Best BYO and Self-Catering Venues in Melbourne for 2025
Melbourne Venues Ideal for Self Catering, BYO and Blank Canvas Events
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.
Posted on Apr 2, 2025
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.
The George Lounge in St Kilda
Self Catering bar venue hire with a late liquor license
BYO Alcohol: No
Self Catering: Yes
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.
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.
Whitestone
BYO and Self Catering 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
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.
Little Ginger
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.
