I recently attended a conference at this venue. It's very good. The spaces are large, airy and…read moreflexible. The location is very easy to find and the facilities are well appointed. Food over the two days was consistently good, with nice variety and good quality. The barista served coffee was extra good. Service was professional, discrete and responsive. Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to come back here again. Thank you.

We has our wedding reception here in March 2014. From first inquiry to collecting our items the day…read moreafter our wedding, Wattle Park were a dream to deal with. Nothing was too hard or too much to ask. Where most venues we spoke with were very resistant to putting your own personality into the decor/surrounds, Wattle Park embraced it. For example, when we asked about putting some things up on the walls, their response was "Look, you can pretty much do what you want as long as you don't break anything". We were even allowed to have our dog in the garden at the reception, which was a lovely touch. They were easy to communicate with and did well to keep in touch and make sure our needs were met. The food was excellent, with very generous serves. The serving staff were a delight! So helpful, friendly and professional. Nothing was too much to ask of them and they really went above and beyond. You would expect that this freedom and level of service would come at an extraordinary cost but their prices were very reasonable compared with similar venues around Melbourne. We were truly shocked at what a find it was. Wattle Park was an amazing venue and business to deal with. I can't recommend more highly.

From the owner: Wattle Park Chalet is one of the most sought after wedding reception venues Melbourne has to offer.read more

From the minute we walked into their modern, hip, well lit space, to the moment we left, the whole…read moreexperience was pretty much flawless. The decor is perfect, music not too loud, and even with other patrons there, you can still hear the people in your party talk without having to shout. Staff were attentive right away. They offered water within a minute of sitting down and they were all very friendly. They gave us enough time to look over their varied menu and took the orders - some with modifications - and got everything right (yes, this obviously should be a no brainer, but even something this simple is not always achievable in some places). We wanted to try a few of the entrees, so amongst us, we got the delicious Karaage Popcorn Chicken, Wild Mushroom and Leek Arancini and the Mac N Cheese Croquettes. Each of them were so good. Really delicious and came with gorgeous dipping sauces. Presentation was on point and we didn't have to wait long for them to arrive. For the main, I ordered the Wagyu Beef Burger and I must say it was absolutely perfectly cooked and tasted great. My only minor complaint is that I don't like sweet bread buns with a savoury burger, so it would be great if there were perhaps two options. Everyone's meal came out correctly and reasonably promptly and we all enjoyed. Now usually, that would be enough to eat, however, even their menu says "Save Room" when it comes to the dessert portion choices. We did what we were told and saved room for what can be only described as one of the most beautiful and unique desserts I've ever had. I had a gorgeous Ruby Chocolate Sphere with middle eastern pashmak (cotton candy/fairy floss). It had a stunning Turkish Delight flavour throughout and even the chocolate sphere shell was beautiful. You MUST save room for dessert when coming here because they all looked (and tasted) incredible and something more unique than other restaurants offer. While I haven't eaten breakfast here, I do want to, and not only because dinner was such a good experience, but because their menu looks different to so many other restaurants/cafes around Melbourne. In a city with so many copycat menus, I must say the food here is a bit more varied, and definitely, definitely delicious and worth a try for sure.

Great pizzas fresh tasty and staff very friendly and professional. First time in Australia just…read morewalking around. It's a great find.

I would say that this place was a bit of a surprise, but in reality, it really wasn't. I guess I…read morewas expecting just your normal, every day, pub but it turned out that this place was rather different. I guess having a room that happens to be a wine bar would do that to a place. Then again, the mere mention of the word wine bar sort of sends shivers through me, but as a pub, this place was actually not bad at all. Sure, they have a wine bar in it, but they also serve beer, and they also have a rather nice, and quite large, outdoor area. Oh, and the beers they have on offer are also pretty good.

