Function and Event FAQs
The questions the coordinators answer most, written out properly so you do not have to ask them.
Booking and deposits
How far ahead should we book?
Six to eight weeks for most events, three to six months for a wedding, and by August for a December work party. Fridays in December go first and Saturdays at Walsh Bay go early all year.
What deposit do you take?
A deposit holds the date and comes off the final bill. The amount depends on the space and the size and is stated in your proposal rather than buried in terms.
When are final numbers due?
It is agreed with the venue when you book, and confirmed before the day. That number is what the kitchen buys against and what the final invoice is based on.
Can we hold a date while we decide?
Yes, usually for seven days without a deposit. If another enquiry comes in for the same date we will call you before releasing it.
What is the cancellation policy?
It scales with how close to the date you are and it is set out in writing before you pay anything. Deposits are generally non-refundable inside 30 days.
Booking terms and conditions
Reservations and seating
- We do not allocate or designate specific tables prior to arrival.
- Seating requests are noted but cannot be guaranteed.
- Bookings are held for a maximum of 1.5 hours for groups of up to 7 guests, and 2 hours for groups of 8 and above.
- Tables may be released if guests do not arrive within a reasonable period.
Group bookings
- Bookings of 10 guests and above generally require a group dining set menu.
- Alternative dining arrangements may be considered at the discretion of management.
- Guest numbers may be increased or decreased up to 48 hours before the reservation.
- Reductions within 48 hours may still be charged on the confirmed numbers.
Pre-orders, wagyu and dietary requirements
- Selected menu items may be available for pre-order, and pre-orders require a deposit or prepayment.
- Final quantities must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the reservation.
- Premium wagyu may require prepayment, and changes within 48 hours may result in forfeiture of deposits.
- Allergies and dietary requirements must be advised before visiting. An allergen free environment cannot be guaranteed.
Cakeage
- Guests are welcome to bring their own cake.
- $4 per person applies for groups of up to 15 guests.
- $60 per cake applies for groups of 16 guests and above.
Deposits, payment and cancellations
- Deposits and prepayments are deducted from the final bill.
- Bookings of 6 guests and above may require credit card authorisation.
- Private dining and venue hire require credit card authorisation and a deposit.
- Cancellation fees may apply within 48 hours, and no-shows may incur charges.
- Split bills may not be available for large groups.
Public holidays and special event days
- A 15% public holiday surcharge applies.
- Credit card authorisation is required on selected dates.
- Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, the Easter weekend, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Special event days: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Melbourne Cup.
Promotions and ticketed events
- Promotions are generally limited to bookings of up to 6 guests and cannot be combined.
- Promotions are not valid on public holidays or special event days.
- Ticket purchases are generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred unless approved.
- Failure to attend a ticketed event is treated as a no-show.
Venue conduct, damage and force majeure
- Management may refuse entry or service, and alcohol service is subject to RSA legislation.
- The booking holder accepts responsibility for damage caused by themselves or their guests.
- The venue is not responsible for disruption caused by events beyond its reasonable control.
- Photography and videography may take place in the venue and may be used for promotion. Tell management if you would rather not appear.
Spaces and capacity
How is a function priced?
On the space, the date and the number of guests, and the reservations team confirms what applies before a date is held.
What happens if we do not reach the minimum spend?
The difference is charged as a room fee. In practice it rarely happens, because the coordinator sizes the room to your numbers rather than upselling you into a bigger one.
Can we see the space before confirming?
Yes, and you should. Site visits run around service, usually mid morning or mid afternoon, and the coordinator who shows you the room is the one who runs the night.
Which spaces have outdoor access?
The Garden Room at Belmore is the private room at the back of the brasserie. Every venue also has outdoor seating, including the foreshore at Pyrmont and the courtyard in Darlinghurst.
Are the spaces accessible?
Every venue has step-free access to at least one function space and an accessible bathroom. Darlinghurst has one shallow step at the entry with a portable ramp on request. Ask the coordinator about your specific space.
Booking terms and conditions
Reservations and seating
- We do not allocate or designate specific tables prior to arrival.
- Seating requests are noted but cannot be guaranteed.
- Bookings are held for a maximum of 1.5 hours for groups of up to 7 guests, and 2 hours for groups of 8 and above.
