LOCATIONWithin Craig’s Royal Hotel in the heart of historic Ballarat. Approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Ballarat airport and 70 minutes’ drive from Melbourne.
DETAILSRoyal delegates and British notaries have made Craig’s Royal Hotel a stately inn of choice while on tour in Ballarat, and it’s not hard to see why. Originally opened in 1853, the boutique Hotel’s impressive 19th Century features abound from the etched stone exterior to individually decorated Victorian rooms. A recent, loving renovation completed over a six year period has restored the hotel to all its former glory, where guests will find a range of dining spaces rich with history, antique design flourishes and the legacy of many a noteworthy guest.
FOOD & BEVERAGEDining at Craig’s encompass traditional lounges, spaces for casual light meals and formal banquet areas. Head chef Philippe Desrettes teams regional produce with French culinary techniques to produce delectable contemporary menus.
GALLERY BISTRO- Bask in the subdued warmth of the Gallery Bistro’s conservatory-style space, where luscious breakfasts, luncheons and dinners can be enjoyed daily in casually elegant surrounds. Choose rich smoked trout with scrambled eggs and crème fraiche for breakfast, and maybe a Gallic confit duck leg with turnips, potato terrine and cherry sauce come lunchtime.
CRAIG'S CAFE & LARDER- Pick up gourmet goodies, cheeses and wines for a picnic in the park from Craig’s Café & Larder, or grab a takeaway sandwich and coffee. Diners could also choose to have a light lunch at the provincial communal dining table.
BARS- Fancy an aperitif or digestif? Head to the Foyer Lounge for a well-earned drink after a day of sightseeing or opt for one of the boutique beer brews on offer at Craig’s Bar.
AFTERNOON TEA- It wouldn’t be a true Victorian experience without a refined affair of traditional high tea, and Craig’s hosts a bona fide seating for guests on the first Sunday of each month - mini no-crust cucumber sandwiches, tiered serving platters, and all.
FUNCTION DETAILSWeddings and corporate affairs can be hosted in one of Craig’s individually decorated spaces for varying party sizes, styles and moods. The catering team can arrange an especially designed menu for your function, or choose from set afternoon tea, lunch, cocktail party, seated dinner menus and beverage packages.
GRAND DINING ROOM- The elegant Grand Dining Room is suitable for up to 140 seated and 200 standing guests.
PRINCE'S ROOM- The Prince’s Room can host 100 cocktail guests and 60 for a sit-down event.
PRIVATE DINING- For private dining, opt for the Reading Room for up to 50 guests seated and 70 standing, or the warmth of the underground Bluestone Cellar for 30 seated guests or 50 cocktail-style.
CORPORATE- The Bath Lane Boardroom, equipped with modern AV facilities and climate control, is also available for meetings and interviews for up to 10 people.