Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Big Plans To Throw The Ultimate Event? We’ve Got The Perfect Venue…

Whether or not you say it out loud, we all know that when you throw an event, you want it to be the one everyone keeps bringing up for the rest of their lives (until it gets vaguely irritating). So, how do you choose a function venue worthy of all that praise? Allow us to... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
The True Blue Aussie Landscape Beckons At This Hidden Gem!

Venues don’t get more picturesque than this. Setting itself apart from the bars and restaurants of Melbourne is The Boathouse, right on the banks of the Maribyrnong River. A less than thirty minute drive from the CBD promises to land you in a snapshot of Australia’s stunning natural landscape, hosting some of the most important... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
We’ve Found The Best Parmas In Melbourne! Check Out Where They Are…

Picture this: The game is on, your night is free, and you’re craving nothing more than a good old-fashioned night at your local bar and restaurant in Fitzroy. The Birmy has entered the chat. With all the classic charm of a quintessential Aussie pub, kick back and take in the exposed brick walls, antique-inspired furnishings,... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
The Most Colourful Mexican Fix In Melbourne!

Nachos, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bowls… oh my! Among the bars and restaurants of Melbourne sits the hot spot for local foodies, and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Smith St. If you’re craving a fix of Mexican cuisine, look no further than the heart of a beloved Australian franchise where... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
“Gringlish” Food Is Taking Melbourne By Storm… Only At This Venue!

The following is a public service announcement for all Melbourne foodies: You have to dive into the delectable menu of Bahari: The Helenic Palate right now. Like, immediately! Serving up unique “gringlish” dishes, this little pocket of casual elegance in the Richmond bar and restaurant scene is the passion project of chef Philip Vakos. If... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Oh My GIN! Here Is Your Gintastic Tasting Guide!

We are nearing the end of the year and we bet you are in desperate need of a night out with your friends! You need strong alcohol, tasty food and good vibes so you can finally let loose. Most bars can get repetitive, serving boring wine lists, the same tap beers and a generic list... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Melbourne’s Most Hidden Gem: This Rooftop Bar Is “Just Right” For Your Next Night Out

If you want to traipse your way into your next fairy tale, Goldilocks Rooftop Bar brings the whimsy with a hint of modern flavour to your next trip out! Step into one of Melbourne’s best hidden rooftop bars with a quick magical flight (or elevator trip, same thing) up to the top of the Denyers... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Get Shucking At This CBD Venue

So, you need to organise that end of year work party, that big yearly catch-up with your friend group, or perhaps you are wanting to impress the in-laws? We got you! In honor of the venue you are about to shuck, allow us to guide you through opening your oyster the right way. First, we... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Your Seat In Heaven At This Rooftop Bar

From the moment you step down Meyers Place you know you are in for an amazing time. Embellished with shimmering walls (that you could probably see from space) and painted cobble stones, you can’t miss the front of Loop Rooftop Bar! You are engulfed by excitement from the moment you enter the Laneway, which only... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Open Kitchens, Stunning CBD Views & Mouth-Watering Cocktails… What More Could You Want?

Sydneysiders, a short stroll from the CBD sits the venue of your dreams! Welcome to the epitome of casual class that is The Ternary. Set amongst the sophistication of Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, prepare to relax in luxury. With views that stretch on through floor to ceiling windows, at the Ternary you can enjoy a... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Sydney Meets The Hamptons – Name A More Iconic Duo

Sydney, we know you’re spoiled for choice for places to eat and drink in the CBD, but where else can you enjoy the luxuries of the Hamptons, NY, as well as soak up the best views of the Sydney Harbor? Say hello to the Shelbourne Hotel , a beautiful bar and restaurant that’ll make you... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Melbourne’s Hidden Gem That’ll Transport You Back In Time

tales. Blink and you’ll miss it, this tiny red-brick abode seems worlds away from the modernity of its surrounding skyscrapers. However it's unusual nature is all part of Little Lon’s charm. more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Indulge at Melbourne’s Very Own Phuket Paradise

If you’re in the mood to be wined and dined with some of the best Asian fusion food and drink that Melbourne has to offer, you need to get yourself down to Longsong! Tucked away on Little Bourke Street, far from the city’s hustle and bustle, this upstairs bar acts as an experimental love letter... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
The 80s Have Never Looked Better At This Fitzroy Venue

Attention all lovers of camp, flamboyance and the eclectic! Let me introduce you to your soon-to-be new favourite venue; Evie’s Disco Diner. This iconic Fitzroy venue opened its show stopping doors to the public on Valentine’s Day 2018 and has been serving all things camp ever since. The venue is actually named after the owners... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Woof If You Love Warehouse Bars!

