frequently asked questions
your event. your vision. your brad’s.
From unforgettable celebrations to beautifully considered corporate events, BRAD’S is a space for bringing extraordinary ideas to life.
Whether you're dreaming of an all-inclusive experience or want the freedom to make the space entirely your own, we've made planning simple.
Explore your options, build your own event estimate, or discover the flexibility of our BYO Venue Buyout.
Everything else you need to know? We've answered it here.
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How does pricing work?
Your event, your way. Start with exclusive venue hire, then build your experience around what you need — food, beverages, furniture, staffing, styling, entertainment and production.
Whether you're keeping things beautifully simple or going all out, we'll help you create an event that reflects your vision and budget.
Do you host seated and cocktail events?
Absolutely! BRAD’S accommodates up to 220 guests for seated dining on a single floor, or up to 500 guests for a cocktail-style celebration.
Seated capacity depends on your layout, staging, entertainment, bar and buffet requirements.
From elegant long-table dinners to vibrant cocktail parties, the space can be transformed to suit your occasion.
Can I hire BRAD’S as a full venue buyout?
You certainly can! Our BYO Venue Buyout starts at $7,500 + GST, plus applicable setup, security and refundable bond charges.
Bring your own catering, beverages, staffing, entertainment and suppliers, and create an event entirely on your terms.
What's the difference between BYO Food and a BYO Venue Buyout?
Two flexible options, depending on how you'd like to host.
BYO Food — $1,000 + GST: Bring your preferred caterer while we manage the venue, front-of-house staffing, beverages and event delivery.
BYO Venue Buyout — From $7,500 + GST: Take greater control of your celebration, organising your own catering, beverages, staffing and suppliers, subject to venue and licensing requirements. Additional setup, security and bond charges apply.
What additional costs apply to the BYO Venue Buyout?
Our BYO Venue Buyout is designed to give you maximum freedom, with a few additional requirements:
Refundable Bond — $2,000: Returned after your event, provided the venue is left as received, with no damage, additional cleaning or outstanding charges.
Mandatory In-House Security — $45 + GST per guard, per hour: Required for all BYO Venue Buyouts, with staffing levels based on guest numbers and event requirements.
Setup & Additional Services: Furniture setup, specialist equipment and other requested services are quoted separately.
We'll confirm all applicable costs upfront, so you know exactly what's included.
How does security work for a BYO Venue Buyout?
Our in-house security team looks after guest safety, venue security and final building lockdown.
Security staffing is calculated according to guest numbers:
Up to 100 guests — 2 guards
101–200 guests — 3 guards
201–300 guests — 4 guards
301–400 guests — 5 guards
401–500 guests — 6 guards
Security arrives 30 minutes before guests and remains until everyone has departed.
Need additional pack-out time? We can arrange for one guard to remain onsite while your suppliers finish, subject to venue approval.
Security is charged at $45 + GST per guard, per hour, with final staffing and hours confirmed according to your event requirements.
We have our own security team. Can we use them?
For all events at BRAD’S, whether fully managed or BYO Venue Buyout, security must be provided by our in-house security team.
Our security personnel know the venue inside and out, from building access and emergency procedures to guest management and final lockdown. Their familiarity with the space ensures a safe, professional and seamless experience for everyone.
It's one less thing for you to organise, and peace of mind for everyone!
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Do you offer in-house catering?
Absolutely! From beautifully crafted canapés and Fork & Walk dishes to grazing, generous family-style sharing feasts, seated dining, desserts and late-night bites.
Our menus are designed to bring people together, with the flexibility to create a dining experience that suits your celebration.
EXPLORE OUR MENUS & BUILD YOUR QUOTE
How much food should we allow for our event?
It depends on your event duration, format and how you'd like your guests to dine.
For a typical six-hour celebration, here's an example of how we might structure your menu:
ARRIVAL CANAPÉS — $21 + GST per guest
Three delicious canapé selections to welcome your guests.FAMILY-STYLE SHARING FEAST — $95 + GST per guest
A generous selection of three mains and three sides, served to the table.DESSERT — BYO
Bring your own celebration cake, a favourite dessert or something culturally significant. We can arrange service for you.*LATE-NIGHT TOTO'S PIZZA — $7 + GST per guest
A delicious late-night snack to keep the celebration going.TOTAL FOOD INVESTMENT — $123 + GST PER GUEST
For 100 guests, that's $12,300 + GST for canapés, sharing dining and late-night pizza, excluding dessert and any additional service charges.
Of course, this is just one example! You can scale your menu up or down, explore different dining styles and create an experience that suits your guests, event duration and budget.
Any applicable dessert handling or service charges will be confirmed in your quotation.
Can we spend less on food if we're working to a smaller budget?
Absolutely! Not every celebration needs a three-course feast.
The important consideration is the balance between food, alcohol and event duration.
