Tagged: Functions

Weddings at George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

Posted on February 24, 2019 by admin - News & Reviews

As hospitality providers, one of the greatest honours we consistently enjoy each year is playing a role in major family events, and few rival the excitement, romance and celebration of weddings.

Each year at George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, we are privileged to host weddings large and small, so here’s an insight into some of the trends we see emerging and the facts and figures that surround this special event.

Fast facts on marriage

According to research firm McCrindle, each day there are 326 weddings in Australia, with New South Wales the state where weddings are most likely to occur.

In reality, that daily statistic swings between 2000 weddings on a popular Saturday to just 37 on Christmas Day.

And while Valentine’s Day may be the international day of romance, it sees only 311 couples tie the knot compared to Australia Day when 923 couples are married, New Year’s Eve when 342 couples get married, April Fool’s Day when 66 couples tie the knot and New Year’s Day when just 59 couples are married.

Spring and Autumn remain the most popular seasons to stage a wedding, with November and March the most popular months. In Sydney, that offers the opportunity to enjoy the city at its finest. These are the days where the harbor sparkles, the sunsets are crisp, and celebrations extend long into twinkling evenings studded by the city lights.

Meanwhile, over half (59 per cent) of weddings take place on a Saturday, and 15 per cent take place on Sundays.

Of the 118, 962 weddings that take place each year, 73 per cent are conducted by a civil celebrant, and 27 per cent are religious.

So what specific trends do we see emerging at George’s?

The grand-scale affair

The picture-perfect, grand-scale wedding remains perennially popular with couples looking to celebrate their special day in spectacular style. These weddings incorporate anywhere between 80 and 200 guests and usually take place on a Saturday.

At George’s, we accommodate this type of wedding with a venue exclusive function, where you can elect a seated meal accommodating 180 guests, or a cocktail style event catering to up 350 people.

Our dedicated function team will also work with the happy couple to create a menu to suit your budget and tastes, while catering to requirements like microphones and AV equipment for speeches, and accommodating live entertainment or dance floors.

Our top tips

Grand scale weddings take planning. Bookings for the ceremony and venue need to be made months in advance and there will be factors to consider like any special dietary requirements or accessibility issues for guests.

Meanwhile, it’s not only important the couple likes the ambience and position of the venue. They need to feel warmly welcomed by the establishment that will host their special day, and comfortable in the knowledge the event will go off without a hitch.

With years of hospitality experience under our belts, George’s works with the couple and their family to ensure needs are met, the menu accommodates all attending and a wedding is a truly special affair.

Our function team can also assist with the suggestions of florists, decorators and live entertainers we regularly work with to facilitate a truly memorable event.

The intimate celebration

Whether it’s a table of 20, a party of 50 or eight friends gathering to mark the wedding milestone, intimate weddings come with their own unique charm.

And we’re seeing more of these style weddings at George’s as couples increasingly fund their own wedding day.

When it comes to intimate weddings, the options at our venue are almost endless. They can be accommodated in the al fresco area, in the dining room, feature a formal vibe or offer a casual ambience.

For example, George’s Grove Bar and Lounge can accommodate 80 guests in a seated style al fresco event, or up to 120 cocktail-style.

The dining area can also be utilised for up to 120 people seated, meanwhile, if exclusivity is the theme, the whole venue an also be employed with extras like live entertainment, a dance floor and AV equipment.

Our top tips

While small weddings are easier for any venue to accommodate, the bride and groom still need to be clear on their planning, numbers and preferences.

Items that need to be considered include are you willing to share the venue with other guests or do you wish the venue to be your own for the entire evening. Will decorations be required? And do the guests have any dietary requirements?

Again, it’s critical the couple feels comfortable working with the venue, and our function team is on hand to assist. We can walk you through the menu options, seating plans and available spaces to ensure your intimate wedding lives up to all your dreams.

The weekday wedding

With an increasingly flexible workforce, more and more couples are opting to step outside the confines of weekends and opt for weekday weddings, and this comes with its own unique benefits.