- Tables may be released if guests do not arrive within a reasonable period.
Group bookings
- Bookings of 10 guests and above generally require a group dining set menu.
- Alternative dining arrangements may be considered at the discretion of management.
- Guest numbers may be increased or decreased up to 48 hours before the reservation.
- Reductions within 48 hours may still be charged on the confirmed numbers.
Pre-orders, wagyu and dietary requirements
- Selected menu items may be available for pre-order, and pre-orders require a deposit or prepayment.
- Final quantities must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the reservation.
- Premium wagyu may require prepayment, and changes within 48 hours may result in forfeiture of deposits.
- Allergies and dietary requirements must be advised before visiting. An allergen free environment cannot be guaranteed.
Cakeage
- Guests are welcome to bring their own cake.
- $4 per person applies for groups of up to 15 guests.
- $60 per cake applies for groups of 16 guests and above.
Deposits, payment and cancellations
- Deposits and prepayments are deducted from the final bill.
- Bookings of 6 guests and above may require credit card authorisation.
- Private dining and venue hire require credit card authorisation and a deposit.
- Cancellation fees may apply within 48 hours, and no-shows may incur charges.
- Split bills may not be available for large groups.
Public holidays and special event days
- A 15% public holiday surcharge applies.
- Credit card authorisation is required on selected dates.
- Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, the Easter weekend, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Special event days: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Melbourne Cup.
Promotions and ticketed events
- Promotions are generally limited to bookings of up to 6 guests and cannot be combined.
- Promotions are not valid on public holidays or special event days.
- Ticket purchases are generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred unless approved.
- Failure to attend a ticketed event is treated as a no-show.
Venue conduct, damage and force majeure
- Management may refuse entry or service, and alcohol service is subject to RSA legislation.
- The booking holder accepts responsibility for damage caused by themselves or their guests.
- The venue is not responsible for disruption caused by events beyond its reasonable control.
- Photography and videography may take place in the venue and may be used for promotion. Tell management if you would rather not appear.
Food and drink
Do we have to have a set menu?
Yes for any function in a private space. For a table of ten and over, our reservations team will contact you to discuss the set menu, and in some circumstances a la carte can be arranged for a service charge at their discretion. It is how the kitchen sends a room of plates at once.
How do we choose the menu?
With the coordinator, once the date is confirmed. You pick a set menu or a canape package, and the courses are set from there around the dietaries in the room.
How do you handle allergies?
Tell us at enquiry stage. Serious allergies are handled by the head chef directly and the affected guest gets a plated alternative rather than a modified dish.
Is there a cakeage fee?
Yes. Cakeage is $4 per person for a group of up to 15, or $60 per cake for 16 and over. Cake service covers plates, cutlery, candles and cutting at every venue.
Can we bring our own wine?
Corkage is available at some venues by arrangement and is not offered on package events. Ask the coordinator for your venue and date.
Booking terms and conditions
Reservations and seating
- We do not allocate or designate specific tables prior to arrival.
- Seating requests are noted but cannot be guaranteed.
- Bookings are held for a maximum of 1.5 hours for groups of up to 7 guests, and 2 hours for groups of 8 and above.
- Tables may be released if guests do not arrive within a reasonable period.
Group bookings
- Bookings of 10 guests and above generally require a group dining set menu.
- Alternative dining arrangements may be considered at the discretion of management.
- Guest numbers may be increased or decreased up to 48 hours before the reservation.
- Reductions within 48 hours may still be charged on the confirmed numbers.
Pre-orders, wagyu and dietary requirements
- Selected menu items may be available for pre-order, and pre-orders require a deposit or prepayment.
- Final quantities must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the reservation.
- Premium wagyu may require prepayment, and changes within 48 hours may result in forfeiture of deposits.
- Allergies and dietary requirements must be advised before visiting. An allergen free environment cannot be guaranteed.
Cakeage
- Guests are welcome to bring their own cake.
- $4 per person applies for groups of up to 15 guests.
- $60 per cake applies for groups of 16 guests and above.
Deposits, payment and cancellations
- Deposits and prepayments are deducted from the final bill.
- Bookings of 6 guests and above may require credit card authorisation.
- Private dining and venue hire require credit card authorisation and a deposit.
