Overview
For most of us nine-to-fivers, the end-of-year work party is one of the most highly anticipated events on our professional social calendars. We come together in our finest threads to dole out thanks and reminisce about the highs and lows of the past 12 months. So if you're in charge of organising the aforementioned festivities, it can be a lot of pressure. You have to juggle dietary requirements and budgets while ensuring the place you book stands out against the countless Champagne-and-canapé-filled soirées of the silly season.
To help you host a truly memorable bash, we've partnered with Merivale to bring you eight cracking party locations across Sydney. As you would expect, they all have that quintessential Hemmes touch (read: top-notch food and drink and incredible attention to detail) and can accommodate a range of functions — big, small, super luxe or low-key.
Whether you've hit all your targets and the company credit card has no limit — please send invite — or you're looking to keep things low-cost, we've got you covered. Get ready to crack the bubbly, blow off some steam and toast the year that was.
El Loco at Slip Inn.
THE MORE THE MERRIER
Who's on the list: All staff and their partners, 100+ people.
Budget: Keep things cheap and cheerful.
To bring in the festive season with a full-throttle Mexican fiesta, book El Loco at Slip Inn. This Sussex Street bar boasts an effusive atmosphere that'll get you and your work crew in the party spirit. The colourful courtyard has its own dedicated bar and can accommodate up to 400 guests — that's enough room for partners, industry guests, friends and even that person who left five years ago but still deserves an invite because they dance like a legend. Drinks and eats are nice and cheap; wine sits around $40 a bottle, cocktails start at $16 and tacos are a neat $7.50. Book in the evening to take advantage of the happy hour (6–8pm, six days a week) and enjoy $6 schooners, house wines and spirits or $7 pints. For an added bit of fun, make your muchachos wear sombreros — the person with the biggest hat gets a coveted Merivale gift card.
If you want that kind of buzzy atmosphere but by the beach, you can't go past the Coogee Pavilion. Reserve a spot on the sprawling Coogee Rooftop, and treat your workmates to stunning oceanic views, flavourful Mediterranean fare straight off the charcoal grill and refreshing Aperol spritzes ($17). As you sit among the lush greenery and sketches of exotic birds in this greenhouse-style bar, you can tuck into a throng of reasonably priced share plates. Banquets can be organised for groups and range between $44–55. You can commandeer the whole floor (600 capacity) or take over one of four eclectic bars. And what about the vino? A bottle will set you back about $50, which ain't too bad at all.
ivy Pool Club.
A PUMPIN' PALOOZA
Who's on the list: Key peeps and plus ones, 100+ people.
Budget: We've had a good year, pop the bubbly.
To add a little pizzazz to your get-together, book Establishment in the CBD. With a 42-metre marble bar as the centrepiece, your colleagues will feel suitably special at this end-of-year shindig. But don't let the marble fool you, the food and wine prices are quite fair. The menu is a real crowd pleaser with pretty much every cuisine — from traditional Thai to classic Aussie pub fare — with mains sitting around $20 a pop. To make the most of the sunny weather, we suggest booking the Establishment Garden (150 capacity). Treat your colleagues to a seasonal cocktail and cheers to your hard work.
If you'd rather transport your work pals to the Italian Riveria instead, organise a poolside palooza at the ivy Pool Club. This expansive rooftop bar boasts a glistening 25-metre pool, private cabanas — for those late-night D&Ms — nautical-themed striped seating and, of course, bangin' DJs. To keep the Italian gusto in full swing, order a few delizioso pizzas from chef/pizza maestro Vincenzo Biondini (pies start at $22) and a couple of bottles off the vino list (wines sit around $60). For a bit of splishy-splashy fun, set your staff a pool challenge: the best synchronised swimmers get a Merivale gift card.
Charlie Parker's.
A SOPHISTICATED SOIRÉE
Who's on the list: Staff only/small team, 50 people or less.
Budget: There's cash to splash, go nuts.
To up the ante, plan a sophisticated soirée at snazzy speakeasy Charlie Parker's. This sultry basement bar, which sits below Fred's on Oxford Street, features a sumptuous and inviting interior with dark wood, marble and leather accents. Let cocktail masters Sam Egerton and Toby Marshall shake up some innovative, produce-driven tipples for you and your crew (cocktails start at $19.50 and custom creations can be organised) while you gorge on top-notch bar snacks from the kitchen upstairs (plates range between $8–22). It's a place where you can settle in for the evening, forget about the world above and focus on your chums.
Swap cocktails for wine, and secure a spot at the historic Tank Stream Bar. This charming, candle-lit hideaway is perfect for an intimate food-and-wine affair with friends (80 capacity). The bar boasts a comprehensive wine list — bottles start at $50 — and private wine tastings can be organised if you've got some cork dorks in your midst. When hunger strikes, there's a selection of small dishes which pair perfectly with wine, including cheese plates ($24) and antipasti ($32). To keep the good vibes rolling, organise a Merivale gift card for the top performers of the year.
est.
TREATING A SELECT FEW
Who's on the list: Standout employees/small team, 10–15 people.
Budget: Cha-ching. Money is no object.
Given its moniker is inspired by the Merivale founder himself, it's no surprise Hemmesphere pulls no punches when it comes to food and wine. Expect next-level opulence — to give you an idea, the drinks menu features a 'Dom Perignon Selection', as well as a vintage Champagne list — and equally decadent Japanese fare. This is a place to book if you want to spend a stellar night with a special few comrades. Order from the famed sushi e menu — think fresh sashimi ($39 for 12 pieces) king prawn tempura ($36) or patagonian toothfish ($49) — grab a round of sake and kanpai your team's success.
In a similar opulent vein and within the same building is fine diner est. Booking a table here is a surefire way to show a select few employees that you care. Set within a heritage-listed building, the grandiose dining room — complete with crystal chandeliers, soaring white columns and ornamental ceilings — is the perfect backdrop for a luxurious end-of-year feast. Head chef Jacob Davey, who took over from Peter Doyle earlier this year, has crafted an impeccable menu showcasing the very best seasonal produce. Go all out and treat your staff to the full tasting menu ($165/person for lunch, $195/person for dinner); after slogging away for a solid year, they deserve it.
Make your end-of-year bash super memorable with Merivale.