr 30, 2024
A BYO or self-catering venue might be the answer to your event planning dreams. Why? It can give you the creative freedom to steer the menu the way you want it. You can choose your own drinks, hire a mobile bar, food truck or custom catering. Perhaps you want to execute a theme or style to the max. Whatever idea you have up your sleeve, you will need a Melbourne venue that can host your vision.
Melbourne has a variety of self-catering, blank canvas and warehouse style venues that affords you the freedom you are looking for. Here’s our pick:
- The Palms Cremorne
- The Kilburn
- The George Lounge
- LOLA St Kilda
- Chin Chin’s at Koto Moon
- Whitestone
- Chelsea Yacht Club
- Little Ginger
1. THE PALMS CREMORNE
Melbourne’s Newest Exclusive Venue
BYO Alcohol: No
Self Catering: Yes
The Palms is the latest converted warehouse venue to hit the scene. Finished stunningly, it will impress the most discerning of guests. With a designer bar, feature pendant lights, polished concrete floor and an impressive wine wall, it suits corporate events, stylish celebrations and weddings.
This is not the type of establishment where you can just bring in some food and drinks. It’s fully licensed and BYO drinks is definitely not permitted. However they do have a commercial kitchen, so if you have your heart set on an outside caterer, this can be arrange when booking the venue.
The maximum capacity is 160 guests and it also boasts a fireplace and an outdoor deck. As well as oozing with charm, it’s also a very versatile space and can suit smaller gatherings and a variety of event styles.
Check out: The Palms Cremorne
2. THE KILBURN IN HAWTHORN
Cocktail events with luxury vibes
BYO Alcohol: No
Self Catering: Yes
This premier cocktail and whisky destination in Hawthorn is housed within the historic ‘Commercial Bank of Australia’ building. The opulent bar boasts an impressive whisky collection of over 500 bottles, complemented by a selection of 100 other spirits. This is a top pick to host a refined cocktail affair, whether it’s for business or pleasure.
With several event spaces to choose from, depending on your event size and style, your guests will relish the warmth and sophistication. Although The Kilburn does offer catering packages, they extend you the freedom of organising your own catering. All drinks must be purchased from the venue; fantastic beverage packages are available, as well as a bar tab.
Discover more info on The Kilburn Event Spaces and Packages
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3. THE GEORGE LOUNGE IN ST KILDA
Basement bar venue hire with a late liquor license
Self Catering Only
On the corner of Fitroy and Grey Streets on St.Kilda is the beautiful, heritage listed George Hotel. Wonder downstairs to the basement and you’ll find The George Lounge, a 1970s Miami and New York inspired luxe lounge with laid back vibes and a big sprinkle of “cool”. If St Kilda was your “hood” in the early 2000’s you probably know this venue as the Snakepit and have a story or two to tell.
Essentially, this basement venue has had a complete facelift and is now a warm and inviting spot for your next event. With a capacity of 120 peeps and an open plan design, the George Lounge can accommodate functions of various sizes and can be tailored to your needs. With a license until 3am, you can relax in the lounge until the early hours or head into the side room and dance the night away.
There are 3 options for venue hire; full venue (120 people), Main Bar (100 people) and the VIP Side room (30-50people). A range of drink packages are available, and you can arrange your own caterer.
Click here to see more of the George Lounge self-catering bar venue
4. LOLA ST KILDA
Luxe
BYO Alcohol: No
Self Catering: Yes
Located in the iconic St Kilda, inspired by a Mediterranean Summer, LOLA is a stunning venue for your next celebration. Whether it is for a Cocktail Wedding, Engagement, Milestone Birthday or Corporate Event, LOLA provides you with all of the amenities you need, including a state of the art AV system, DJ booth and projector.
LOLA can host up to 400 guests and also accommodate smaller events in their various spaces, including an undercover terrace and umbrella covered alfresco areas.
The venue is fully licensed and they offer a great range of beverage packages, so no BYO drinks. However, LOLA does offer the flexibility to arrange your own catering and it’s the perfect space and vibe for canapes and grazing tables.
5. CHIN CHIN’S AT KOTO MOON
South East Asian Private Dining With BYO Wine
BYO Alcohol: Yes
Self Catering: No
Gather your nearest and dearest friends and family for an intimate celebration at Chin Chin’s at Koto Moon. With tasty Asian dishes and a cosy ambience, you will love the space, the attentive service and the warm feeling in your belly.
Specialising in cuisine from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and China with a twist; they offer two private dining rooms to suit between 10 and 20 guests. BYO alcohol is allowed so you can bring your own favourite drinkies.
More about Chin Chin’s at Koto Moon
6. WHITESTONE
Unique Event Space in Bentleigh
BYO Alcohol: Yes
Self Catering: Yes
Whitestone stands apart from conventional event venues, offering an enchanting escape that captivates not only the eyes but also the heart and soul. Boasting impressive features, including a fully-equipped kitchen for external catering, 300 square meters of pristine white floor space accommodating up to 300 guests, a towering 7-meter ceiling adorned with a 90 square meter floral canopy and six diamond chandeliers, as well as four majestic trees.
If you are looking for an exceptional venue, book a visit to see the space and see the possibilities. Whitestone allows you to bring your own caterers and beverages*.
*Terms applied
More about Whitestone Event Space
7. CHELSEA YACHT CLUB
Waterfront Venue
BYO Alcohol: No
Self Catering: Yes
The Bay Room at Chelsea Yacht Club offers unparalleled views of Port Phillip Bay from this conference and function space situated on the upper level. This area is complemented by an adjoining commercial kitchen and on-tap bar. Located on a picturesque sandy beach, the club building is easily accessible from Nepean Highway with paid and free parking close by. It’s also just a 7-minute walk from public transportation.
The club offers the option of a recommended caterer with per-person package catering or the flexibility to bring in outside catering with a kitchen charge. It’s fully licensed, so no BYO drinks, including non-alcoholic drinks.
Find out more about The Bay Room at Chelsea Yacht Club
8. LITTLE GINGER WAREHOUSE VENUE IN WILLIAMSTOWN
Versatile DIY venue for private and business events
BYO Alcohol: No
Self Catering: Yes
Little Ginger is a popular choice. Are you hosting a corporate function, workshop, birthday party, wedding, baby shower, kids birthday, photoshoot, anniversary, long lunch? No worries, they’ve done it all. The owners offer a full event planning service or will let you do your stuff in true blank canvas style and help in any way they can along the way.
The bright and fresh warehouse comes with indoor and outdoor areas that can be easily tailored to suit your needs. Indoors is split between two spaces; a synthetic grassed area with exposed beams & high ceilings and a polished concrete floor area. Outside is large enough for food vans or a great additional space to use or let your guests just enjoy. Whatever you’re seeking, the space can be tailored to create a unique experience for you and your guests.
Discover more info on Little Ginger’s blank canvas venue
Would you like to check out some more great venues? Try our easy to use venue finder to search for the perfect location for your next event.