Not only are venues often less likely to be booked on week days, the rates are sometimes cheaper, allowing the happy couple to enjoy a premium event at a faction of the weekend price.

At George’s we are more than happy to accommodate weekday weddings, offering the same premium service and venue benefits that we do for conventional weddings on a Saturday.

Our top tips

As weekdays generally require your guests to take time away from work, flag the date well in advance and highlight that it is a weekday.

Why George’s

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, our accomplished team has hosted countless weddings over the years, but we view each as a unique occasion in the knowledge this is a seminal event in any couple’s life.

Our waterfront Darling Harbour venue offers stunning views accompanied by an equally sensational menu. Meanwhile, our hospitality team is on hand to walk you through the myriad of options available for weddings at our renowned restaurant.

About George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

A big year of events at George’s in 2019

Posted on December 31, 2018 by admin - News & Reviews

As we count the final hours of 2018, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is preparing for another big year ahead, with a wealth of exciting events, functions and culinary delights etched into our 2019 calendar.

So, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s on the agenda at George’s restaurant in Darling Harbour in the New Year.

Love is in the air

As the celebrations of Christmas subside and the New Year’s festivities fade, George’s will be gearing up for the romantic event of the year – Valentine’s Day.

Each year we celebrate the international day of love in truly romantic style, with a special menu equaled only by the spectacular views and intimate ambience of our waterfront Darling Harbour location.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we reveal our menu for Valentine’s Day 2019 or make a booking early to secure your spot.

Easter enjoyment

Easter serves up some spectacular Sydney weather and offers the opportunity to relax in the company of family and friends.

At George’s it’s the perfect opportunity to head down to Darling Harbour and settle in for a brunch or lunch as part of a picturesque autumn long weekend.

Mum’s the word

Family and food go hand in hand in Greek culture and we relish the opportunity to celebrate major family events throughout the year, kicking off with Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May.

We celebrate the event with fine fare and a festive feel and welcome the opportunity to extend our family’s hospitality to yours.

Father’s Day

As spring rejuvenates the harbour city, it’s time to celebrate the patriarch of the family with Father’s Day.

Father’s Day is another occasion we mark with enthusiasm at George’s, welcoming in families for a festive lunch or dinner on the first Sunday in September.

Melbourne Cup

It the race that stops the nation, and at George’s it’s an occasion that draws a crowd, with Melbourne Cup one of the most popular events on our annual calendar.

Grab your workmates or catch up with your social circle as we saddle up for a fine afternoon of fashion, festivity and horse racing on November 5.

Christmas parties

Come the end of November, George’s provides the ideal venue for corporate Christmas parties and festive season celebrations. Our chic venue offers the opportunity to party in style, with the entire business crowd catered to with ease.

Functions and events at George’s

George’s may feature an exciting social calendar, but throughout the year we also welcome in guests as they host their own important events or mark family festivities.

From product launches to birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries and corporate functions, our venue offers an ideal destination for every type of function, and our friendly staff are on hand to ensure each event is a memorable success.

About George’s

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

Melbourne Cup 2018 at George’s Sydney

Posted on October 15, 2018 by admin - News & Reviews

For more than 150 years the Melbourne Cup has been the pinnacle of the Australian horse racing calendar, seeing the nation come to a standstill for a 3200m horse race that lasts a little over three minutes.

This year will be no exception, with the Melbourne Cup promising to be an event celebrated across the nation in cities and rural outposts alike.

At George’s Mediterranean Bay and Grill, we proudly mark the Melbourne Cup tradition at our Darling Harbour restaurant each and every year.

As we order in the champagne, seek out the finest fascinators and carefully curate our canapes, here’s an insight into the history of the Melbourne Cup and how we’ll be honouring the race that stops the nation in true Sydney-style this year.

From little things, big thing grow

It was 1861 when Flemington racecourse set the stage for a horse race that would become one of the most anticipated social events on the nation’s annual calendar.

At the time a Victorian Turf Club member put forward the idea of a spring racing event he chose to call the Melbourne Cup.