Can I hear a “woof” if you love warehouse bars? WOOF WOOF! The Angry Dog, is in direct contradiction to its name, as their resident dog Roxy is nothing but smiles, a wagging tale, and a welcoming woof (but we will forgive her for this because she is in fact, the goodest girl). The contrasting... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
The Burlesque Show That Is Bringing Frivolity Back To Sydney

Sometimes here at Hidden City Secrets we like to talk about venues that are “for everybody”. This is definitely not one of those venues. So if you do not like fun, frivolity and the absurd, click away now – this one’s not for you. Okay so now all the boring people are gone, let’s talk... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Curtis Stone’s First Melbourne Chic Contemporary Function Space

Curtis Stone, Australia’s iconic celebrity chef. The star of the show. We all know and love him. We always see him on our TV as the fresh food and recipes ambassador for Coles. The LA-living Melbourne boy has come back home to GRACE Melburnians with his first bricks-and-mortar venue in Australia. The Michelin-starred chef is... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Rain, Hail Or Shine, This Hidden Riverside Bar Is Your Oasis

Have you seen what’s hidden beneath Federation Square? If your answer is No, then let us show you… and if your answer is yes then this article validates your experience even more! Established in 2006, Riverland Bar has become a mainstay on the Yarra waterfront and sometimes it’s easy to forget that it’s there. Let’s not... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Ready To Play? Find Fun, Food and Friends At Fortress, Melbourne’s Best Gaming Hub

“The experience every gamer deserves.” …is their tagline, but we’d argue it’s more than that. Fortress Melbourne, Australia’s biggest video games venue, is open to all – and they’ve certainly got the goods to please anyone. As soon as you set foot into their elusive basement space (yep, that’s what’s below Emporium), it’s clear this... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Ready To See Some Movie Magic? Not Your Average Venue Hire

Have you ever heard of having a cinema all to yourself? Well, I am here to tell you a small Hidden City Secret. Although after this, I doubt it will remain a closely-guarded secret but here it is… Introducing Australia’s first private cinema, The Backlot Studios. How cool! Imagine a boutique cinema with a lovely... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Dine, Dance and Chill – Forget Your Worries At This All Purpose Venue

Thought the disco era was dead? Think again. Dr Morse keeps the party going in Abbotsford, 7 nights a week. The ultimate all-rounder, it’s the local go-to spot to let loose, any time of day. And they’re committed to the old school vibe, from the bare brick walls to the low tables, warm lighting and... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
It’s Funky, Quirky and Anything Goes! Strut On Down To This Eclectic Bar for Your Next Function

“Find what you LOVE and let it KILL you.” In the heart of Windsor, Montrose Social is a hidden gem located on Chapel Street and decked out in groovy mix-match décor, walls splashed with funky graffiti, and a mural of the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Snoop Dogg himself. Fitting in with Chapel Street’s character,... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Versatile, Blank Canvas Space For Your Next Event

In 2017 the Cru team were on the hunt for a bigger venue; a perfect space to fulfil the demands and requests they were receiving. A 1950’s mattress factory in a laneway caught the creative eye of the partners of Cru Wine Bar and it was then and there where they saw Crudo in all... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
You’re Invited To Experience Sydney’s Newest Indoor Urban Sanctuary & Garden

‘The Park’ welcomes you with open arms, an amazing taste in art and décor and drinks and food that will make you salivate just by reading what’s on the menu. ‘The Park’ is a bar and restaurant that has risen from the ashes in a time where LGBTQI+ venues have been fading away throughout East... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Melbourne Has A New Playground, And It Comes In The Form Of Virtual Escapism

BARS ARE OPEN, RESTAURANTS ARE BOOKED, It seems Melbourne has prevailed yet again. We can’t wait to explore our old favs, but why stop there? It’s the 21st Century and we want full-blown escapism. Unlike old mate Jeff Bezos, we can’t simply build a spaceship and transport out of here… Or can we? Apsis VR... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
This Melbourne Institution is Back and Fresher Than Ever.

Ponyfish Island – the elusive venue under the bridge in Melbourne CBD has recently gotten a revamp. What started as a pop up bar nearly a decade ago has long become a Melbourne Institution, known to locals and tourists alike as “the bar under the bridge”. They probably won’t ever shake that cute little nickname... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Melbourne’s Largest Game Bar is Here to Help Settle Scores

If, like us, you ever pass a group of carefree children at the park and sigh wistfully whilst reminiscing on the joys of yesteryear – no bills, no responsibilities, no adulting, then have we got the venue for you. A playground for adults has recently opened its doors to the public and it comes in the... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
The Best Date Bar In South Yarra?

