If you're searching for a truly different function space for your company awards night in Melbourne that offers something out of the ordinary PLUS a dance floor, read on!
Carman's Space
Looking to celebrate your successes in the food world?
The Conservatory, built behind Carman's food empire headquarters in Huintingdale by Australia's muesli queen, Carolyn Carman, might just be the perfect venue for a small-to-mid-size awards evening, corporate dinner or business milestone where you want to have some dancing afterwards.
Simply move those tables out of the way and dance up a storm on those polished concrete floors!
Clearly this purpose-built outdoor venue is perfect for a spring or summer celebration but given it's not a plastic marquee, it will be a cosy option in wintertime, too.
The Conservatory has capacity for up to 100 guests cocktail style, or up to 48 on communal tables.
Evie's Disco Diner
If your company has a creative edge and/or a large number of young employees, you'll want to choose somewhere that's fun and in the heart of where it's happening for maximum guest attendance.
Gardens House
Nestled deep in the leafy surrounds of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens is the historic Gardens House, built in 1854.
If you haven't ventured into a library since you were at school, you'd be forgiven for remembering the librarian hushing you with "There's no talking!". But there's plenty to talk about and even to dance to, here.
The newest venue and dedicated event space at the State Library of Victoria is the airy Isabella Fraser Room, accessed through a separate entrance next to the Victoria Gallery.
Book it by day and the light streams in through the soaring windows. Book it for the evening and the lighting is already rigged to showcase your moves on the parquetry floor.
You might like to combine a corporate banquet dinner for up to 156 guests or a cocktail party for up to 220 people with an intriguing private viewing of the artifacts on display at the library.
The Regal Ballroom
Did you know this venue has been delighting Melburnians for over 100 years?
This recently opened group of function spaces, on the Melbourne CBD fringe of St Kilda Road, is under the Big Group umbrella.
Its Eastern Bar is a light-filled space featuring soaring leadlight windows while the Western Bar has a Parisian bistro feel with its dark panelled bar and brass finishes.
The black-and-white chequerboard flooring of the Pavilion, with its retractable roof seems made for summer night dancing while Ormond Hall is a heritage-listed dance hall dating from 1891. The hall was revamped in the 1920s giving it a distinctly Art Deco air.
Book a cocktail party for up to 100 guests in the Eastern Bar or up to 250 in the Western Bar. The Pavilion can accommodate up to 100 banquet-style or 420 guests for cocktails while the Hall is made for a massive dance-off with up to 220 in banquet seating or up to 500 cocktail guests.
Brunswick Mess Hall
Postioned only a block or so from Brunswick train station, which improves the number of transport options for your guests, this venue gives you a surprisingly wide range of decorating options.
The criss-crossed, wooden-beamed ceiling makes it easy for suspend ceiling installations and themed event lighting while the contemporary bar makes it a fun venue option for cocktail drinks.
The Brunswick Mess Hallis ideal for awards nights seated banquet style for up to 130 guests or up to 200 people for a cocktail event.
Should you need extra space or an after-party party area, the adjacent Little Mess space offers a more casual beer garden vibe.
Boho Boutique Events
Say "Hola!" to this Spanish-influenced venue, part of the Showtime Event Group ideal for a small-scale awards dinner.
Sited on Dukes Walk on the South Wharf Promenade, Boho Boutique Events' hardwood furniture, bronzed mirrors, large windows and a monochromatic feature mural that could transport you straight to Madrid, makes the space immediately warm and welcoming.
Book the restaurant and the terrace outside for a total combined capacity of 80 guests banquet-style or 160 for a cocktail event. And then kick up your heels!
Melbourne University Boat House
If your business has anything to do with yachting, the maritime, or perhaps, at a stretch, you're launching a Hampton's style product range, the Melbourne University Boat House could be a novel venue choice.
Overlooking the Melbourne city skyline, the iconic Yarra river at night, and the greenery of the gardens, the heritage two-storey weatherboard building with arching fretwork exterior unfolds to reveal a surprisingly state-of-the-art, modern interior and extension.
Perfect for banquet events of up to 90 guests or for cocktail parties of 120 people.
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