That first year would see 17 horses take to the track battling it out for the modest sum of 710 gold sovereigns and a hand-beaten gold watch.

It was anything but an uneventful first race. One horse bolted at the start and three of the 17 starters fell during the event.

This played out before a modest crowd of just 4000, with news five days earlier of the death of explorers Burke and Wills likely diminishing the expected turnout for the event.

By 1865 the gold watch had been replaced by a trophy and the winning sum steadily grew, with the prize pool for the 2018 Cup weighing in at a much more handsome sum of $7.3 million.

Last year the event attracted a crowd of over 90,000 with a further 1.8 million people viewing it live.

Quick Melbourne Cup facts

The Melbourne Cup runs at 3pm Australian eastern standard time on the first Tuesday in November
The record winning time for running the Cup is 3 minutes 16.30 seconds by Kingston Rule in 1993
The inaugural winner Archer (1861) has the slowest winning time with 3 minutes 52 seconds
The smallest Melbourne Cup field was 7 starters in 1963
The largest Melbourne Cup field was 39 starters in 1890
More winning jockeys have worn black as their main colour than any other colour
The highest Melbourne Cup Day attendance to date was 122,736 in 2003
The most Melbourne Cup wins by a jockey is four, and the accomplishment is shared by Bobbie Lewis in the early 1900s and Harry White in the 1970s
The horse to win the Melbourne Cup the most times is Makybe Diva (2003, 2004, 2005)
Fashions on the field was first held in 1962

How George’s celebrates the Melbourne Cup

This year, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill will be hosting an exclusive canape cocktail party to celebrate the Melbourne Cup, offering a Sydney harbourside backdrop and fine fare to mark the occasion.

Featuring prizes for the best dressed, sweepstakes, big screens, a photo booth and DJ entertainment, the event will offer the glamour few the chance to enjoy an exciting day of race atmosphere.

The $99 per person ticket price includes fine fare offered courtesy of grazing tables, seafood stations, canapes and desserts, along with champagne served on arrival and wine and beer served throughout the day.

Doors open at 12.30pm with more information available here and tickets available online.

About George’s

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

What makes a great office Christmas Party?

Posted on September 15, 2018 by admin - News & Reviews

Right about now people are shaking off the chill of winter, readying for the long days of summer ahead and quietly preparing for the workplace event of the year – the office Christmas party.

With only 12 weeks to go until Christmas season kicks in with earnest, now is the time to be selecting venues, scouring menus and chatting around the water cooler about the festivities to be had.

With that in mind, we’re exploring the all-important topic of what makes a great Christmas party?

A three-stage affair…

Depending on how festive your office likes to get, Christmas parties can generally be broken down into three definite stages…pre-dinner drinks, the main event, and the post dinner party.

The ethos of your office (and the corporate budget) will likely determine whether your organisation embraces one or all three of these stages, and will also determine how much guests are required to pitch in for the fun.

But to help organisers cater to all tastes and occasions, we’re covering all aspects of the Christmas party in this post, kicking off with…

Some pre-dinner pointers

Pre-dinner drink are a great way to get people in the mood for a night of revelry ahead. They can be held at the same venue as the main dinner or somewhere else entirely, but allow attendees to get changed, shake off the shackles of a day at the office and enjoy a little casual socialising with comrades before getting down to the business of dinner.

So which venue, where and how do you inject a little extra flavour into the affair?

Which venue?

Pre-dinner drinks set the one for the rest of the evening, and you probably want a venue that’s within general proximity to your place of work and/or the venue for dinner.

This allows people to make their way there after a day at the office, and then walk to dinner easily.

The style of venue you select will depend on the general tone of your office parties. For some it might be the local pub, for others harbourside drinks, and for others still the boardroom might be the ideal staging site for a couple of bevvies and light finger-food to kick-start the evening.

Looking to inject extra flavour?

Entertainment could be a great way to liven up the pre-dinner party with a host of options available to get people into the party vibe, such as…

A photo booth
Roving artists
A guest speaker
Celebrity meet and greet
Games and competitions

The Christmas dinner

The main event is the chance for staff to wine and dine in suitably relaxed yet ambient surrounds. As the Christmas party is akin to a thank you for a year of hard work, it’s worth selecting somewhere with a wow factor for the occasion.

