About us
Our beginnings were around January 2013 on Meetup and slowly formed a small group of like minded Melbournites getting together on Thursdays to raid a different bar every week - avoiding repeats each year!
We still to this day keep that tradition going, but we are not such a small group these days and we have evolved to be about even more than just raiding bars...
Raiders of the Lost Bars are an events team focused towards creating experiences tuned towards meeting and connecting with others through interactive events, theme parties, and exploration of Melbourne's most interesting night spots.
From the rooftops to the basements, the extravagant to the dirty dives, from the spacious to small intimate places for a quiet drink all often within a short walk away from each other, we will find them all! With over 300 bars and night spots in the city and 100's more around the inner suburbs, there is no shortage of venues to enjoy.
We also enjoy putting on theme parties around once a month, best known for our Halloween party, College Party and UV Full moon party.. And these are huge and only getting bigger as we gain more and more support from the best party people in Melbourne.
WHAT ARE WE ALL ABOUT?
Primarily we are about meeting new people, we love the Melbourne bar scene and we want to scout every street, laneway & alley in the CBD and the surrounding inner suburbs in search of the coolest bars around! In the process meet a variety of friendly bar enthusiasts, from backpackers, to corporate professionals, to people new in town and of course, the party people of Melbourne!
IS THIS A SINGLES CLUB?
Pfft! No way! It's a "Bar exploration club"! Couples, singles, lgbt, anyone is welcome and accepted. Yes there are many single people that attend, but it's the same as anywhere you go in Melbourne's great nightlife. We are just out to socialise and see new places.
ARE YOUR EVENTS ABOUT GETTING WASTED AND DRUNK? This is a common misconception, we encourage responsible alcohol consumption. There are many people that limit themselves to only one drink and a couple of regulars who don't drink at all, we are not about getting smashed, wasted, intoxicated or anything else of that nature. As already mentioned, we are about meeting new people and exploring new bars. Drinking beyond your means is not condoned.
CAN I JUST ROCK UP ON MY OWN?
Yes! That is what most people do and it is what we encourage! If you come with friends, you are likely going to talk to your friends all night and that's no fun! If you feel you need a bit of moral support from friends though we also understand and that's totally cool! We have been doing this for years and we know how to make you all feel welcome, we have hosts and regulars who are there to help welcome you to the group.
SO WHAT HAPPENS AT AN EVENT?
We provide members with the address of the venue and who the hosts are. Once you have made contact with the group you will meet the various people who attend. Expect to see many smiles, and great conversation.
BUT I AM TOO SHY!!
If, at any time, you feel a little lost or shy at an event, please come and find the host!Β Your hosts will introduce you to people or you can just stick around and have a drink with the organisers.Β We want this to be a positive social experience for everyone and make sure we cater for shy-types as well as social butterflies.
WHY SHOULD I GO?
If you are still not convinced, but your still reading this, then you are probably in two minds whether this is for you or not. The beauty of our events are you can leave at any time you like... if you only come for 10 minutes to suss it out THAT'S OK! :) We don't have any rules, it's pretty easy going. Just don't be a dickhead.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Most members are aged 20s to 40s. Choose the events that suit you. Try the group out first then decide if you like it! Whether you're new to Melbourne, or just don't know many bars this group is a must! You might go to some bars you didn't even know existed!
I recommend looking through our upcoming events. Signing up is FREE, easy and well worth it!
ANY MORE QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US :)
Upcoming events
4

π Social Chats In The City π₯
Morris House, 120 Exhibition Street, VIC 3000, Melbourne, AUJoin us in Morris House for after work drinks and chats! We will be indoors on level 1 π Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome π
π Location: Morris House, level 1, 120 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
Please note: There is stair access only to level 1.How often do we have events? Weekly! Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend.
Events are also on:
Meet New People, Make Real Friends https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/
Bartopia https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/
This week's venue: https://www.instagram.com/morrishousemelbourne/
10 attendees
Eclectic Bar β¨ Social Drinks and Chats
Natural History Public Bar, 401 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Melbourne, AUπ£ Our reservation at Natural History Bar is for the slightly earlier time of 5:45pm. Arrive early and benefit from drinks specials! Come along to socialise and meet new people. Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome π
π Happy Hours 4:30pm-6:30pm π₯
$8 wines π·
$8 spirits
$11 pints πΊ
$13 spritz
Thursday food special: $23 burgers: wagyu or crispy tofu π
Natural History Bar is a popular gastropub. It takes inspiration from museums and pairs them with a classic yet casual pub menu.π Location: Natural History Bar, 401 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
How often do we have events? Weekly! Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend.
Events are also on:
Meet New People, Make Real Friends MeetUp https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/
Bartopia Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/
This week's venue: https://www.naturalhistorypublicbar.com/whats-on
4 attendees
Hidden Bar π€©πΈ Thursday Social! β©β‘
Manchuria Bar, 7 Waratah Place, First Floor, Melbourne, AUManchuria Bar is a sophisticated, moody nightspot for cocktails, with Asian-themed decor and plush vintage sofas. Come along to meet new people and get to know the regulars. Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome π
π Location: Level 1, 7-9 Waratah Place, Melbourne Vic 3000
This is the same alleyway as the entrance to Storyville.
β Manchuria doesn't have any signage. Enter the doorway that leads up a flight of stairs (but isn't Storyville). Walk up 1 flight of stairs and you will see a door on your left. Open the door and you will see the bar π€©How often do we have events? Weekly! Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend.
Events are also on:
Meet New People, Make Real Friends MeetUp https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/
Bartopia Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/
This week's venue: https://www.manchuriabar.com/
5 attendees
Christmas in July! ππ§βππ π¦ππ΅πΆ
Garden State Hotel, 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, AUChristmas Jumpers π Santa Suits π Christmas Themed Costumes βοΈ Red and Green Clothes π wear something Christmas related and join us at Garden State for a Saturday night of socialising, drinks, DJs and dancing!
Come along at 8pm to join us for socialising and drinks before hitting the dance floors. There will be DJs and dancing in the main bar (ground floor) and also in the Rose Garden (downstairs) ππΆπ΅
A perk of wearing Christmas themed outfits is that it makes it easier to find each other so make the most of wearing something bold, or at least something red π π¦π
Bring your best festive vibes and get ready to celebrate Christmas!
πLocation: Garden State, 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000
https://gardenstatehotel.com.au/Join us to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. Don't worry if you are coming along by yourself or don't know anyone - new people are always welcome. We have all been the new person before.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Events are also on:
Meet New People, Make Real Friends MeetUp https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/
Bartopia Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/11 attendees
Past events
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