Your Questions, Answered

Venue General FAQ

  • Bells Hotel is located at 157 Moray Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205, just minutes from the Melbourne CBD, Albert Park and the South Melbourne Market precinct. We're easily accessible by tram and have street parking and nearby paid parking available.

  • Bells Hotel is one of Melbourne's most iconic hospitality venues, a South Melbourne pub combining a traditional atmosphere with modern dining, live sport, entertainment and nine premium event spaces. Whether you're after a casual counter meal, a cold drink with mates or a large-scale function, Bells Hotel has you covered, seven days a week.

  • Bells Hotel is open every day, 10am to 4am.

  • Our kitchen is open seven days a week, 11:30am to 9pm.

    We also offer an Express Lunch Menu Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 3pm.

  • Yes to both. Here's what's on each week:

    Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 3–6pm

    • $8 schooners of Carlton Draught, Jetty Road Pale Ale, Carlton Dry, Carlton Dry 3.5% and Great Northern Super Crisp

    • $8 schooners of Hills Cider

    • $8 house wines and sparkling

    • $8 basic spirits

    • $12 Aperol Spritz

    Weekly Food Specials (from 5pm unless noted)

    • Monday: Schnitzel Night: schnitzel, fries and salad with a beer, wine or soft drink, $25

    • Tuesday: Burger Night: any burger, fries and salad with a beer, wine or soft drink, $25

    • Wednesday: Steak Night: 250g Porterhouse with a beer, wine or soft drink

    • Thursday: Parma Night: any parma with a beer, wine or soft drink, $25

    • Sunday: Roast Sunday: chef's roast with all the trimmings, $28

    Express Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 3pm

    $25 includes any Express Lunch meal plus a pot of beer, house wine or soft drink. Choose from:

    • Toasted Reuben Sandwich

    • Chicken Parma

    • Chicken & Gravy Roll

    • Beef Tacos (2pc)

    • BLAT

    • Salt & Pepper Squid

    • Soba Noodle

    • Greek Salad

  • Yes. Bells Hotel is South Melbourne's home of live sport, screening major AFL, NRL, NBA, horse racing, rugby union, cricket, soccer and international sporting events across multiple screens throughout the venue.

  • Yes. Several areas of Bells Hotel are accessible at ground level. We also have lift access to the rooftop and Main Hall, making the venue accessible across multiple levels.

  • Yes. Street parking is available on Moray Street and surrounding streets, please check local signage for time limits. Nearby paid parking options are also available in the South Melbourne area.

  • Yes! Well-behaved dogs are welcome in our selected outdoor areas. Please let our team know in advance if you'd like to bring your dog along.

  • Yes, we're open on all public holidays. Please note a surcharge applies on these days, and trading hours may vary around the holiday season. We recommend checking our website or social media for the latest updates.

  • Yes. Minors are welcome at Bells Hotel when accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, in line with our venue licence conditions.

  • Yes. Highchairs are available for our younger guests. Simply let a team member know on arrival, or indicate it when making your reservation, and we'll have one ready for you.

  • Yes, change tables are available on-site for guests with little ones.

  • Yes. Our kids' menu is available, just ask a team member and they'll be happy to help.

  • Yes. Bells Hotel features multiple outdoor spaces including a rooftop and several outdoor event areas, making it one of South Melbourne's most versatile venues for both casual gatherings and large-scale events.

Bookings FAQ

  • Walk-ins are always welcome. That said, bookings for dining are recommended during busy periods, particularly on weekends and for our popular weekly specials nights. Bookings can be made online through the Bells Hotel website or by contacting the venue directly.

  • Standard dining bookings are generally allocated approximately two hours. If you require additional time, please contact our team and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Yes. For groups of 10–30 guests looking for a more casual bar experience, we can reserve a dedicated area with a combination of seating and standing room, subject to availability.

  • Set menus or function packages may apply for larger groups. Pre-orders can be arranged through the Bells Hotel events team, get in touch at functions@bellshotel.com.au to discuss your requirements.

  • Guests can order via QR code from their table or directly at the bar, this helps us provide faster, more efficient service, particularly during busy periods. If you'd prefer table service, just let us know and we'll be happy to assist.

