Functions at bells

At Bells, we understand that every event is unique, which is why we offer a range of versatile spaces to suit every taste and size of the guest list. Whether you're planning a small intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, our dedicated events team is on hand to make the process seamless, from start to finish.

With stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, we offer a variety of options to suit your needs, whether it's a formal dinner, a cocktail party, or a corporate function. Our team can work with you to create a bespoke menu that perfectly complements your event, using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients and the culinary expertise of our head chef, Suman.

And with our extensive selection of regional wines, beers, and spirits, you can be sure that your guests will be well taken care of throughout the event. From our elegant dining room to our picturesque garden, each of our spaces has its own unique charm and character, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Occasions

Corporate

Whether you are looking for a space that will facilitate innovative and thought-provoking discussions or a venue that will spark creativity and team bonding, Bells Hotel has the perfect spot for your team. We have several spaces you can choose from.

C O C K T A I L P A R T I E S

Cocktail parties are an excellent choice for a whole variety of different social gatherings, be it intimate drinks between a few close friends or a corporate event for colleagues you are looking to impress. 

Birthdays

We have a passion for parties and love to celebrate every milestone no matter how big or small. We have a range of venue options to suit all your needs and budget. With a variety of unique venue styles, we’ll have a party space for you and your guests!

W E D D I N G S

Indoor or outdoor, we have it both. Do your wedding they way you like. Our experienced team is ready to help you plan your day.

Engagement parties

So one of you proposed, and the other said ‘yes’. Congrats! This is an exciting chapter to celebrate and we’d love to be a part of it! Whether it’s a cocktail party, a rooftop party, a sit-down dinner or just casual drinks. We’re here to help.

O F F S I T E M E E T I N G S

Planning your next daytime meeting? Bells Hotel offers exceptional conference and meeting facilities in the heart of South Melbourne. From small to large groups, there’s a space for you.

Have a quick digital tour with one of our Event Managers - Steffie and then check out all spaces below.

Main Hall

AN EVENT SPACE TRULY DESIGNED TO IMPRESS

The Main Hall, on the edge of the city, is the most beautiful and exciting urban rooftop venue for evening functions you could imagine. This contemporary loft style setting is enhanced by sweeping city views of Melbourne’s skyline and is made for lavish parties, dinners, cocktail events and weddings.  Your guests can have this prized space all to themselves with entry via a private laneway entrance and lift. This vast rooftop playground is one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets.

Chic minimalist black, grey and white décor offers the ultimate blank canvas for personal styling to satisfy your heart’s desire. Main Hall can accommodate up to 200 for a standing cocktail style event and up to 160 for a seated event. Positioned in the heart of South Melbourne, Main Hall is unrivalled for its location and iconic Melbourne city views.

the Rooftop

A FUN AND PLAYFUL ENVIRONMENT

When new guests get their first glimpse of the Rooftop, the reaction is usually the same. Jaws collectively drop as they take in the magnificent view of the city skyline followed by exclamations that they had no idea this spectacular vantage point existed. This rooftop space at Bells Hotel becomes a magical setting as the sun sets reflected in the sparkling exteriors of the city’s towers followed by the show of lights of the city after dark. 

The open-air Rooftop is popular for corporate and private celebrations, including long work lunches in the sunshine, after-work drinks, wedding ceremonies or cocktail parties for up to 100 guests. Accessed by a private lift, this gorgeous space has audio-visual facilities for all types of events.

the topiary

SOUTH MELBOURNE’S best-kept secret for weddings, engagements, parties and corporate events.

The Topiary is a unique event space that was once a converted warehouse, featuring lush greenery and high ceilings that create a stunning atmosphere for any occasion. Whether you're planning a wedding, engagement party, corporate event, or any other type of celebration, The Topiary provides an amazing setting that will leave your guests in awe. The space is designed with versatility in mind, allowing for customization and flexibility to meet your specific needs. With its beautiful green plants and expansive layout, The Topiary is sure to impress and make your event unforgettable.