For example, a four-hour cocktail celebration with thoughtfully timed canapés or grazing may be a better fit than a six-hour event with continuous beverage service.
Our priority is always your guests' comfort and responsible hospitality.
Tell us your budget, guest numbers and event duration, and we'll help you create a food experience that makes the most of your investment.
Can we bring our own caterer?
Of course! Food is personal, and we love seeing clients bring their favourite restaurants, cultural traditions and culinary teams into the space.
Our BYO Food option is $1,000 + GST, allowing you to choose your caterer while we manage the venue, beverages, front-of-house staffing and wider event delivery.
Alternatively, our BYO Venue Buyout gives you greater independence to organise the entire experience yourself.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Absolutely, and there's no additional charge for standard dietary requirements.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and other dietary needs can be incorporated into your menu, with our kitchen team coordinating the details.
Simply provide your requirements when finalising guest numbers and menus.
If you need an entirely bespoke menu or specialist preparation, we'll discuss the options and confirm any additional costs upfront.
Are your menus Halal?
Absolutely! We offer Halal-friendly catering across our menus, from canapés to generous sharing feasts and seated dining. Let us know your specific requirements, including any certification or preparation standards, so we can confirm suitable arrangements.
Prefer your own caterer? Our BYO Food option is $1,000 + GST, with our team managing the venue, beverages and service.
Alternatively, choose our BYO Venue Buyout and arrange your catering and event delivery through your own team.
Your celebration, your culture, your way.
We love your menu! Will it change before our event?
Our menus are seasonal, but if you've chosen a menu when booking, we'll honour that selection for your event.
Equally, if you'd prefer to explore our latest seasonal menu closer to your date, you're welcome to!
Have a favourite dish, cultural specialty or something particular in mind? Let us know. We're always happy to explore personal touches and bespoke additions.
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Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes, but only with our BYO Venue Buyout.
This option allows you to supply your own beverages, subject to applicable licensing and responsible service requirements.
For all managed BRAD’S events, including BYO Food bookings, alcoholic beverages must be supplied through BRAD’S.
We offer beverage packages, prepaid tabs, on-consumption service and cash bar options.
Can you source particular wines, spirits or beverages?
Absolutely! Have a favourite champagne, wine, premium spirit or something special that isn't on our menu?
Whether it's a particular brand, an additional beverage option or something culturally significant, we'd love to explore it.
Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll confirm availability, sourcing and pricing.
Do we need to choose a beverage package?
Not at all! We offer several ways to host your guests.
Unlimited Beverage Packages
Choose Bronze, Silver or Gold, available for four to seven hours.
Bronze — From $48 + GST per person: A selection of prosecco, wines, beers, RTDs and non-alcoholic favourites.
Silver — From $60 + GST per person: An elevated selection of wines and sparkling beverages.
Gold — From $82 + GST per person: Our premium offering, featuring champagne and an exceptional beverage selection.
Spirits can be added from $15 + GST per person.
Prepaid Bar Tab
Set a budget and select the beverages you'd like to offer. Once the tab is reached, you can extend it or move to a cash bar.
On Consumption
Host an open bar with drinks charged according to what guests actually order.
Cash Bar
Guests purchase their own drinks, or you can combine this with a hosted welcome drink or limited bar tab.
Not sure which option suits? We'll help you find the right balance for your guest numbers, duration and budget.
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Do we need to organise our own event staff?
Not with our managed event option!
We'll coordinate your front-of-house team based on guest numbers, food and beverage service, event format and duration.
Our team takes care of the service, so you can enjoy the celebration.
What are your staffing rates?
For managed events:
Seated events — $6 + GST per guest, per hour
Cocktail events — $4 + GST per guest, per hour
A minimum four-hour staffing period applies.
What happens with staffing under the BYO Venue Buyout?
Our BYO Venue Buyout allows you to organise your own event and service team, subject to applicable venue and licensing requirements.
Need some support? We recommend Chad and Carmen from 1862 Events, who can help with professional waitstaff, bartenders and event operations.
Any mandatory security, duty management or alcohol service requirements will be confirmed before your event.
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Can we host both our ceremony and reception at BRAD’S?
Absolutely! From your ceremony through to cocktails, dinner, speeches and dancing, BRAD’S offers the flexibility to celebrate everything in one place.
We'll help plan the layout and flow to suit your day, including any furniture changes required between each part of your celebration.
Do we need a wedding planner?
Not necessarily! It depends on the type of booking you choose.
Managed Event: Our team will guide you through menus, beverages, floorplans, timings and event details.
BYO Venue Buyout: We recommend engaging a wedding planner or on-the-day coordinator to manage your suppliers, setup and event delivery.
We love KL Weddings & Events and happily recommend their team for professional wedding planning and coordination.
Your wedding should be something you enjoy, not something you're running!
