Venue Spotlight: Stokehouse Melbourne
An enduring part of Melbourne’s dining and events landscape, Stokehouse offers a celebration setting defined by light, water and a quietly confident sense of style. Perched directly on the bay, it pairs panoramic views with refined, contemporary interiors and a food and wine experience that has shaped the city’s hospitality story for decades. We sat down with the team to talk about what makes celebrating at Stokehouse feel so distinctly special, from intimate weddings to full venue takeovers by the sea.
THEODORE Mag: Stokehouse has become one of Melbourne’s most iconic beachfront venues. For those who may not have visited yet, how would you describe the atmosphere and experience of celebrating here?
Stokehouse: Celebrating at Stokehouse feels like the perfect blend of bayside charm and understated luxury. There’s something truly magical about being right on the water, where every occasion—big or small—feels like a special moment. It’s relaxed, yet refined.
THEODORE Mag: The design and location of Stokehouse, from its panoramic views over St Kilda Beach to the thoughtful interiors, feel integral to its identity. How does the architecture and setting influence the mood of an event?
Stokehouse: The space is designed to let the bay take centre stage. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the water, so the view becomes part of your celebration. Natural light floods in during the day, and at sunset, the room glows with golden hues. Warm timber finishes and contemporary coastal details create a setting that feels relaxed yet luxe. Perfect for a wedding that’s timeless and modern.
THEODORE Mag: Weddings and celebrations at Stokehouse can range from intimate gatherings to large, exclusive events. Can you talk us through the different event spaces you offer (from the Palm Room to an exclusive buy‑out) and what kinds of celebrations suit each?
Stokehouse:
Palm Room: Ideal for intimate weddings or private dining, this space offers privacy without losing those incredible views.
Exclusive Venue Buyout: For couples who want the entire beachfront experience to themselves, a full buyout gives you complete privacy and the freedom to create something truly bespoke.
THEODORE Mag: The food and beverage experience is clearly a standout part of any event here. How do you work with couples to tailor the seasonal menu and wine list to best complement their celebration?
Stokehouse: Food and Wine is at the heart of every Stokehouse celebration. Led by Executive Chef Jason Staudt, our menus hero the finest seasonal produce, thoughtfully curated to reflect Stokehouse’s signature style. The dining experience is designed to feel relaxed and generous, offering an à la carte–style approach within a beautifully structured menu. Our award-winning wine list is curated to complement the menu beautifully, featuring exceptional local and international selections.
THEODORE Mag: For weddings in particular, the view and the light play such a beautiful role in photography. How do you help couples envision the flow and feel of their day in this unique beachfront setting?
Stokehouse: At Stokehouse, the room does a lot of the storytelling. Angled mirrors catch the bay from every vantage point, so there’s always a glimpse of water; custom chandeliers and warm, layered lighting shift beautifully from day to dusk. As the sun drops, the whole space glows (perfect for those golden-hour frames) while the setting remains unmistakably Melbourne.
THEODORE Mag: What makes a Stokehouse wedding different to any other wedding?
Stokehouse: A Stokehouse wedding is all about timeless elegance by the bay, a beachfront wedding without the weather drama. For over 30 years, we’ve been part of Melbourne’s dining story, combining exceptional seasonal menus with a setting that captures Melbourne’s bayside charm.
THEODORE Mag: Looking ahead, how do you see Stokehouse continuing to evolve as a venue for celebrations? Whether that’s new experiences, design elements or curated events that elevate the guest experience?
Stokehouse: We’re always looking for ways to make celebrations even more special, whether that’s refreshing our interiors, introducing new seasonal menus, or creating bespoke event concepts. Our goal is to keep Stokehouse feeling fresh and inspiring while staying true to what makes it iconic: incredible food, exceptional wines, and those stunning views of Port Phillip Bay.
Visit stokehouse.com.au
Instagram @stokehouserestaurant
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com
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