So you’ve done the impossible. You’ve moved past the awkward small talk, coordinated schedules and now you’ve got that first date coming up. Great; except you have to pick the bar, not so great. It has to be cool and fun, yet somehow still relaxed? So much pressure! Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered with... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Nightclub Downstairs, Band Room Upstairs. Cool Grungy Nightclub in Carlton

Once an old church which was initially built back in 1835, Queensberry St now holds itself to an exciting dance club, Colour. The cool and grungy landscape has been home to many cool clubs in the past, lastly being known as Yours&Mine. It has now been taken over by former gig bookers and current DJ’s,... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Is This Bayside’s Best Bar and Beer Garden?

With Sonder’s sleek modern interior and queues out the door, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s located on Flinders Lane rather than in the heart of Melbourne’s Bayside. The Bentleigh bar opened in 2018 to a captive audience of south-eastern locals fed-up with travelling into the CBD to find somewhere to drink. Enter, Sonder. If... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Brunswick Street Eats For Every Day Of The Week

Spending the day on Brunswick street? In the mood for treating yourself (again)? No matter what day you’re there, we’ve got you covered on the must have spots that won’t break the bank. Monday > The Fitz  347 Brunswick St, Fitzroy The Fitz softens the blow of your Monday morning whether you’re running in to grab... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
West Side’s Best Kept Secret – a Vintage Beer Garden, Op Shop Bar and Social Enterprise in One

Tucked off Footscray’s Moreland Street is the secluded garden oasis that is Lickety Split. Blink and you’ll miss it, this west side hidden gem is home to Melbourne’s first op-shop bar, a vintage inspired alfresco beer garden, a vegan food truck, Shuffle boards, a pop-up bike workshop and some esteemed neighbours. As you duck through... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Grab Your Next Coffee From This Hole-in-the-Wall Brunswick Cafe

For most of us, our local cafe is like a home away from home. But for the Sullivan McNeill’s, this took on a whole new level of significance when they decided to start operating a cafe out of their living room window.   In answer to the city’s insatiable call for new and innovative coffee... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Blink And You’ll Miss This Awesome Loft-Style Venue Hidden On High Street!

Take a wander off Chapel Street, turn the corner onto High Street, and find your new favourite hidden loft-style cocktail bar, Galah. Enter through the boutique bottle shop down stairs, and head to the upstairs bar which provides a delightful setting for late afternoon drinks, then transforms to an ambient and intimate space as the sun... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Amazing Wood Fired Pizza At This Authentic Italian Restaurant with a Twist

This little, hard to find food truck is worth the travel. Down the side streets of Pascoe Vale off Sydney Road, Ciccio Pizza is the perfect place to enjoy some authentic wood fired pizzas during summer. This converted shipping container it fitted with a large wood fire oven used to make their delicious pizzas and... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Have A Tea Party At This Alice in Wonderland Themed Cafe!

If you consider yourself ‘curious and curiouser’ and perhaps even a little bit ‘mad’, begin your journey to The Hatter and the Hare where you’ll be taken on a trip to Alice’s Wonderland. Located in an unassuming, industrial part of Bayswater, this not-so-hidden gem boasts and indoor hanging garden as well as a huge dining... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
4 Glamorous Venues for Your Dream Christmas Function

With four function venues in Sydney and a multitude of rooms available for event hire, Navarra Venues can provide you with the perfect place to host an eloquent corporate Christmas party.  From $90 per person, enjoy some delicious food and drinks to celebrate the end of the year surrounded by friends and family at one of... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
This Luxe Pub is Ready for Your Next Event

Sitting at the intersection of South Dowling and Flinders Streets it’s easy for the unfamiliar eye to skim over the humble brown building that houses The Taphouse. Step inside however and you’ll discover one of the Sydney bar scene’s best-kept secrets. Dating as far back as 1878 when it was first known as the Palace... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
Bop and Jive at Bird’s Basement Jazz Venue

Fancy yourself as a jazzy guy? A bit of a hep cat? A big band Betty? A lover of jazz? If you identify as one, or all, of these, Bird’s Basement is where you need to be. One of Melbourne’s best live music hotspots, Bird’s Basement has been spreading the good vibes since 2016. Even though... more info

Festival 21 Our Future Through Food
The Ultimate CBD Venue Destination for your Next Event

Set in the cosmopolitan heart of Flinders Lane, Garden State is a multifaceted, beautiful assemblage of spaces that will definitely take you on a wondrous adventure that encompasses full grown trees and illuminous, glowing pendant lighting. Each setting has their own personality, signature stylings and work together to creative a stunning maze of modern spaces.... more info