We’ve all been there, trying to organize a function, whether it’s a birthday, a hens night, a work shindig, even your grandma’s birthday lunch – the job’s fallen to you and you don’t know where to start. If the venue sucks, the food is nearly inedible and the waiters are rude, everyone will be looking at you. Oh, the pressure! Thankfully, Bitter Suite are here to help. One of our favourite spots for brunch and a Sunday afternoon session, it just happens to be a perfect spot for almost any type of function. Situated in a beautiful, historic red brick building on a leafy corner in New Farm, away from the madding crowd, Bitter Suite is relaxed and cosy (which is why we love their Sunday sessions). Two function rooms can accommodate sit down dinners for 10-30 people and cocktail events for up to 60. Their beer cellar is oh so hipster, with exposed brick walls, wine barrels for stand up functions and comfy old leather couches for when the champagne kicks in. Alternatively, you can make use of their chilled outside area on a balmy summer night (hellooo Christmas party venue). 
As for food, well, if you know how delish Bitter Suite’s eats are, then you know how good their party fare is. For sit down meals you can tuck into plates like charcoal chicken with kimchi, Peking duck pancakes and slow roasted pork belly. Prefer finger food so you can try more dishes? Feast your hands and eyes on corned beef brisket dogs, salami and corn croquettes and pumpkin and cheese puffs, all made from scratch right there in the kitchen. They also have a great selection of tap beers and ciders, plus over 65 bottled brews, all from small, boutique micro-breweries. For those not so into the beer, there’s an extensive wine list and specialised spirits which go down very well in one of their creative cocktails. All the effort you need to expend is in booking the place and choosing the food – Bitter Suite will make sure everything else is taken care of. They don’t ask for a deposit or booking fee, there’s not even a minimum spend! From the first enquiry to the goodbye hug (and there will be a goodbye hug), the whole process so easy you’ll feel guilty taking all the credit for such a great event. For a moment, anyway. Words by Ranyhyn Akui