New life has been breathed into what was the former Geebung. New life that really was desperately…read moreneeded. Welcome back the auburn hotel _ established in 1888 - with a little break here and there. As a semi regular - I've watched the slow transformation of the auburn including the menu over the past 12 months to a shorter and sharper offering. Shorter and I think sadly a little too pricey for what it delivers. The real change has been the overhaul of the back room from a grimy pub to a refined dining space. The courtyard area has been doubled and is now a really inviting area with communal benches, mod grass and umbrellas. It's actually s place you want to hang out at now for a sneaky drink. I've been suitably impressed by the impression that the auburn delivers. But... There is still an annoying thing that remain from the Geebung days - e.g. Ordering times - way too long to deliver something like a basic Parma. Previously there used to be "special nights" to entice the locals in - these are all gone with the exception of Tuesday steak night. A little disappointing to be honest as the menu pricing for anything other than a ladies Parma is too rich for most people to go to most nights or on a whim - which is what was great about specials nights. I like what the auburn is trying to achieve. I like the atmosphere they are trying to curate. I (mostly) like the simplified menu but I think they've missed the point of a lovely local when it comes to pricing (9.50 for a side green salad anybody?) and this really needs to be addressed to make it the wonderful local that we will all frequent. 4 for vibe - 2 for menu/pricing. Overall 3 - just. Because I can't do a half star and that pricing is not feeling right to me.

I probably shouldn't judge this place by the views, even though I did actually quite like them…read more Well, this place is a cocktail bar, but the thing is that they do more than just cocktails, particularly where I am concerned since I do prefer beers, and they certainly were able to help me out in that regards, since they did have a rather nice selection as well. I actually found this place to be rather laid back and relaxing, especially the back area, and the service was quite nice as well. As for the views, well, it was on the railway line, but then again, that is something that I actually do rather like.

I organised a cocktail class for my girlfriends hens party at Maeve Fox and was really blown away…read moreby the quality of the event. Our group had such an amazing time. We got to jump in the bar and learn to make yummy cocktails. The gentleman that ran the course was very passionate about bartending and incredibly knowledgable - but didn't take himself too serious and still able to have a laugh with the group! The food included in the course was yummy but I would recommend you order a few additional platters if your friends like to drink as much as mine! If you are looking for something different for a hens party or even a work function. Maeve Fox is well worth looking in to.

This is an absolutely delightful place hidden among the rugged bushland that happens to be Yarra…read moreBend Park. The first time I came down here was to meet some friends, and it is certainly one of those rather lovely places in which to do that. In a way it is a cross between a kiosk, a café, and a full blown restaurant, that also gets into the business of lending out row boats for those people who simply want to go back to the 17th Century, when wealthy people would play rowboat on the local pond. In a way, this is one of those perfect places for afternoon tea with friends, especially on a public holiday.

This was one of my favourite places in the 80s and it hasn't been updated our repainted since. The…read morebest thing about it is the nature. Unfortunately I can't really recommend the kiosk and they even charge a credit card surcharge, just like in the 80s.

Revolt art space is a wonderful, amazing venue located in the suburb of Kensington, which is about…read more10 minutes away from the CBD. When I first came here it was to see one of my favorite bands (Bonjah) play on Australia day 2010. I was blown away. The huge 'factory' is abundant with art. It's visual candy - everywhere. There are separate rooms with couches filled with sculptures and paintings. It has a main stage with with ample room for standing to watch a band or performer. Performers vary from dancers to mimes to comedians to actors. Revolt is open most days - it has a chill atmosphere you can just call in have a coffee and read a book or attend one of the many events which can be found on their website. The staff at Revolt are a family - literally. They took lease of the space in 2009 and have worked hard to make it what it is today. I was lucky enough to volunteer during the 2011 Fringe Festival which was a great experience. I encourage you all to call into Revolt & check it out, if only for the visual experience. You will be amazed at this place & wonder why you have never visited there before. They serve alcohol & have bar food. http://www.revoltproductions.com/home/

Revolt is a secret pirate cave of wonderment. I want to say more, but I don't think I could capture…read morethe excitement of the first time I entered and wandered around the many rooms and spaces that have amassed in this new performing arts centre in Kensington. It's a maze, designed with both performers and audience in mind. The crew make sure you're getting a truly unique experience by either attending or using Revolt to stage your event. What's more (and the bit I think I like the most) is their philosophy of supporting new artists. For someone with a great idea but not a big plan on how to market that idea, this is possibly the place to approach to stage it. It's a bit of a secret, really, tucked down a back street in an unassuming warehouse district, but not one that should stay so.