Again, there are probably criteria to fulfil like accessibility to the workplace, proximity to public transport and a menu that is suited to a wide variety of tastes.

For the main affair, the venue should be one that suits the professional ethos of the workplace, while encouraging a festive but not party-hard ambience. You’re looking for something that will cater to varying levels of management yet be popular with general office staff as well.

Food for all

Menu is one of the biggest considerations of any staff party, with something required to suit all tastes. The food should be exciting and memorable yet accessible to all, and the best venues will work with you to meet any dietary requirements.

Most venues will also have a choice of Christmas party packages to suit the budget and size of each organisation. Meanwhile they’ll work with organisers to further accommodate extras like entertainment or speeches.

Entertainment

It depends on the ethos of the workplace whether you will also offer entertainment during an office Christmas dinner. If you are considering some entertainment to add a little atmosphere to the occasion, then subtle is the go.

Options include:

Live music
Roaming entertainers
A cabaret
Comedian
A fun awards ceremony

You could also look for a venue with dancefloor, so as the evening progresses, it transforms from dinner into a little dancing as well.

The after-party

Many workplaces choose to host a formal style dinner, and then offer a more relaxed after-party at a separate venue, allowing staff to really let down their hair.

By this stage the alcohol may be flowing freely and the inhibitions have diminished, so an after-party allows senior management to attend the main event, but step away when the evening becomes more raucous.

A club or venue with dance music near the dinner venue is ideal.

Overall considerations

Budget

The budget is a big factor for any organiser tasked with sorting out the Christmas party event. Most offices will have a set budget per head incorporating food and maybe a limited amount of alcohol.

Talk with your intended venue/s about what your budget is, and how many people will likely be attending. Then be clear with your staff about what’s included for the evening. Some offices spring for table wine and beer at dinner, some have a set bar tab, some even allow a plus-one, while others pay for food but not alcohol.

At this point also ask your staff to get back to you if they have any serious food allergies, so you can alert the kitchen staff in advance of the function.

Numbers

The size of your organisation and the numbers likely to attend the Christmas party will determine the types of venues available to cater to your event.

They may also impact the style of event you host. Smaller office numbers lend themselves to sit-down dinners, while a big corporation might prefer a stand-up cocktail style affair.

Speak to potential venues about the numbers involved, and ask about their options for catering.

Once you have selected a venue, and sent out invites, be sure to inform the venue of exact numbers prior to the occasion so they can order in the required food and allow for enough staff to cater the event.

Transport

It’s worth considering how staff will get to and from the Christmas party venue or venues. If the restaurant is in proximity to the workplace, they can probably walk there after the work week ends. But if it’s further afield, you may wish to provide transportation by hiring a bus or mini-buses.

Once the night is over, how will staff then get safely home? Proximity to good public transport could be a plus. It also helps ensure people do not take the risk of having a couple of beverages and then driving.

Gifts

Whether it’s a hamper, a bottle of wine, or a small corporate token of appreciation, will you provide a Christmas gift at the annual Christmas party, or will you incorporate gift-giving between staff in some way?

If gift-giving between staff is part of your corporate culture, assist staff by letting them know what’s expected and the budget involved.

Dress code

Don’t forget to alert staff to the dress code for the evening. It might be corporate wear, straight from the office, it might be semi-formal if it’s a really special event, or it might be more casual if activities are planned as part of the evening.

Providing a dress code helps staff feel more comfortable and also helps prepare them for what’s involved in the event.

Behaviour

Occasionally a Christmas party is remembered for all the wrong reasons, so it could be prudent to outline general expectations for the big night ahead.

The past year has seen issues like staff fraternising and harassment make the news, so if there are rules that apply to your workplace, politely inform staff that they remain in place at any corporate event.

Monetary contribution

Be extremely clear if your staff are expected to contribute financially to the festivities, and outline exactly how this will occur. You might collect money in advance, staff might be required to pay for their own drinks on the night – however you plan to approach it, ensure those attending are aware.

