Private Bars for Hire in Sydney

Your Guide to Hiring Private Bars in Sydney

Sydney is rich in amazing and diverse bar venues that are just waiting to be booked for your event! It’s not only the biggest and oldest city in Australia, but also the most diverse. If you are in search of a place to host an event, Sydney is the right destination. Birthday celebrations, cocktail parties, family gatherings and informal meetings, the city is a buzzing and lively hub ready to be the host! The array of private bars here is almost endless, but at Tagvenue we help you browse them and choose the best fit for your needs.

Many of Sydney’s bars host events and are available for private hire for parties, but what are some of the more interesting options you can look into? First and foremost, as mentioned earlier, the rooftop cocktail bar scene is booming. Very few things are as pleasant as watching the sun go down with an excellent drink in hand, surrounded by good company in your intimate privately hired rooftop space. And you’ll have a lot of choice of venue style, from more formal hotel rooftops, to relaxed lounge types! The Plane Spotter Garden Bar at The Branksome Hotel & Residences is one option that offers stunning views of the city. Themed bars are also an excellent idea, with Sydney boasting some exciting options for everyone. If you want to have a real unique experience with a resort feel, Cabana Bar on Martin Place is an excellent choice. Another unique way of experiencing a bar event in Sydney is hiring a cruise on the Sydney Harbour, such as the Aussie Magic.

We know how stressful it is to have to choose from the variety of private bars available for hire in Sydney. You want your event to be perfect, no matter if it’s a corporate party, birthday celebration, hen or stag night, or just a chill gathering with your friends. Our experts have prepared a list of things to pay attention to before booking a venue that can make your planning a breeze!

• Location - You already know that there’s a great variety of private bars scattered all around Sydney, but where will your perfect venue be? Make sure it’s situated in a place that’s accessible for the guests, whether it be near a railway station, bus stop, or a large car park. Next, consider what the ideal surrounding would be - would you prefer a view at the Harbour, the bustling city centre, or the outskirts of the town?
• Size - Knowing your guestlist in advance will allow you to choose a bar of the exact capacity you need. This way you can be sure that there’s enough space for everyone, but at the same time you’re not overpaying for a venue too big for your event!
• Pricing model - Most private bars in Sydney are priced based on per person fees or a minimum spend. Per person pricing often means there’s a package that includes a certain amount of food and/or drinks, while a minimum spend means there’s an agreed amount of money you’ll have to spend at the event, but the hiring itself is virtually free. You can also look for venues with hire fees per hour or per session. Each of these models has its advantages and disadvantages, so figure out what works best for your event!
• Food and drinks - It’s obvious that when hosting a party or meeting at a bar, you’ll want everyone to enjoy their meals and beverages. Research the menus offered at each venue you are considering and read the reviews to see what makes your mouth water the most! Additionally, you should check with your guests to see if the venue will need to cater to any dietary restrictions.
• Policies - Are you planning to party till dawn? Check what the rules offer loud music and how long the alcohol licence is active for. If you are planning to save on the alcohol, check for venues that allow BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage).
• Facilities - Maybe bar events don’t need as much equipment as you need business meetings and presentations, but there still might be things that you’re looking for! Wishing to watch a movie, slideshow, or sports event during your party? Make sure a screen or a projector is available! An important detail for many events might be wheelchair accessibility, so if that applies to you, don’t forget to check it.
• Vibe - Last but not least, you cannot forget about the atmosphere of the place! We know it’s an essential part of every private bar experience, because who’d want to feel out of place during an event? The interior design, seating arrangement, staff, and general ambience of the space influence the vibes it gives off, so make sure to have a close look at the photos and guest reviews to find your favourites! 

It’s much easier to start your search when you know what you’re looking for! Once you find your dream private bar venue in Sydney with the help of our smart search features, simply fill out the enquiry form at the right hand side of the venue page with the necessary information and you’ll be a step closer to hiring it!

FAQs about Private Bars in Sydney

What are the prices for hiring private bars in Sydney?

If you are looking for a private bar with a minimum spend, you should expect prices to begin around $150 per session and reach as high as $51,000. However, a majority of the venues will ask for between $1,000 and $4,000. Most per person fees range from $30-70. Hire fees tend to start at $55 to $70 per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of Sydney are best for private bars?

Starting out around Kings Cross is an excellent choice for great menus, great cocktails and even greater ambiance (though be wary of the prices!). Waterside venues and excellent craft pubs abound in the area a bit south of Barangaroo as you work your way along the water. North Sydney is a great place for quieter and more budget friendly bars for hire, especially around St Leonard’s Park.

What are the best rated private bars in Sydney?

According to Tagvenue users, the best bars in Sydney are:

• The Bar at The Royal Exchange of Sydney - this venue, located near the Royal Botanic Garden.
• Verandah - situated close to the Martin Place Station, the venue offers 8 different spaces for hire.
• Since I Left You - this small bar is located in the CBD.
• Tatler Sydney - this Kings Cross bar allows you to hire one of their smaller spaces or the entire venue!

Can I hire a large private bar in Sydney?

You can! There’s a lot of high capacity bars available for hire in Sydney. To begin with, The Sporting Globe King Street Wharf exclusive venue hire allows you to invite up to 350 guests in a sitting arrangement or 500 standing. For a big event with a beautiful view, consider hiring The Marina - Cafe & Bar. This venue, located on Cockatoo Island, can fit up to 150 people. One of the largest private bars in Sydney listed on our site is the Space Nightclub at Shark Hotel - it can accommodate even 1,000 standing guests!