94 Bourke Street
Melbourne
Venue type: Pub
www.elephantandwheelbarrow.com.au
The Elephant and Wheelbarrow feels like one would expect an English pub to be. Dark wooden walls and bar .. that unmistakable English touch. The staff hand-picked. A generous variety of English, Irish and Scottish beers complement the various London Tube maps and other trinketry decorating the walls.
Being split over three levels, there is some distinction between the floors; the ground floor is more big-city styled in terms of that the emphasis is more on standing, the top floor is more traditional English by being rather quaint, and the middle is a hotchpotch of nightclub and dark lighting.
The Elephant and Wheelbarrow is one of Melbourne's most friendly pubs. And friendly + location = some action whenever you go. Its large size can of course dilute the impression, but rest assured: you'll never be alone here. Don't forget to check upstairs as well.
The first floor can get dancey, which would certainly come in handy for some. The dance floor is small and cosy. The quite unique aspect is of course that if you head down only a few stairs you're transported to an English pub.
The Elephant and Wheelbarrow deserves recognition for its informal, mingly atmosphere downstairs and certainly is a great pub to start your night in, as a friendly and relaxed meeting place. We rate it as a welcome addition to Melbourne.
Outdoor Area / Beer Garden
A dedicated area on the sidewalk is great for an outside pint. And to watch city life.
Simon Woodhouse
Readers' Reviews
Old faithful the E&W is always dependable for a quiet drink or a good place to meet before a big night out. Some nights here are quiet (ie a Tuesday night), and Fridays draw a big after work crowd, but on Saturdays there is fun for all with a DJ and a live band up on the 2nd level. Drinks are more expensive here, and it is worth drinking beer purely because it is around $3 cheaper.
It gets a big squishy up the top, but there's plenty of more room downstairs if you need a break.
Liz, West Brunswick, 01/03
Standing capacity: 150
Situated in the vibrant hub of the Melbourne CBD on the corner of Bourke and Exhibition streets, parties come with service and a smile at the Elephant.
The traditional British pub...
Saturday: Min. spend: $4500
View spaceStanding capacity: 100
Situated in the vibrant hub of the Melbourne CBD on the corner of Bourke and Exhibition streets, parties come with service and a smile at the Elephant.
The modern Third Level...
Saturday: Min. spend: $3500
View spaceFunction spaces at Elephant and Wheelbarrow range from 100 to 150 guests standing. The largest option is the Middle Floor, which accommodates up to 150 guests.
Friday function rooms at Elephant and Wheelbarrow operate on a minimum spend from $2500. Saturday minimum spends start from $3500.
The Top Floor include a dedicated private bar. The Middle Floor share the main bar area.
Yes, children are welcome at Elephant and Wheelbarrow functions until 10pm.
In the paramount shopping centre located behind the venue, or in the first parking building a few minute walk towards parliament.
Yes, Elephant and Wheelbarrow welcomes BYO DJs and live bands. Note that noise restrictions apply: Restrictions after 11pm due to proximity to residential.
Yes, Elephant and Wheelbarrow has the following in-house AV equipment available at no extra charge: Microphone/PA, Stage, Large TV/LCD. Free WiFi throughout venue
Yes, Elephant and Wheelbarrow requires licensed security guards for 21st birthday events ($275 per night). 18th birthday events are not permitted at Elephant and Wheelbarrow. All functions with amplified music: $55 per hour for a minimum of 4 hours
21st birthdays: $55 per hour for a minimum of 4 hours
