The Gables

The Gables is simply one of Melbourne’s finest venues for weddings, business functions or private dinner parties. Located in the heart of the Gascoigne Estate, East Malvern and surrounded by 100-year-old cypress trees, The Gables is a striking example of Victorian period architecture in the Queen Anne style.

No detail has been spared in the maintenance of this century-old residence, from the stained glass windows and open fireplaces, to the classic furnishings and elegant period detailing.

You and your guests will be delighted at the charm and elegance of your surrounds. The sweeping drive, tranquil garden and gazebo, perfect for wedding ceremonies, further enhance your experience.

The Gables provides personalised service in a truly grand environment, for up to 120 people. Our menu is first class, offering a selection of formal dinners, elegant informal dinners, cocktail parties and afternoon teas. In addition we can cater for much smaller, more intimate groups with a la carte dining, a first for a venue of this calibre.

The History of The Gables

Built in 1902 by local property developer Lawrence Alfred Birchnell. The Gables is considered one of the most prominent houses in the Gascoigne and Waverley Estates. Renowned Queen Anne architects Ussher and Kemp celebrate Australian flora and fauna in the intricate plasterwork and leadlight throughout the mansion. William Guilfoyl the master landscape architect of the Royal Botanical Gardens designed the garden which retains much of it original structure today.

Boasting wide verandahs overlooking the magnificent garden, The Gables has 15 stunningly renovated rooms, many of which are traditionally decorated, including beautiful chandeliers leadlight windows, conservatory and feature window, parquetry floorings, 16-foot ceilings, a sweeping staircase and open fireplaces. The Gables has been lovingly maintained and retains all of its original features and layout.

Famous Finch Street in East Malvern is lined with huge historic plane trees. While The Gables, set on an acre of land, still retains many of the original trees, including the original hedge and two enormous cypress trees in the front. The garden is immaculate, with a rose-covered gazebo for wedding ceremonies, a pond and fountain, as well as the tallest Norfolk Island pine in the area, which can be seen from the Rialto in the city.

A private residence, then rooming house until 1930, the first wedding reception held was a breakfast in the formal dining room, followed by dancing to Melbourne’s first jukebox in the upstairs rooms. The notorious Squizzy Taylor was reputed to have thrown a 21st birthday party for his girlfriend in the main ballroom. The Gables was very famous for 21st birthday parties from the 1920s to the 1940s.

With its easy proximity to the Caulfield Race Course, The Gables ran an underground speakeasy gambling room upstairs and sold beer from the back door during Melbourne’s prohibition era.

Throughout its history, The Gables has been a Melbourne icon, celebrating generation after generation of Melbourne’s wedding receptions and parties. Lovingly restored, the atmosphere and charm of The Gables have been retained for the future generations.

We are so proud to be still operating a business that has been running continuously since the 1920s and to still be available for to our past bride and grooms for wedding anniversaries 90 years on. Never in its long history has The Gables been open to the public before now.

Recent weddings include Cal Wilson, the Nova DJ, and Chris Wood, as well as Tessa James of Home and Away fame and Nate Myles, NRL star. We are also so proud to have hosted many third-generation weddings over our time here.

High Tea at The Gables

Sunday High Tea at The Gables will be served in our beautiful formal front rooms, the original drawing room and dining room of the house. Over the summer months we will also serve high tea in the garden and on the verandah. The front rooms have leadlight windows, open fireplaces, parquetry floors and ornate plaster work. The drawing room features the original leadlight conservatory. The dining room has access onto the verandah, which overlooks our stunning garden.

High Tea is served on beautiful fine-bone china on the traditional high tea stand. It includes a selection of sandwiches, homemade savoury pastries and scones with jam and cream. A buffet of every cake, pastry and sweet imaginable will be available, with something for everyone. Coffee and a selection of teas will be served by our professional staff, along with a glass of French Champagne.

High Tea is open for bookings on Sundays for $69 per person and Wednesdays for $59 per person. There are two sittings, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. Off-street parking is available.

Dietaries

All dietary requirements need to be confirmed one week prior to attendance. The Gables takes no responsibility for any reactions that may result from any of our functions, events, high tea or the tea room. We will always endeavour to do our best however we cannot offer certainty that our food products do not contain traces of allergens within or beyond our control.

We do not recommend people with severe allergic reactions attend The Gables.If choosing to attend with a severe allergy we recommend bringing an epipen and or other medical solution. People with allergies must attend The Gables at their own risk. Minors with allergic reactions must be accompanied by their own parent at all times and may not be on the premise without constant parental supervision. No responsibility will be taken for any minors at any time.

The Gables House Policy

We are committed to delivering you a safe and successful function.

We have legal obligations relating to alcohol, which we must abide by, and conditions stipulated on our liquor licence. In addition, we will manage the function using the measures outlined below to reduce any risk and harm to guests, staff and the community.
Whilst it is our responsibility to mange the service of alcohol we require that you nominate a ‘go to” person at the function (must be over 18), who we can call upon to assist with any issues which may arise during the function.

All of our staff are trained in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).

The bar closed at the conclusion of your function. Please see your confirmation letter for the time.
Alcohol:
Will only be served in standard drink sizes
Will not be served unless non-alcoholic and low alcoholic beverages are available
Will only be served within the redline area
Is not permitted on the dance floor or in the toilets
We will:
Ask for acceptable forms of identification as proof of age
Not serve alcohol to minors
Not serve alcohol to intoxicated guests
Stop serving alcohol if guests show signs of intoxication (before the situation gets out of hand)
Not serve alcohol to drunk or disorderly guests and, as required by law, they will be asked to leave the venue.
Ask each guest prior to re-filling his or her glass with alcohol
Adhere to the trading hours listed on our liquor licence
Collect unattended drinks and empty glasses regularly
Remove bottles from tables half and hour prior to the conclusion of the function

A parent/responsible person must accompany minors at all times.

If minors are found consuming alcohol the parents/responsible person will be contacted to manage the situation.

Food will be served at regular intervals during the function.

On behalf of The Gables we wish you a very happy function and appreciate your cooperation in advance.

COVID-19 Terms & Conditions

In line with Victorian Government's restrictions, we have made changes to our events, facilities, and services to ensure compliance and to keep our community safe. By booking a function or event at The Gables, you agree to have read these terms and conditions prior to attending.

Visit the Department of Health and Human Services for general information about COVID-19, including current translated resources and information for people with disability.

  • All patrons must check-in using our QR code.
  • All patrons must wear a face mask unless seated at your table.
  • All patrons must practice social distancing by keeping a minimum of 1.5 metres apart from other people unless seated at your table.
  • All patrons must practice good hygiene. There are hand sanitiser stations around the venue to support this.
  • All patrons must adhere to social gathering restrictions. The number of people per booking will be closely monitored to ensure they meet the current limits.
  • All patrons must not have tested positive for COVID-19, display any symptoms like COVID-19, or been in contact with anyone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
  • Any patron that is showing any signs of being unwell – this includes, but is not limited to, mucus from the nose, coughing or sneezing, sore throat, or high temperature – may be asked by a member of staff to leave the venue.
  • If any patrons test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of visiting The Gables, they must notify us immediately so that we can implement the appropriate workplace response.
  • All patrons must comply with any other guidelines from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, and follow instructions of staff, at all times when at The Gables.