POSTED ON Sep 7, 2023
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
- Little Ginger
- The George Lounge
- Venue 3121
- Chin Chin’s at Koto Moon
- Whitestone
- Chelsea Yacht Club
- The Russian House
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. 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
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. VENUE 3121
Stunning and Affordable Venue Hire in Richmond
BYO Alcohol: Yes
Self Catering: Yes
Venue 3121 in Richmond offers an exceptional BYO event space that combines elegance and affordability. Nestled at 281 Swan Street, this venue occupies an entire level, ensuring exclusive access during your rental period.
The hire package includes a spacious 10 x 6 meters foyer, a generous 20 x 10 meters main function room, and a sound system with lighting, eliminating the need for additional sound equipment. Separate male and female bathrooms, a kitchenette, and the flexibility to bring your own catering and alcohol make Venue 3121 a top pick for private and business events.
See more about Venue 3121
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. THE RUSSIAN HOUSE
Hall Hire in Fitzroy
BYO Alcohol: Yes
Self Catering: Yes
Positioned at the intersection of Greeves and Gore Streets, this venue offers 2 function rooms for hire across both floors of the classic Victorian building.
With a BYO liquor license, a kitchenette with the upper floor room and a full kitchen with the ground floor; self catering events and meetings are a breeze. Other facilities are available on request, including a piano, chairs, tables, projector, whiteboard and more. The venue is perfect for community events, general meetings and celebrations.
Find out more about Hall Hire at The Russian House
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.