Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a function? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get.
👉 If you’re unsure about anything, just reach out - we’re always happy to help.
Top 6 Questions
Do I need to pay a deposit?
No deposit is required.
We take a pre-authorisation to secure your booking. This is not a charge and will
only be processed if a late cancellation occurs.
👉 There is no charge if your booking is outdoors and needs to be cancelled due to poor weather.
Full payment for food and beverages is made on the day.
Can large groups order from the menu instead of pre-booking group dining?
It depends on your arrival time and group size.
During peak lunch periods, group dining menus are required to ensure smooth service.
Outside of these times, guests can often order individually from the menu.
Our general guide, subject to availability is:
• 11:00am arrival – order from the menu
• Peak lunch period – group dining required
• After 2:30pm – order from the menu
👉 We’ll provide you the best option based on your booking time and group size.
Do children need to be included in group dining packages?
No - children can order separately from the kids’ menu or share adult meals.
Kids’ meals are served with the first course.
Do you offer table service for drinks?
No - guests order drinks at the bar.
For Greenhouse functions, we can set up a ‘first drinks’ table on arrival so guests can grab a drink straight away without lining up.
👉 We can provide wristbands, or guests can simply let staff know they’re part of your group.
Can we bring our own cake?
Yes - you’re very welcome to bring your own cake.
We don’t charge a cake fee. We just ask that you cut and serve it yourself and bring disposable plates and napkins (cupcakes work perfectly).
👉 We can store one cake box per function in our cool room.
What happens if it rains?
Outdoor only bookings have minimal weather protection and no indoor backup.
👉 If your booking is cancelled due to poor weather, your pre-authorisation will not be charged.
Bookings & Planning
When do you need final numbers for large bookings?
We ask for final details one week prior, including:
• Final guest numbers (adults and children)
• Dietary requirements (for group dining)
• Pizza orders (for Pizza Party bookings)
• Bar tab details (if applicable)
👉 It can be difficult to increase numbers after this point, so please let us know early if your numbers may change.
What time can I host my function?
Function times vary depending on the space you’re booking and what else we have happening at the venue.
👉 The Greenhouse generally works best for day or evening functions rather than afternoon-only events.
👉 The Great Hall and outdoor spaces can offer more flexibility with timing.
Just let us know what you have in mind and we’ll help guide you toward the best option.
How do I request an outdoor area?
Just let us know what you have in mind, including your preferred date, group size, and whether you’d prefer the lawns or terrace.
👉 We’ll guide you toward the space that best suits your group and the style of function you’re planning.
If your group is 10 guests or fewer, you can also book online and add “outdoor table please” in the notes section.
👉 If we have an outdoor table available, we’ll allocate it to your booking.
Food & Dining
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes - we cater for gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and allergy-friendly requirements.
👉 Private functions are asked to let us know at least one week in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
Can guests choose their own meals on group dining packages?
Our group dining packages are designed as shared menus selected by our chefs to ensure smooth service and a great variety of food for the table.
👉 However, the host is very welcome to let us know favourite dishes, preferences, or special requests for the chef to consider when planning the menu.
DRINKS & BAR TABS
Can we set up a bar tab?
Yes - we offer flexible bar tab options to suit your group.
You can choose to:
• Set a total spend limit
• Limit drinks by value (e.g. under $12)
• Restrict to certain beverages
• Leave it open
👉 Alternatively, guests can order and pay as they go.
Can we organise drinks on arrival?
Yes - we’re happy to help arrange drinks ready for your guests on arrival.
For Greenhouse functions, we can set up a ‘first drinks’ table so guests can grab a drink straight away without lining up at the bar.
You can pre-select drinks such as:
• Bottles of wine on tables
• Beer, juice or soft drinks chilled in ice buckets
• Arrival drinks ready with glassware
👉 Once these are finished, guests can continue ordering drinks at the bar. We can provide wristbands, or guests can simply let staff know they’re part of your group.
For larger bookings in the Great Hall or outdoor spaces, we can also help organise pre-arranged arrival drinks.
👉 For full venue closures, our staff can circulate with drinks on trays during arrival service.
Can we BYO drinks?
No - BYO drinks aren’t available.
👉 Grünthal has an extensive range of beer, wine, gin, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic options for your guests to enjoy.
Venue Spaces
What areas can I hold a function in?
We offer a range of spaces including:
• The Grünthal Greenhouse
• The Great Hall
• The Terrace
• The Lawns
• Whole venue hire
👉 The best option depends on your group size and style of event. These are outlined on our Functions page.
Is there a hire fee?
Room hire applies to:
• The Greenhouse (exclusive use)
• Full venue hire
Other areas operate on minimum spend requirements.
Can I book both inside and outside?
The Greenhouse is booked as a standalone space and already offers an indoor–outdoor feel.
👉 You can also add half of the adjoining terrace for an additional fee (subject to availability).
Do you offer exclusive venue hire?
Yes - full venue hire is available and required for groups of 80+ guests.
Are outdoor areas private?
Outdoor areas (Terrace and Lawns) are shared spaces.
👉 We allocate tables to your group, but the area is not exclusively hired while the venue is open to the public.
On the Day
Can we bring decorations?
Yes - you’re welcome to bring decorations such as flowers, photo booths, helium balloons and free-standing décor.
We just ask that you avoid:
• Confetti (except petals or similar)
• Exploding streamers
• Open-flame candles
• Anything adhesive on walls, windows or furniture
👉 If your function is outdoors, please keep in mind that it can get windy at times, so we recommend securing any lightweight decorations appropriately.
Can we play our own music?
Yes - in the Greenhouse, you can play your own music via Bluetooth or arrange acoustic musicians.
👉 DJs are possible for private functions, but this depends on your booking type and timing - just chat to us about your plans.
Can we make speeches or show slideshows?
Yes - for private Greenhouse functions, we can provide a microphone and TV for speeches, slideshows or presentations.
👉 Please bring a laptop with HDMI output if you’re planning to use the screen.
General
Are you pet-friendly?
Yes - we love dogs (and other animals on a leash - alpacas included 🦙).
Is there parking available?
Yes - we have plenty of on-site parking available for guests, bikes and buses.