Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do we have to come wearing fancy dress?

A. No. We encourage “Fanatical Fancy Dress Enthusiasts” to go all out in fancy dress. However, if you just fancy coming in your favourite frock, you’ll find all the hats, wigs, feather boas, masks and props waiting here for you when you arrive. Our props are 100% optional, but we guarantee you won’t be able to resist.

Q. How does it work?

A. Easy. Tharen’s is a fine dining restaurant with a fun and fabulous twist. You arrive on a red carpet and are greeted by our fabulous staff which are dressed head to toe in costume. The Drill Sergeant will serve you a drink at the bar while Alice in Wonderland shows you to your table. You are seated for a 3 course meal which runs over the course of the entire evening allowing you plenty of time to try on all of the fun and interactive hats and props we have hanging from every spare crevice. Prada Clutch, our sensational Drag-stess will announce your special guest, serenade your table and well and truly get the party started. We have a magician to entertain you with sleight of hand magic, a photographer to capture the evening’s hysterics and most importantly... A musical playlist that will have you singing your life away, and eventually dancing all around the dining room, and yes, like the props, you won’t be able to resist.

All in all it’s a fun and fabulous dining experience.

Q. Are the Hats and Props included?

A. Yes, anything you can get your hands on you are welcome to play with. But you may not take any of our fabulous Props home with you.

Q. Is there Entertainment?

A. Yes. Besides the entertainment you will experience laughing at your friends in all our silly hats.We provide extra entertainment throughout the evening. Prada Clutch, our Drag-Stess, and our fancy dressed hosts will humour you with a warm welcome, followed by announcing your special guests and further serenading you with a fabulous musical number. We have a magician performing sleight of hand magic and a photographer. You will be entertained by the play list and our wonderful themed staff.

Q. What is the food?

A. The food includes a 3-course meal with accompanying bread, salad, steamed vegetables and potatoes. On the evening you will be given a menu and asked to choose from 6 entrees, 6 mains plus a Bombe Alaska cake for dessert, which the staff bring out to the special guest at the table. It is flambéed with flaming brandy and sparklers all to the tune of a specialised piece of music which we blast through the sound system. It’s no extra charge and fabulous fun!

Q. Can we bring our own cake?

No. We do the cake for you. As a part of the third course, Tharens offers a Bombe Alaska Cake. This is no extra charge and is included in your dinner package. Bombe Alaskas must be booked in advance.

Q. Is it the same every night of the week?

A. Yes and NO. Friday and Saturday nights are as described above. However, during the week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) we offer a reduced price menu. This entails a gorgeous 3-course meal, the red carpet arrival, fantastic staff in costume, photographer, the quirky play list and all the hats, wigs, feather boas, masks and props you can handle. We call it our more “Personal Dinner Party Experience”. There is also an alternate 1-course package for those who aren’t prepared for the whole shebang! It’s a quaint dinner party evening with a quirky and fantastic twist. (Please note however that, Prada Clutch does not perform on these nights).

Q. How long does the evening last?

A. 7pm to 12am. We open at 6:30 but we recommend coming around 7 so you’re not the first to arrive. We close at 12am.

Q. Is there parking?

A. Yes. Ward Avenue car park is open 24 hours. Bayswater Rd car park is also open 24 hours. Both are within 5 minutes walking distance from the restaurant.

Q. Are there easy Transport Links?

A. Yes. We are a 5 minute walk from Kings Cross train station which is open until around 12:30am.

Q. Can we decorate our table?

A. Yes! Go nuts! We recommend Balloon Salloon in Maroubra for professional table decorations, balloons and banners.

Q. Can we bring kids?

A. Yes. However due to the nature of the restaurant we recommend not bringing any children under the age of 16.

Q. Do we all have to do the beverage package?

A. Yes. If your table does decide to go ahead with a beverage package then everyone at the table will be included. Please see below for exceptions.

Q. We have a pregnant woman coming with us. Does she have to take the beverage package?

A. No. At Tharens we strictly adhere to the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) so pregnant women and designated drivers are exempt from the compulsory all in beverage package rule.

Q. Does our Hen eat for free?

A. No. Tharens already offers a reduced price for all the great value you will receive. However if you are concerned about Hen Party etiquette, it is customary that each of the guests pay a few dollars extra each to accommodate the Hen’s Meal.

Q. Can we have a stripper?

A. Yes. Only after 11pm and strictly no willies.

Q. I have a guest with food allergies. Can she come?

A. Yes. We have a fully equipped kitchen and our talented Chef, Kevin, will go above and beyond to create you a meal that suits you dietary needs. Please note that we do need notice for such meals. Also please note that Tharens Restaurant is not able to cook, prepare or create Halal, Kosher or any other spiritual meals.

Q. I have a friend who wants to come but doesn’t want to eat. Can he/she come?

A. Yes & NO. Your friend will be able to come and enjoy a drink at the bar, however they will not be permitted a seat at the table as only paying customers are entitled a seat.

Q. Where can we buy or rent costumes?

A. “The Costume Shop” Surry Hills. “Risqué Boutique” in Kings Cross and best of all, “InVisible Light” King St Newtown.

Q. Is there accommodation nearby?

A. Yes. Holiday Inn, Victoria St. Vibe Hotel, Rushcutters Bay. Crest Hotel, Kings Cross.