Hennessy Room

A SPACE FOR PRESENTATIONS, WEDDINGS, CLUB MEETINGS AND CORPORATE LUNCHES

Perched on top of Bells Hotel, the Hennessy Room offers a large versatile space for up to 100 people or seating for 80 that can also be divided for smaller groups. This graceful room with ornate high ceilings, grand fireplaces and abundant windows peering over the tree-lined street has its own bar to cater for your work conference or club event. This white minimalist space is a blank canvas easily transformed for your formal celebration or brand or product launch with full audio-visual facilities. An add-on outdoor terrace offers an additional informal space for your guests to mingle. The Hennessy Room offers flexibility and grandeur for launches and celebrations. Talk to us about the variety of set ups we can offer.

HENNESSY LANE

OPEN AIR, HIGH CEILING

Upstairs at Bells lies our recently renovated Hennessy Lane. The steel beams and setting next to the shipping container bar of the Main Hall add an industrial feel to the space, while the greenery adds a pop of colour and stunning contrast.

This sun drenched lane is perfect for small and larger gatherings, and can be added as an extension to the adjoining Hennessy Room, Main Hall, or Rooftop Terrace. Hennessy Lane is fully undercover and dotted with plenty of heaters, making it a terrific all-season space - perfect for post-work drinks, casual catch-ups, or dreamy Sunday sessions.

lady Kaye

light and airy garden space

The newest addition to Bells Hotel, Lady Kaye, named after Billy Bell’s wife will surely radiate elegance, warmth, and style. The beautifully designed garden is ideal for Birthdays, Engagements, Anniversaries, Intimate Weddings, Workshops, Staff Parties, Breakfast Meetings, etc.

This will be richly decorated in greeneries for a stunning function and event space perfectly nestled at the back of the Heritage-listed Bells Hotel. Lady Kaye is set to accommodate up to 100 standing guests and will have the capacity for a 50-person sit-down event.

Expect nothing less than exceptional service, stunning garden, elegant event spaces and a dedicated planning team. What more could you want!

PARLOUR bar

SOUTH MELBOURNE’S VENUE FOR PARTIES, GROUPS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS

The Parlour Bar is a welcoming blend of history and modernity. The historic corner building is an icon of charm. The classic period details and generous proportions have been complemented with clean lines and modern finishes. 

The Parlour Bar features one of Melbourne's longest bars so there's plenty of room for friendly service. The rennovations have brought light and openness to the space – to make for one of the most comfortable and friendly bar rooms in Melbourne.

Restaurant

PUB CLASSICS AND CONTEMPORARY CUISINE

Set in the old brewery site, where Billy Bell used to produce his infamous 'Hells Bells' Lager.

Our restaurant now has a wonderful aspect looking out over the leafy beer garden. A warm and friendly space seating 46 guests. Always popular, this space is ideal for both small and large group bookings. The restaurant is the quintessential extension of your own family dinging room, making it ideal for weekly family get-togethers, coffee dates, boozy work lunches, or catching up with friends.   

ANNIE’s BAR

A SPACE FOR MEETINGS, PARTIES AND AFTER WORK DRINKS

Annie Bell became licensee of Bells Hotel, formerly Freers in 1935 and her family hold the longest association with one hotel between a family when they sold in 2007.

As we prepare to forge all new memories in Bells Hotel, ask any Victorian what connects us and unites us, and one answer stands out clear: our shared passion for world-class sporting events and a good old-fashioned beer.
If you can’t get to the game, head to this comfortable bar with its big screens, good food, and plenty of taps serving cold pints.

The all new 1935 Annie’s Bar, is a sportsman’s paradise - historic bar tops accompanied with the most modern bars, as well as state of the art technology and sound.

This is a thrilling new beginning sitting adjacent to our state of the art Betting Ring and Tab facilities.

Private Dining

A SPACE FOR SMALL GROUPS, PARTIES, CELEBRATIONS AND MEETINGS

The Dining Room is a fabulous space for groups of up to 12 people. It’s tucked away but close to service. An informal but intimate space with bright natural light, fireplace and business facilities – ideal for meetings, small gatherings and friendly celebrations. 

AntE Room

AFTER WORK DRINKS, MEETINGS, PRESENTATIONS AND PRIVATE DINING

For up to 16 people the Ante Room has a private bar, its own entrance and connects with our alfresco dining. The booth seating and restaurant tables makes for great conversations and a social atmosphere ideal for casual functions, after work drinks, small meetings or private dining. 

There's a screen for presentations if need be and the space is easily reconfigured to accommodate groups of different sizes. The Ante Room connects through to the the Bridge Room and Parlour Bar.