What if our guest numbers change?
We understand guest lists evolve!
Final guest numbers and all key event details are due 14 days before your event.
Numbers increase: We'll accommodate additional guests wherever capacity and operations allow, with applicable additional charges.
Numbers decrease: Before final confirmation, guest-based costs can be adjusted in line with your booking terms. Once final numbers are confirmed and catering or beverages committed, reductions or refunds may no longer be possible.
We'll always work with you to ensure catering, beverages, staffing and setup reflect your confirmed requirements.
Can our event plans evolve after we've booked?
Absolutely! Your initial quotation is an estimated budget, not a fully finalised event plan.
You can scale guest numbers, food, beverages, styling and other elements up or down as your celebration takes shape.
The prices quoted at booking will be honoured, even if our standard pricing increases before your event.
Your final total will reflect your confirmed requirements, subject to any fixed venue hire charges, minimum spends and agreed booking terms.
Flexibility to refine, with confidence in your pricing.
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Can we bring our own suppliers?
Absolutely! We welcome external florists, caterers, stylists, photographers, DJs, musicians and production teams.
All suppliers must comply with our agreed access, safety and operational requirements.
Do you have preferred suppliers?
We certainly do! We've built wonderful relationships with a network of talented creatives and event professionals who know how to bring a celebration to life.
Here are some of our favourites.
Drapery, Lighting & Styling
La Lumiere — Beautiful drapery, specialist lighting and atmospheric installations.
Sweet AZ Events — Event styling and decorative installations.
Florals & Candlelight
Grace & Flora — Our in-house floral partner, led by the exceptionally talented Hannah Low.
Revel & Light — Beautiful candlelight installations, from intimate dining tables to dramatic event settings.
Signage & Printing
Blink — Custom signage, large-format printing and creative production.
Photography
Jonny Scott — Exceptional editorial and event photography.
Kasia Kolmas — Beautiful, considered photography capturing every detail.
Skye Carter — Natural, expressive and beautifully composed imagery.
Videography
Jonny Scott — Photography and film with a distinctive editorial perspective.
Dear Brides — Beautiful wedding films capturing the emotion and energy of your day.
DJs, Live Music & Entertainment
Chris Keene — Exceptional DJs and unforgettable dance floors.
New Zealand DJ Collective — Professional DJs for celebrations of every style.
Electric Boogie — Brilliant live music, bands and entertainment.
AV, Production & Creative Lighting
Livewire AV — Our trusted AV production partner for corporate events, presentations, awards evenings and launches.
Angus Muir Design — Extraordinary creative lighting, immersive installations and brand activations.
Photobooths & Guest Experiences
Little Black Photo Booth — Stylish, interactive photobooth experiences and memorable keepsakes.
Wedding Celebrants
Frankie Orange — Warm, personal and beautifully authentic ceremonies.
Matt Jackson — Engaging, heartfelt ceremonies with personality.
These are just a few of our favourites. We're always happy to make introductions or help you find the right creative partners.
And of course, you're equally welcome to bring your own team.
Can we transform the space?
Please do! That's part of what makes BRAD’S special.
From dramatic draping and candlelit dining to immersive installations, specialist lighting and large-scale creative productions, there's enormous scope for imagination.
Bring us your ideas, and we'll explore what's possible within the venue's operational and safety requirements.
What optional extras are available?
Depending on your event, we can arrange or recommend architectural uplighting, specialist lighting, candle installations, candelabras, drapery, furniture, digital photobooths, screens, projection, AV, entertainment and additional setup support.
We'll help you select the elements that will make the greatest impact.
What if we don't want to do much to the space?
Absolutely fine! That's part of the magic of BRAD’S — the space doesn't need much.
With its heritage brickwork, soaring ceilings and unmistakable character, BRAD’S already has an atmosphere all of its own.
Sometimes all you need is wonderful food, great drinks, good music and your favourite people.
Equally, if you want to go all out with dramatic styling and installations, we'd love that too.
Go to town or keep it beautifully simple. It's your celebration, and there's no pressure to spend on things you don't need.
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What are your venue access hours?
Exclusive venue hire provides access from 10.00am through to 1.00am, including setup and event delivery.
All guests must depart by 1.00am. Suppliers may pack out afterwards by prior arrangement, with our in-house security overseeing the venue and final building lockdown. Additional security charges apply.
Can we arrange earlier access or set up the day before?
Potentially, yes! Whether you need an earlier start, additional setup hours or access the previous day for an installation or production, we'll explore what's possible.
Additional access is subject to availability and applicable venue hire fees.
As we often host events on consecutive days, it's best to discuss your requirements early.
Can suppliers access the venue for setup and pack-down?
Absolutely! BRAD’S has three separate access points, helping streamline deliveries, equipment movement and installations.