- Cancellation fees may apply within 48 hours, and no-shows may incur charges.
- Split bills may not be available for large groups.
Public holidays and special event days
- A 15% public holiday surcharge applies.
- Credit card authorisation is required on selected dates.
- Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, the Easter weekend, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Special event days: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Melbourne Cup.
Promotions and ticketed events
- Promotions are generally limited to bookings of up to 6 guests and cannot be combined.
- Promotions are not valid on public holidays or special event days.
- Ticket purchases are generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred unless approved.
- Failure to attend a ticketed event is treated as a no-show.
Venue conduct, damage and force majeure
- Management may refuse entry or service, and alcohol service is subject to RSA legislation.
- The booking holder accepts responsibility for damage caused by themselves or their guests.
- The venue is not responsible for disruption caused by events beyond its reasonable control.
- Photography and videography may take place in the venue and may be used for promotion. Tell management if you would rather not appear.
On the night
Is there AV in the rooms?
Screens and microphones are included in the spaces marked AV in the comparison tables. A full rig, a technician or anything beyond a screen and a mic is quoted separately.
Can we play our own music?
Yes in the spaces with a speaker input, and a DJ is fine in the spaces with a dance floor. Volume and finish time are set by the venue licence.
Is there a noise curfew?
It varies by site and it is real. Outdoor areas in particular have conditions. The coordinator will give you the exact cut-off for your space and date before you confirm.
Are under 18s allowed?
Yes, and later in fully private spaces by arrangement. The cut-off is set by the venue and its licence, so check it with the coordinator when you book. Responsible service of alcohol applies throughout.
Who will be there on the night?
The coordinator you have been dealing with, or a named handover if they cannot be. You will not turn up to a room run by somebody who has never seen your run sheet.
Booking terms and conditions
Reservations and seating
- We do not allocate or designate specific tables prior to arrival.
- Seating requests are noted but cannot be guaranteed.
- Bookings are held for a maximum of 1.5 hours for groups of up to 7 guests, and 2 hours for groups of 8 and above.
- Tables may be released if guests do not arrive within a reasonable period.
Group bookings
- Bookings of 10 guests and above generally require a group dining set menu.
- Alternative dining arrangements may be considered at the discretion of management.
- Guest numbers may be increased or decreased up to 48 hours before the reservation.
- Reductions within 48 hours may still be charged on the confirmed numbers.
Pre-orders, wagyu and dietary requirements
- Selected menu items may be available for pre-order, and pre-orders require a deposit or prepayment.
- Final quantities must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the reservation.
- Premium wagyu may require prepayment, and changes within 48 hours may result in forfeiture of deposits.
- Allergies and dietary requirements must be advised before visiting. An allergen free environment cannot be guaranteed.
Cakeage
- Guests are welcome to bring their own cake.
- $4 per person applies for groups of up to 15 guests.
- $60 per cake applies for groups of 16 guests and above.
Deposits, payment and cancellations
- Deposits and prepayments are deducted from the final bill.
- Bookings of 6 guests and above may require credit card authorisation.
- Private dining and venue hire require credit card authorisation and a deposit.
- Cancellation fees may apply within 48 hours, and no-shows may incur charges.
- Split bills may not be available for large groups.
Public holidays and special event days
- A 15% public holiday surcharge applies.
- Credit card authorisation is required on selected dates.
- Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, the Easter weekend, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Special event days: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Melbourne Cup.
Promotions and ticketed events
- Promotions are generally limited to bookings of up to 6 guests and cannot be combined.
- Promotions are not valid on public holidays or special event days.
- Ticket purchases are generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred unless approved.
- Failure to attend a ticketed event is treated as a no-show.
Venue conduct, damage and force majeure
- Management may refuse entry or service, and alcohol service is subject to RSA legislation.
- The booking holder accepts responsibility for damage caused by themselves or their guests.
- The venue is not responsible for disruption caused by events beyond its reasonable control.
- Photography and videography may take place in the venue and may be used for promotion. Tell management if you would rather not appear.
Still have a question?
Thanks, we have received your enquiry
If this is about a booking modification, table bookings can be made and changed directly on OpenTable with the venue you booked.
For anything urgent, please give us a call on 1300 353 636.
We respond to enquiries within two business days.