Time and date

Venues across Sydney are extremely busy with Christmas parties throughout the festive season, so you want to consider and lock in dates well in advance.

Friday evenings in December are the most popular times for Christmas parties, but you could also consider alternative options, like a Christmas lunch or dinner on a Saturday.

About George’s

Centrally located on the King Street Wharf at Darling Harbour near the Sydney CBD, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill has catered to thousands of Christmas parties over our lengthy history.

We have a range of options available including packages and pre-dinner drinks and canapes, and also have facilities for entertainment and dancing.

You can learn more about or function options here, or speak directly with our friendly staff for further advice.

The ultimate guide to functions in Sydney

Posted on July 15, 2018 by admin - functions, News & Reviews

Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event or a family celebration, planning any function takes research and preparation. It also requires the event organiser and the venue to work closely together in a bid to ensure any function meets the expectations and needs of the guests attending.

As a premier Sydney eatery, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill hosts hundreds of functions at our Darling Harbour venue each year, so here’s our ultimate guide to hosting a function in Sydney.

The purpose

A wedding will be a vastly different function to a corporate Christmas party or product launch, but often the planning that goes on behind the scenes is remarkably similar.

The organiser will need to know key details like budget, numbers and entertainment requirements. There will need to be invites sent and RSVPs received. Menus will need to be considered as will any special guest needs.

So, let’s dive a little deeper into the factors you should take into account with each…

Corporate functions

Corporate events can be formal or informal, festive and grand, intimate or casual. It just depends on the size and type of event your business is hosting.

From business luncheons, to industry roundtables, product launches and office Christmas parties, corporate functions offer the opportunity to bring the work team together or conduct business in a setting far from the office.

Here are just a couple of the corporate functions we cater to and encounter regularly…

Working lunch

Ranging in size from small groups to full venue hire, the working lunch is the opportunity to conduct business over a meal, and in a setting removed from the office environment.

Working lunches are often used to undertake training, host a networking event, offer an industry update or simply bring people together or celebrate a working achievement.

The evening soiree

Often used for social style events with that extra touch of glamour, the corporate evening soiree is a great chance to launch products, celebrate major corporate milestones or network without the pressure of heading back to the office.

The work celebration

Perhaps the most famous work celebration is the annual office Christmas party, but Melbourne Cup, retirement celebrations and even major corporate milestones all offer the chance for colleagues to celebrate at a venue removed from the work environment.

What you need to consider

Seated or stand-up?

Is this a social style corporate event where attendees should mingle and chat, or is it an event where they should be seated to take in information?

This is an important consideration because it affects the venue set-up and also the menu. And in some cases, you can have a bit of both, where people mingle and chat over light canapes and are then seated for the formalities of the day.

Indoors or al fresco?

The type of event you are looking to host will also impact the style of venue you select. Product launches might be suited to an al fresco, casual setting where people can mingle over drinks and finer food, but a seminar or industry event involving multiple speakers might be best hosted in a more private indoor setting.

Entertainment and speakers?

If there is to be entertainment, speakers or presentations, audiovisual equipment will be required. You need to discuss this with your venue in advance and ensure the required equipment is compatible with software or computers you intend to use.

Table configuration and seating?

The organiser of any function needs to consider how they would like the space set up, particularly if they have opted for the exclusive hire of an entire area. A seminar might see tables shifted into a horseshoe shape, while a Christmas party might involve name cards and allocated seating.

When planning this, consider the aim of the function and whether there are corporate protocols that should be applied.

Meanwhile, if there are speakers, those who need to talk should be positioned at tables close to the AV equipment, and tables should be arranged so everyone can see.

Alcohol or not?

Depending on the type of event, alcohol may or may not be included. A seminar or daytime industry event is more likely to just feature tea and coffee, while an evening event implies that alcohol will be offered.

What’s included?

When sending out invitations to any corporate event, organisers should be very clear about what is included and what is not.