Functions General FAQ

  • Absolutely. Bells Hotel is South Melbourne's premier function venue, with nine versatile event spaces for gatherings large and small. Our experienced events team will help you choose the right space, menu, drinks and entertainment to make your event unforgettable.

    We cater for:

    • Corporate events: training days, workshops, product launches, networking, team lunches and award nights

    • Celebrations: birthdays (from 21sts to 100ths and every milestone in between), engagements, weddings, hens and bucks parties

    • Seasonal events: Christmas parties, EOFY celebrations and end-of-year functions

    • Community events: footy club best-and-fairests, fundraisers and charity drives

    • Conferences, meetings and award ceremonies

    If you have something specific in mind, get in touch, we love a good reason to celebrate.

  • Bells Hotel has nine versatile function spaces, ranging from intimate private dining rooms through to large event halls and outdoor areas, including the iconic Main Hall and rooftop.

  • Yes. Bells Hotel's rooftop is one of South Melbourne's most sought-after event spaces, accessible via lift and suitable for a range of private and semi-private events.

  • The Main Hall is Bells Hotel's flagship event space, featuring a retractable roof that makes it suitable for events year-round, rain or shine. It's one of the most impressive event spaces in South Melbourne and inner Melbourne.

  • Yes. Exclusive venue hire is available at Bells Hotel, subject to requirements and availability. Contact our events team at functions@bellshotel.com.au to discuss your needs.

  • Submit an enquiry via the Bells Hotel website. We'll be in touch promptly to discuss your requirements.

  • We recommend enquiring as early as possible, particularly for weekend dates, peak seasons (November through January) and our larger spaces, which book out quickly. Inquiring 3–6 months in advance is ideal for significant events, though we'll do our best to accommodate shorter lead times where availability permits.

  • Yes. Many of our spaces can be decorated and personalised to suit your theme. Please discuss your plans with our events team ahead of the event so we can advise on what's permitted, arrange setup access and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

  • Yes. You're welcome to bring a celebration cake to your function. Please advise our events team in advance, and we'll take care of the cutting, plating and serving for you.

Functions Food & Beverage FAQ

  • Bells Hotel offers a full range of function catering options, including canapé packages, set menus, shared dining menus and beverage packages. Our events team will help you find the right fit for your event style and budget.

  • Our beverage packages include beer, wine, sparkling, soft drinks and non-alcoholic options. Please contact our events team at functions@bellshotel.com.au for current package pricing and inclusions.

  • Yes. You can open a bar tab with a selection of beverages from our menu and set a spending limit. Just speak with our events team when planning your event to get this sorted.

  • Yes. Non-alcoholic options are included across our beverage packages, ensuring all guests are well catered for throughout your event.

  • Yes. Bells Hotel caters for a range of dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. Please advise our events team of any specific dietary needs when planning your event so we can ensure all guests are well looked after.

  • No. All catering must be supplied by Bells Hotel. Outside catering is not permitted, with the exception of celebration cakes. Our function menus cover a wide range of styles and budgets, so there's plenty to choose from.

Functions Bookings & Payments FAQ

  • Yes. A deposit is required to confirm your booking and secure your preferred date and space. Our events team will provide full details on deposit amounts and payment terms when confirming your event.

  • Final guest numbers are required two weeks prior to your event. Please keep our events team updated as your event approaches so we can ensure everything is prepared for your group.

  • Adjustments to guest numbers can be made before the final confirmation deadline, two weeks prior to your event. Please contact our events team as early as possible if your numbers change significantly.

  • Cancellation policies vary depending on the space and event type, and will be outlined clearly during the booking process. Please contact our events team at functions@bellshotel.com.au if you need to discuss a cancellation.

Feedback FAQ

  • We're always looking to improve. Please contact the venue directly via functions@bellshotel.com.au, or reach our general manager at mark@bellshotel.com.au. We take all feedback seriously and will respond promptly.

Questions

  • Contact the venue with details of the item and the date of your visit. We'll do our best to locate it and arrange its return.

  • We'd love to hear from you. Contact Bells Hotel directly or submit an enquiry through the website. Our team is happy to help.