I recently held a large work event at Leonda and was impressed with the service from start to…read morefinish. From my initial site visit right through to the night of the event, all the staff I had dealings with were prompt, professional and pro-active - every event managers dream! The team were able to cater to all our last minute requests and changes without batting an eyelid. Knowing they had everything under control allowed me to enjoy the night. The menu was spot on and while i found some of the dishes a little too rich for my own personal taste, the feedback I received on the whole from other guests was absolutely glowing. Located right on the Yarra with easy access to transport and 150 free parking spaces on site, this a great events venue. Book early though - weddings take up every Saturday night spot for so long in advance you may as well pencil something in for your new born daughter right now ;)

Leonda is a swanky function centre. The sort of place where as we drove in there were attendents at…read morethe carpark entrance to check your invites, people just to open the door for you and once inside everything is so shiny it hurts your eyes to look at for too long. That's my idea of swanky, call me a simple country boy you may indeed! Specialising in weddings, corporate functions and dinners Leonda is beautifully set by the Yarra although it was stormy the night I went and everything was kept inside. I'm told the outdoor area is the best part of the centre. The food was delicious, particularly the Morrocan lamb which almost fell off the bone as I looked at it and the staff (mostly uni students by the looks of it) were friendly yet professional at the same time. It's not a huge venue but was perfect for a corporate dinner and would be a lovely setting for any wedding.

An amazing venue for a wedding ceremony and reception. The views across the green are stunning and…read morethe staff amazing. Cocktail food for the reception was perfect with a good selection on offer. My only tip if having a ceremony on the green is to ensure you have speakers at rear as well as front so people at the back can here the speeches and ceremony.

no moving real estate on the green today... attended a very nice and entertaining wedding.. the…read morecatering was spot on and was exceptional. Should ask the newly weds who they used. Scallops on this bed of anonymous sauce... was amazing. It wasn't potatoe I think my taste buds was killed off from the MSG laden hot pot I had the previous night. The scallop was maaan ... fresh ocean sea breeze in ur mouth. Didn't want it to end. I counted each piece and was very very reluctant to share one of them!! boooo The baramundi?! I think??? was oooooooooohh ... done very well!! Skin crisp and not overly salty or tough. The flesh just carved out in its natural pattern form as you use the fork to separate a piece... Hmmm the steak actually it was a lamb rump!!! Tasted like beef!! Was ok .. I lucked out with a tough piece with a large piece of sinew running through it. Desert... ooooh this was de creme of da cremes the tinged tophie on top breaking away into this yummy custard like heaven thing. **Sorry this is as much as my culinary vocab goes.

State of Grace was one of the highlights of our Melbourne trip -- an incredible dining experience…read morefrom start to finish. The atmosphere is vibrant, stylish, and full of character. From the moment you walk in, there's a buzz that makes the place feel alive without being overwhelming. It strikes a great balance between upscale and relaxed, making it perfect for a date night or a fun evening out. The warm lighting and eclectic design add to the charm and make you want to linger. Service was friendly, attentive, and well-paced throughout the night. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu, checked in on us at the right moments, and made the whole experience feel effortless and welcoming. Every dish we ordered was excellent -- not a single miss. We started with the Cauliflower & Mozzarella Croquettes, which were crispy on the outside and perfectly creamy inside. The Grilled King Prawns were flavorful and cooked just right, while the Kingfish Ceviche was fresh, bright, and beautifully balanced. The Stracciatella & Heirloom Tomatoes was simple yet outstanding, letting the quality of the ingredients shine. For mains, the Duck Breast was cooked perfectly and full of rich flavor, and the Lamb Backstrap was tender and well-seasoned. The Pecorino & Ricotta Ravioli was comforting and delicate, while the Seafood Linguine stood out with generous portions of seafood and a beautifully balanced sauce. The Honey Glaze Carrots were the perfect side -- sweet, savory, and executed flawlessly. Overall, State of Grace delivers on every level -- ambience, service, and food. An exceptional spot that lives up to the hype, and one we'd absolutely return to on our next visit to Melbourne.

State of Grace has a positive vibe. Even before your first drink you will think oh what a cool…read moreplace. It's the decor from extravagant chandeliers to deer heads with pearl necklaces; it's beautifully eclectic. I had an old fashion and it had the right mix of orange and bitters. I also ordered the burger which was decent and the fries were hot and crispy. The night I visited there was a live singer playing tunes. Service was quick and friendly. Even the ordering is eclectic as you order electronically (QR) pasted to a library book. This place is worth a visit.