Planning a Function in the suburb of St Kilda and looking for venues, halls or rooms to hire? [FM’S] Editors have been busy compiling a list of great places & secret spaces. Many you will never have thought of!
29th apartment is a re-creation of an apartment originally inhabited by the infamous Katishe: a salacious struggling artist who worked the local streets by night to support her passion and hopes of one day being discovered for her talents as a painter. A little after the time Jack Kerouac and Sid Vicious rented rundown rooms at New York City’s Chelsea Hotel, Katishe created her own slice of NYC at 29th apartment. When this gorgeous eccentric walked the dangerous streets at night and brought the rough and tumble men and women back to her place, none of her clients expected the maze of abstract oil paintings that stacked the walls. Fixated with the underground art and cultural movement that Andy Warhol had championed (and perhaps used to being up all night with her trade), most of Katishe’s paintings tell stories from the streets of NYC, the city that never sleeps. Since her mysterious disappearance in the early 80s, 29th apartment has only existed as a memory until 2009 when the current owners of the bar found her self-portrait, ‘Katishe’ as well as remnants of her personal life that are thought to have been part of her night time craft. Paying homage to this hard-working woman, the new owners re-imagined 29 Fitzroy Street as a bar and casual art gallery. With a fish tank that houses a now water-discoloured dildo in the cute bedroom, a decal of a back alleyway that leads to the toilets and a bookcase full of Katishe’s literary inspiration, 29th apartment brings the underbelly of St Kilda and New York together in a blend that can only be understood by taking a look into the heart of Katishe. 29th apartment welcomes you to ring its buzzer and enter into the comfy lounge room for a night of NYC inspired artwork, music, food and beverages.
Republica St Kilda Beach serves up laid back dining and drinks beachside 'for the people'. Experience uninterrupted views whilst you dine, or simply lounge beachside and sip on a cocktail. This unique setting of beach culture invites you to soak up the vibe in the grassy courtyard, enjoy live tunes on the weekends, in St Kilda's Backyard.
With a huge kitchen and cocktail bar, The Estate would make any retired captain happy. Graze like Baxter’s stock with spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay, no matter what the weather is doing.The Captain’s purpose built storage includes wine and beer barrels from the best ports and valleys around the world. Check to see what is in the latest cargo dispatch. The Captain’s cocktail menu is the best way to explore St Kilda’s roots.Creating the thrilling custom designed cocktail list that plays on the history and stories of The Captain himself is Venue Manager and renowned mixologist David van Iersel. Each cocktail comes with its own, often cheeky, short story based on local history and delivers the perfect balance of flavour and flair. Luke Campbell, of Rockpool, Taxi and his own wine business Vinified, has given the wine list serious wine kudos.Our kitchen is open 7 days a week, taking inspiration from Asian street food styles which are fresh, flavourful and made from the best ingredients. The menu is designed to be shared and eaten in a social environment with a cocktail in hand. Captain Baxter is a family run business that believes in the tradition of supporting other family producers and suppliers.Captain Baxter can cater for a broad range of events and is a must for your next event destination. With a number of spaces suitable for any occasion and an experienced team ready to cater to your needs.Our Lounge Space is outlined with stunning electric blue brick, this plush space is ideal for a relaxed social gathering it can accommodate a cocktail style function for 50-60 guests.Our Dining area offers a combination of booth seating and floor to ceiling windows that bring the beach inside while you dine. Perfect for a seated dinner or lunch accommodating 65 guests seated and 80 cocktail.
Located in the heart of Fitzroy Street, the Secret Garden Bar is tucked away from the hustle and noise, and is the perfect venue to escape the norms of everyday life. The Secret Garden Bar offers the tranquility of garden daybeds to relax on while sipping on one of our delectable cocktails. Sit back and enjoy a wine with friends on the timber decking outdoor area or enjoy a private occasion for a more intimate experience.The Secret Garden is one fantastic space for hire. With our whimsical décor and features such as day beds, timber decking and greenery inside this amazing space. The Secret Garden lends itself extremely well to any celebration due to the fact you may find after viewing the space you do not need to go to the extra fuss and expense of decorating yourself.Secret garden will work closely with you to provide an unforgettable experience including personalised waiting staff for all of your food and beverage needs. We will not give you a generic party but one that will make your event shine. Let us create an unforgettable night for you.
Acland Street restaurant is the original establishment from The rococo Group, offering simple Italian food, done well.Our menu highlights include – shared antipasti, pastas and pizza, as well as perfected mains. We also have an extensive wine and cocktail list to compliment your meal.You will find Rococo Acland Street located just a short walk from some of St Kilda’s most popular attractions such as Luna Park, The Esplanade, Night Markets, Farmers Market, The Palais, The National Theatre and St Kilda beach.There is more than adequate parking situated around these areas: Chaucer Street, Shakespeare Grove, Irwell Street and Belford Street.
Located within the iconic Sea Baths, Encore is pure and simple, casual and familiar, with a flexible design. Inspired by the natural beauty and sun-kissed cultures of the southern hemisphere. Each event area has been designed to extend the interior spaces into alfresco entertaining areas, making the most of the unsurpassed beachside location and creating a premiere wedding location in the heart of Melbourne.MenuWith a focus on delivering expert service, mouth-watering food and fine wine, Encore has become one of Melbourne's most unique wedding destinations. Encore can offer a range of packages and bespoke options to suit every requirement. For a cocktail party, why not try a selection of cold and hot canapés with larger grazing dishes, or for a more traditional affair, opt for a sit-down menu or sumptuous buffet.Special featuresEncore allows couples to create an event with their own unique style at a venue that is light, bright and flexible. The venue has a capacity of 300 guests seated or 700 for a cocktail event, but intimate spaces can be created for smaller groups.We invite you to meet with one of our professional wedding coordinators and witness the splendour of Encore for yourself.
Araliya is a restaurant bringing you modern Sri Lankan inspired food right in the heart of St Kilda on Fitzroy Street.The restaurant is beautifully fitted out, with a stunning bar that serves a great selection of craft beers, local wines and wines from afar and cocktails.This is the perfect place to meet friends and relax over a cocktail or two and enjoy the amazing food menu. Whether you are looking for short eats or sharing plates – all that are synonymous with Araliya Hawthorn, it’s the same elegant, spice-tingling style of food on offer.The kitchen is run by Sam Wedande and four chefs who were trained at Araliya Hawthorn. Throw in some of Sam’s secret recipes that has lasted for over 29 years and you will be coming back for more. Catering well for those who need to follow a coeliac diet and also a great selection of vegetarian dishes.The desserts are too tempting to resist and the perfect way to end a perfect night!Private functions can also be catered for, just let us know your budget and guest numbers and we will create a sensational event.
The Prince is a luxury boutique hotel located only minutes away from the beach and many of Melbourne’s fine restaurants. Behind the elegantly transformed art deco exterior, The Prince is a gallery-like collaboration of art, fabric and sculptural designer furniture rich in colour and texture. Each of the 40 rooms is unique in plan. Plush bed linen, natural timbers, craypot lights and white marble create an inviting neutral palette, while luxury bath and body products new complement the sensory pleasure.