Christmas Party Venues in East Maitland

What to Know Before Booking Christmas Party Venues

Whether the whole workplace is coming or just one department, East Maitland has a pub function space to match. Corporate functions are on the Hunter River Hotel's list for its upstairs Hunter Room, and The George Tavern names corporate gatherings among the events it runs across three areas.

Before you send the calendar invite, weigh up:

Team size: 50 to 150 suits the Hunter Room; a crew of 40 seated or up to 70 standing suits The George
Speeches and awards: the Hunter River Hotel can supply a projector on request, and The Courtyard at The George has TVs and audio
Keeping spend in check: a bar tab with a limit you choose at the Hunter River Hotel, or drink packages at The George
Budget floor: the Hunter Room is From $2,000 minimum spend, with a deposit to hold the date
Format: a seated alternate drop dinner, or a roaming canapé and slider menu where staff can mix

The last fortnight of November and all of December are peak season for end-of-year events, so a weeknight date can make it easier to secure the room you want. Both pubs sit on the Green Hills side of the Hunter River, handy for teams based east of Maitland's centre.

The space: second storey, lift access, a private bar and separate amenities, plus a balcony for fresh air between courses
Seating plan: rounds of eight for a sit-down dinner, or bar tables for a standing crowd
Dinner: two or three courses served as an alternate drop, so a big group eats at once
Timing: room bookings run for five hours, long enough for dinner, the boss's thank-you and a dance

Department break-ups at The George

Up to 50 standing: The Courtyard has a private bar, screens and sound for a slideshow of the year
An outdoor wind-down: the beer garden out front takes 70 people on their feet
A seated team lunch: 40 can sit down indoors in the bistro lounge
Premium bites for the occasion: pulled pork bao, scallop spoons, smoked salmon blinis and Peking duck pancakes

Venues for Christmas Parties: Your Questions Answered

Which East Maitland venue fits a team Christmas party of 100-plus?

Upstairs at the Hunter River Hotel, the Hunter Room takes teams of 50 to 150 at dinner rounds of eight or around bar tables. The George Tavern's largest space, the front terrace, holds 70 standing.

How can we keep the work Christmas bar spend under control?

At the Hunter River Hotel you set a bar tab with a limit of your choosing, and the Hunter Room carries a $2,000 minimum spend. The George Tavern offers drink packages alongside its function menu.

Is there a screen for end-of-year awards or a slideshow?

The George Tavern's Courtyard comes with TVs and audio. The Hunter River Hotel can provide a projector in the Hunter Room if you ask when booking.

What food suits a mixed group of staff and managers?

A roaming menu helps people mingle: The George does sliders, canapés and mini bowls, and the Hunter River Hotel does grazing boards, arancini, salt and pepper squid and pizzas. For a more formal night, the Hunter Room's alternate drop dinner seats everyone together.