Celebrations & group bookings

Two ways to celebrate at Meantime The Entrance.

From an intimate afternoon with your favourite people to taking over the whole venue — every option is 100% gluten free, every guest is looked after, every detail is shaped around you.

Choose your function

Two ways to do it well.

A reserved private space in the bar, or the whole venue to yourself — every plate, every detail, all 100% gluten free and coeliac safe.

Private bar function at Meantime The Entrance

Private Bar Functions

For the big nights — 21sts, milestone birthdays, engagements, hens parties and work celebrations.

Booking the bar closes it to the public, so the space is yours for the night.

Any night Min 30 adults · $1,000 food

School holidays Midweek only (no Friday or Saturday functions)

Format Private space, platters

Private space Platter menu Dedicated host

Check your date

Whole venue celebration at Meantime The Entrance

Whole Venue Hire

For weddings, big milestone birthdays, corporate events and anyone who wants the whole place.

Format Exclusive use

Includes Event manager · custom

Pricing POA

Exclusive use Custom package Event manager

Check your date

Catering

Simple shared catering

No complicated menu planning required. Everything is designed for groups, and 100% gluten free. Allow one platter for every five guests. Each platter is around 25 pieces. Tell us your numbers and we will suggest exactly what you need.

Platters

Pork Belly Bites $100

Chicken Tender Skewers $100

Ricotta and sun-dried tomato stuffed mushrooms

Ricotta & Sun-dried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms $80

Salt & Pepper Squid $100

Mushroom & Feta Arancini $100

Crispy Popcorn Halloumi $100

Pork & Fennel Meatballs $100

Grazing platter with cured meats and accompaniments

Grazing Platter $250

Kids share platter with ham and cheese pizza, crumbed chicken bites and chips

Kids Share Platter $60

Hot dessert platter of brownie and sticky date pudding

Dessert Platter, hot or cold $100

Shoestring Fries $15

The Kids Share Platter is two serves of Crumbed Chicken Bites & Chips and two Ham & Cheese Pizzas, and feeds about four kids.

Pizzas

Classic Margherita $27

Vegetarian Pizza $30

Spiced Lamb $34

Calabrese $34

Celebration cakes made in-house, all gluten free, $80: Chocolate Mud, White Chocolate Vanilla & Raspberry, Tiramisu.

Drinks

Beverage options

Bar Tab

Set a fixed amount, paid on the night. We track it live and let you know when you're close.

Cash Bar

Guests order and pay at the bar. Full menu available throughout your event.

Tab then cash bar

A tab up to a set amount, then guests pay their own.

Kids are welcome but do not count toward minimum guest numbers.

Why The Entrance

Coastal, considered, completely gluten free.

100% gluten free kitchen

Every dish, every plate, every menu. No "gluten free options" — just food. Coeliac guests eat anything without asking.

Coastal location

On The Entrance Road, walking distance from the water. Drive down from Newcastle or Sydney, stay the afternoon.

Personal from start to finish

Our team will get back to you about every function enquiry. A real conversation about your day.

Fully accessible

Everything is on the ground floor, with step-free entry through the Oaks foyer.

The paddle hero

Our cocktail tasting paddle — four cocktails, beautifully served. The moment everyone photographs and remembers.

How it works

Three steps. Zero stress.

Enquire

Tell us your preferred date, guest numbers, and the occasion. Whether you're sure of the option you want or not — both are fine.

We shape the details

We'll get back to you to confirm availability, walk through the option that fits your group, and answer any questions.

Celebrate

Show up, settle in, and enjoy. We handle everything else from here.

Questions

Common questions

Is everything really 100% gluten free?

Every dish on our menu is 100% gluten free, at both venues — the whole kitchen is dedicated GF, so coeliac guests can order anything off the menu without worrying. Our drinks list is almost entirely GF too (cocktails, Two Bays on tap, most wine and spirits), but a few popular beers, wines and spirits aren't GF and are clearly marked NGF on our drinks menu.

What if my group falls between sizes, say 25 people?

Private functions start at 30 adults. Smaller groups are very welcome as a restaurant table booking, ordering from the menu on the night, or try Paddles & Pals for groups up to 20.

Can we book for a weekday?

Yes. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday are great nights for a function, at the same 30 adult minimum. Weekday nights are also available during the school holidays, when we don't run Friday or Saturday functions.

How far in advance should I book?

Six to eight weeks ahead is ideal for Fridays and Saturdays, especially October to March. We don't run functions from 25 December to 27 January, or on Friday and Saturday nights in the NSW school holidays.

Is there a minimum spend?

Yes, 30 adults and $1,000 on food. Your $500 deposit comes off the food spend. Drinks are separate, as a bar tab, cash bar, or a mix.

How do I enquire?

For Paddles & Pals, use the booking or group-planning options on the Paddles & Pals page. For a Private Bar Function, Whole Venue Hire or another function enquiry, use our online function enquiry form. Tell us your preferred date, numbers and what you're planning and our team will get back to you.

The service was fantastic and the cocktails were great. Not a worry in the world being at a dedicated GF facility.

★★★★★

Guest, The Entrance · Google Review

Enquire now

Ready to plan your celebration?

Whatever the size or style of your group — there's a way to make it happen at The Entrance.

Dates fill fast — especially Fridays and Saturdays. Most bookings are secured 4–8 weeks in advance.

Check your date

Looking for Paddles & Pals? It's a separate restaurant table experience and does not include a private area or exclusive venue use.

Explore Paddles & Pals →