Are partners invited?
Will attendees be required to foot their own bill, or is the event to be paid for by the business?
If the business is footing the bill, is it an open bar or just wine and beer until a set time?
Is there a set timeframe and estimated end time?
What is the dress code for evening soirees or celebrations?
For events like the Melbourne Cup, attendees might be required to pay their share in advance. Give them a clear indication this is the case and set a date for payment.

Weddings

With our spectacular views over the waters of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill has enjoyed hosting many weddings over the years – some traditional, some casual, some just truly romantic events.

Here’s a quick rundown on what you need to consider when hosting a wedding function.

Day or evening?

We’ve catered to weddings on weekdays and weekends, during the day and during the evening, and really the decision comes down to what suits the happy couple and the type of event they intend to enjoy.

It also comes down to the budget and the number of people they intend to invite, or the availability of the venue.

Distance from the ceremony?

Sydney’s a very big city, so when seeking out a reception venue, the couple should carefully consider the practicalities of the distance between the ceremony and wedding venues.

Ideally wedding guests will be able to walk from one venue to another or make a quick commute while the newly married couple have their photographs taken.

This interval in proceedings is the perfect opportunity for guests to mingle and enjoy light drinks and canapes as they await the arrival of the happy couple.

Formal or casual?

Long gone are the days where every wedding was a three-course affair. Weddings can range from cocktail style events to full set menus and formal seating.

The choice is the bride and groom’s to make and depends on the type of day they wish to enjoy.

Venue exclusive?

If you’re looking for a truly private event where you have the run of a venue, then booking the entire restaurant for a wedding is ideal. This allows guests to mingle in the varied areas, enjoying lounges for casual drinks and chats, while making use of the seated plan for speeches and formalities.

At George’s you can opt to book the lounge and bar area where you can enjoy a more casual atmosphere and waterfront views, the dining area, which is intimate and private, or the entire venue.

Decorations?

From the flowers to table decorations and themes, chances are you want your wedding to reflect your personality and style. If you’re planning on decorating to suit your wedding, talk to the venue about your wishes. Not only will they be happy to assist, they might also have some great suggestions for suppliers like florists and entertainers they have worked with in the past.

Entertainment and dance floor?

The likelihood is there will be at least a couple of speeches or maybe even live entertainment and dancing at your wedding. At George’s we have the option of incorporating a dedicated dance floor into our floor plan for events, and we also have audio visual equipment available including microphone’s and an area for bands.

Celebrations

From hen’s nights to Mother’s Day and 21st birthday parties, we’ve been privileged to share in a wealth of celebrations during our many years in the industry.

We can accommodate every type of function, from intimate family dinners of up to 44 in the dining room, to large groups for birthday parties and up to 350 people for full scale cocktail events.

General things to consider

Book early

Venues can be booked out months in advance, so talk to us early about your event plans including a rough idea of the style of event you intend to host, and the number of people likely to attend.

The numbers

The number of people invited will impact the floor plan and whether a seated or cocktail style event is suitable. Numbers and menus will also need to be confirmed in advance to assist the kitchen in catering large scale events.

The budget

Your budget is a key consideration. At George’s we can tailor cost-effective food and beverage packages, theme our Sydney function rooms and host live bands to ensure your event is a success.

The menu

From light canapes to buffets, banquets and to full dining packages and alternate drop menus, George’s has a variety of menu options to suit any budget and style of event. You can see our function menu here or talk to our friendly staff for an option to suit your needs.

We can also accommodate special dietary requirements. Please advise our staff in advance so we can assist.

The drinks

George’s has a range of beverage packages available for functions, with options including beer and wine packages on a per person basis to premium pre-selected wines served as required. You can see our beverage packages here.

Seating plans

George’s can accommodate up to 350 people in a variety of function configurations.