We'll coordinate access arrangements with your suppliers ahead of your event.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes! BRAD’S offers access to discounted Wilson Parking at 5 Durham Lane, immediately next door.
Current discounted rates include:
Monday–Friday evenings, 4.00pm–6.00am — $7.50
Saturday and Sunday — $7.50 for the advertised 6.00am–6.00am parking period.
Park in the designated green Public Parking bays and validate your ticket at the machine near our ground-floor entrance.
For departures after 11.00pm, Wilson Parking's Parkwatch team can assist with after-hours access on 09 375 5056.
VIEW OUR PARKING & ARRIVAL GUIDE
Parking is subject to availability and Wilson Parking's current rates and conditions.
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Can we have a DJ, live band or music event?
Absolutely! BRAD’S is a fantastic setting for DJs, live bands, performances and music-led celebrations.
All amplified music must, however, comply with Auckland Council's applicable noise requirements and BRAD’S venue operating conditions.
If you're planning substantial bass, live drumming or specialist sound production, please discuss your requirements with us before booking.
Are there noise restrictions at BRAD’S?
Yes. BRAD’S must comply with Auckland Council noise restrictions and our venue operating conditions.
While we love a great party, our 1.00am event finish time does not mean unrestricted sound levels until 1.00am.
Noise requirements apply throughout your event. Music involving significant bass or amplified sound may require additional planning or sound management.
All DJs, musicians and production suppliers must follow the venue's sound requirements and management directions.
AUCKLAND UNITARY PLAN — NOISE & VIBRATION REQUIREMENTS
Share your entertainment plans with us early, and we'll help ensure your event is both incredible and responsibly managed.
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Do we need a special alcohol licence for a BYO Venue Buyout?
It depends on your event.
For a private celebration where complimentary beverages are provided to invited guests, a special licence may not be required.
However, if alcohol is being sold or supplied as part of a paid or ticketed event, special licensing requirements may apply.
You'll need to establish the appropriate licensing arrangements and obtain any required approvals before your event.
Auckland Council generally requires special licence applications at least 20 working days before the event, so we recommend addressing this early.
SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSING — AUCKLAND COUNCIL
Can we use BRAD’S liquor licence for our own ticketed event or alcohol sales?
No. BRAD’S alcohol licence cannot be transferred or used by an external organiser to independently sell or supply alcohol.
If you're operating your own event and intend to sell alcohol, the licensing arrangements must be assessed and approved separately.
Please discuss this with us before booking.
Can we operate a cash bar under BRAD’S licence?
With a managed BRAD’S event, absolutely! We can operate a cash bar through our team under the venue's licensing arrangements.
We also offer beverage packages, prepaid tabs and drinks on consumption.
However, external organisers cannot independently sell alcohol under BRAD’S licence. Any alternative commercial arrangement must be assessed and quoted separately.
Can we run a ticketed event at BRAD’S?
Potentially, yes!
BRAD’S is a wonderful setting for launches, performances, music events and ticketed experiences.
We'll need to review your event format, attendance, crowd management, sound requirements, security and any applicable licensing before confirming suitability.
Bring us your concept, and we'll work through what's possible.
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How do we secure our date?
Once you're ready to proceed, we'll prepare your event proposal, contract and deposit invoice.
Your booking is confirmed once the contract has been completed and the required deposit received.
What are your payment terms?
Our payment terms depend on the type of booking you choose.
MANAGED EVENTS
25% deposit to secure your booking
25% payment 90 days before your event
Remaining balance 10 days before your event
For bookings made within 90 days of the event, a 50% initial deposit applies.
BYO VENUE BUYOUT
50% deposit to secure your booking
Remaining 50% balance due 10 days before your event
All deposits and payments are subject to the terms outlined in your booking agreement.
Is our event quotation final when we book?
No, not at all!
Your initial quotation is an estimated event budget based on your anticipated guest numbers and selections.
The prices quoted when you book are honoured, even if our standard pricing increases before your event.
You're welcome to adjust catering, beverages, staffing, guest numbers and other event details as your plans develop.
Final guest numbers, food and beverage selections and all key event details are due 14 days before your event.
Agreed venue hire fees, minimum spends and other fixed contractual commitments remain unchanged.
What happens after we book?
That depends on the experience you've chosen.
Managed Events: Our team will guide you through menus, beverages, floorplans, timings, styling, suppliers and all the finer details.
BYO Venue Buyout: You take the lead on planning your event, bringing together your own catering, beverages, staff and suppliers. We'll coordinate venue access and operational requirements and provide the agreed venue services.
Either way, we're here to make the process straightforward and help you create an event that feels entirely yours.
Can we arrange a viewing before booking?
We'd love that!
There's nothing quite like experiencing BRAD’S in person. Come and explore the space, talk through your ideas and imagine the possibilities.
Get in touch with our team, and we'll arrange a time to welcome you.