Bars for Groups for Hire in Melbourne

Booking costs of bars for groups average $1200 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Melbourne, based on Tagvenue data:

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2026), the best options include:

• Main Room at The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar in Northcote - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘The bar staff were great. Would not hesitate to book another event at The Purple Emerald.’

• Courtyard at Bonny in Fitzroy - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘The service was 10/10, the food was immaculate. I could not recommend Bonny Bar enough.’

• Peacock Lounge at The Emerald Peacock in Melbourne CBD - rated 4.8/5
  Our user said: ‘No minimum bar spend to hire a place is a bonus.’

You'll find bars for groups in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Melbourne, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (October 2026):

These are the venues within 150 m from central Melbourne, available to book on Tagvenue:

• Beer Hall and Cocktail Bar at Cookie on 252 Swanston Street - 150 m from centre.
  Our user said: ‘Friendly and helpful staff on the night. Excellent and plentiful food and drinks. Great atmosphere.’
• Peacock Lounge at The Emerald Peacock on 233 Lonsdale Street - 150 m from centre.
  Our user said: ‘No minimum bar spend to hire a place is a bonus.’
• Chairman's Lounge at Asian Beer Café Melbourne Central on 211 La Trobe Street - 150 m from centre.
  Venue said: The layout supports shared-plate dining and informal drink service from the main venue. Ideal for: Friend groups or workplace social groups seeking a relaxed, social seated meal or casual drinks in a semi‑private setting.

In Melbourne, bars for groups are most commonly booked for 30 to 65 guests. Here are some popular kinds of events people have hosted at these spaces on Tagvenue, as of October 2026:

Melbourne is filled to the brim with fantastic bars for groups, but some neighbourhoods have more to offer than the others! Here’s a brief guide to finding the right location for your bar event in Melbourne:

• The biggest concentration of bars for groups can be found in the centre of Melbourne. Areas like the CBD, East End, Docklands and South Wharf are filled with options that can suit any taste! There are spacious bars for large groups, chic private lounges, and extravagant rooftop terraces, so you can really pick and choose in this part of the city! Additionally, the public transport options are just endless here.
• If you wish to venture into the suburbs that are still conveniently located but not as central, You definitely need to check out stylish Carlton and Fitzroy. From St Kilda all the way up to Richmond, there’s also a stretch of top-rated bars and pubs available for hire. 
• In the further-out suburbs, there’s still much to discover! Brunswick, Preston, and Hawthorn boast some of the best bars for groups that specialise in craft beer and wine. In the eastern part of this area, you definitely need to check out the options around Ringwood and Ferntree Gully.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the selection, don’t worry! Use our handy map feature, which allows you to zoom into your desired area and check out all the roads and public transport connections near your desired venue.

Your party in a cheap bar with your group can be a breeze with these tips:

• Plan Ahead - Start planning well in advance to secure the best deals and availability at your chosen venue.
• Choose the Right Venue - Look for bars that offer affordable drink packages, happy hour specials, or BYO options to keep costs down.
• Consider Off-Peak Times - Opt for hosting your party during off-peak hours or days when venues may offer discounted rates or special deals.
• Negotiate with the Venue - Don't be afraid to negotiate with the venue manager for better pricing or additional perks, especially if you're bringing in a large group.
• Limit Extras - Keep extras like decorations, entertainment, and party favours simple and budget-friendly to focus on the main event - enjoying time with your guests.
• Utilise Group Booking Discounts - Many bars offer discounts or perks for group bookings, so be sure to inquire about any available deals when making your reservation.
• Share Costs - Consider splitting the expenses among attendees to make the party more affordable for everyone.