The Grove Lounge & Bar
Cocktail style event – 120 people
Lounge seating event – 80 guests
The dining area
Seated Indoor & Outdoor Dining Area – 120 guests
Semi-Private Indoor Dining Area – 44 guests
Venue exclusive
Cocktail Style Event – 350 guests
Dinner Style Event – 180 guests

Key takeaways

Book early
Work with the venue
Let us know the budget
Advise of numbers
Advise of any dietary requirements
See our function menus here
View our seating and floor plans here

About George’s

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

The working lunch

Posted on June 30, 2018 by admin - News & Reviews

In major cities like Sydney, the working lunch is an institution, affording a less formal venue to conduct the business of the day. It offers the chance to make connections, build relationships and most importantly is a place where deals are discussed and business gets done.

But while the working lunch is social, it’s not a social affair, so here are the top tips to ensure this event goes off without a hitch.

The venue

Choosing the right venue is key to a working lunch. You want somewhere central and familiar, yet accessible to attendees. If your office is in the city, a nice venue near the CBD is the desired location, but as you are representing business interests it should boast some ambience as well.

Ideally, you’ll want a venue where the atmosphere is appealing but is quiet enough to let attendees talk. Also, consider the menu and options that will appeal to a variety of tastes. A nice backdrop like the harbour is a benefit, allowing you to shake of the shackles of business, showcase the city, and relax a bit as well.

Keep it quick

Unlike the heady ’80s and ’90s, the working lunch of 2018 is not an excuse for a boozy afternoon that stretches into the early hours of the evening. These days business people have far more on their plate.

If you’re hosting a working lunch, keep it quick and get to the point, in the knowledge all those attending will have other tasks on their schedule that day.

That means the venue you select should be renowned for their service. They should have the professional ability to seat you and your tramadol buy online cheap guests, take your orders and have you fed, watered and catered to within a reasonable amount of time.

Seek out venues that take bookings, are familiar with the corporate lifestyle, and have a proven track record when it comes to catering the working lunch.

To drink or not to drink?

Whether or not alcohol is an acceptable repast during a working lunch depends on a whole host of factors including the culture of the guest you are dining with, the purpose of the lunch and the work you need to undertake later that day.

While a couple of drinks is acceptable, the days of drink-fueled work lunches are long gone, so if you plan on offering drinks, a shared bottle or a couple of glasses will do.

The bill

As a general rule of thumb, the party who extended the invitation generally picks up the tab for any working lunch. However, in situations where the event is a regular get-together, attendees might take it in turns to pay for the working lunch.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. We are renowned for our Greek hospitality as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

Due to our proximity to the city centre, we are a favoured venue for the working lunch, offering a meu to suit all palates and a professional yet ambient atmosphere to strike that all-important business deal.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

Holiday entertaining made easy

Posted on December 15, 2017 by admin - News & Reviews

As we well and truly embrace all the festivity of the Christmas season and a sensational Sydney summer, it’s the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

Some will be expected visitors scheduled long in advance of the holidays, but others may be surprise guests enjoying a quick stop during their travels or looking for a last-minute get-together over the holidays.

At George’s, we’re here to make those Christmas and holiday celebrations easy, and here’s an insight into how…

Serving up sensational Sydney to out of town guests

There are few things as spectacular as the Sydney Harbour on a bright summer’s day. Why not treat your out of town guests to all the beauty Sydney has to offer with a ferry ride on the water, and lunch or dinner at Darling Harbour?

You can take in the sights like the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, then kick back over a meal served in harbourside style.

Not only are you showcasing the city at its finest, but you’re saving yourself a day spent cleaning, preparing and entertaining at home.

Last minute drinks for the season that is jolly

‘Tis the season to be jolly and this festivity extends right throughout December and January as many take a welcome break from the working world.

Fancy celebrating with a quick drink with friends in relaxed yet elegant style? We’re more than happy to oblige, with a lengthy list of cocktails, imported or local beers, and crisp or sparkling wines.

Why not settle in early, watch the sun set over the harbour and enjoy the endless mezze options before indulging in an evening meal. The relaxed ambience offers plenty of opportunity to watch the passing parade, and enjoy a genuinely leisurely evening amidst the comfortable conversation of friends.

Family catch-ups in stunning surrounds

The reprieve from the 40-hour week offers the chance to reconnect with family over long lunches, catered dinners or a languid harbourside brunch.

George’s is open for breakfast every weekend and public holiday, while our waterfront lunches are renowned, and dinner serves up the opportunity to enjoy buy cheap tadalafil 20mg authentic Greek hospitality in relaxed, yet elegant surrounds.

Best of all we are a family-friendly venue, where the shared enjoyment of dining with loved ones is an essential part of who we are.

If it’s a last-minute large family get together you’re after, we are available for functions and authentic Greek banquets, and you can see our menus here for further inspiration.

Holiday romance on the festive agenda

With a little extra time on your hands over the summer holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity to rekindle the romantic vibe. Why not let the in-laws look after the children and give yourself and your partner a well-deserved evening dining experience as the lights sparkle over Sydney?

From Greek banquets to la carte, we have a host of options available when it comes to an intimate dinner just for two.

Give the gift of George’s hospitality

As the clock counts down to Christmas, George’s is embracing the season of giving, offering gift vouchers as a welcome Christmas gift.

We have a range of dining vouchers available that are destined to delight the resident foodie in your family, or someone who simply deserves an unprecedented dining experience as their present this year.

New Year’s Eve at Darling Harbour

For many, the big-ticket hospitality event of the festive season is New Year’s Eve, and at George’s we celebrate the New Year in authentic Greek style. This year we’re hosting a NYE Taverna Night with live music, entertainment and a menu that’s sure to impress.

Meanwhile, our Darling Harbour venue ensures we are at the heart of the harbourside action when the clock strikes 12 to ring in the New Year.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries.

Come share the hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up a sensational holiday season in simply stunning surrounds. You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

George’s – A function for any occasion

Posted on November 15, 2017 by admin - functions, News & Reviews

Whether it’s celebrating a major milestone with family, catching up with friends for a party or hosting the ultimate corporate event, calling on the services of a seasoned hospitality venue like George’s to host your function offers a wealth of benefits.

From hen’s nights, to christenings, engagement parties and office celebrations, we’ve hosted thousands of functions over the years, catering from intimate gatherings right through to large groups.

Here are just some of the festivities we’ve been part of over our history and what we can do to assist in creating the perfect Sydney event.

Family gatherings

The family is very much at the heart of George’s hospitality heritage and we love working with other families to create memorable events.

Over the years we’ve been part of some of the most significant milestones in people’s lives and relish the opportunity to share the small and large joys of life.

From weddings and christenings to birthday parties, engagement celebrations, and anniversaries, we understand the significance of sharing seminal moments with family and friends and welcome the chance to work with you and host your event.

Our waterside venue is open day and night, allowing the flexibility of a casual family brunch, a full a-la-carte lunch or function that stretches from the afternoon into the evening.

And we have a host of menus and dining areas to choose from, including exclusive use of the restaurant for special events like weddings and major family gatherings.

Friendly festivities

Considering a quick catchup, casual lunches, cocktails by the waterfront or a big birthday bash that stretches long into the night, we keen to be part of your social circle.

We’ve hosted many major celebrations and parties for people in our time. From hen’s nights to birthday celebrations, farewells and “welcome home” festivities, George’s is committed to taking the hard work out of planning your social event

We have a range of great function menus available to assist, can cater to special dietary requirements, and sure, we can keep a secret if the event is a surprise.

Workplace functions

Our central Sydney location puts us within easy reach of city-based corporations, many of whom have utilized our services for corporate functions and events during our time.

Each year we host hundreds of Christmas parties, workplace luncheons, product launches, and further corporate events.

We gladly work with business to ensure they have all their requirements met, whether that’s full venue use, presentation equipment, live entertainment or a dance floor where employees can boogie off some business steam.

What we can offer

George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill offers three different areas for functions including our Grove Bar and Lounge, Dining Area or the entire venue at your disposal.

We can tailor cost-effective food and beverage packages to suit any needs, theme our restaurant to reflect your requirements, and host live bands or entertainment to ensure your event is a success.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill are renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up sensational functions in simply stunning surrounds. You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.