Question 1

Why do I see a Madame Brussels charge on my card if I only opened a bar tab?

Accepted Answer

When you open a bar tab at Madame Brussels, staff may place a pre-authorisation hold on your card to ensure it’s valid and to secure funds for your spend. This can appear as a pending charge, sometimes slightly higher than your initial order. Once your tab is closed and the final amount is processed, the temporary hold is released by your bank, usually within a few business days. If both the hold and the final charge appear simultaneously, the hold should drop off automatically.

Question 2

What are typical charge amounts from Madame Brussels?

Accepted Answer

Common charges from Madame Brussels include individual drink purchases (often in the AUD $15–$30 range per cocktail), jugs of punch or shared drinks, and food items, as well as larger totals for group tabs. For events or functions, you may see higher one-off amounts reflecting minimum spends or prepaid packages, often starting from a few hundred Australian dollars and up. Your exact total will depend on what was ordered, any service charges for events, and whether a tip was added.

Question 3

Why is there a pending or duplicate-looking Madame Brussels transaction on my statement?

Accepted Answer

A pending or duplicate-looking Madame Brussels transaction is usually a pre-authorisation hold taken when you opened a bar tab or when your card was first processed. The final, settled charge might post separately for the exact amount of your spend, while the original hold remains as “pending” for a short time. This is controlled by your bank, not the bar, and the hold typically disappears within 3–7 business days. If it remains longer than that, contact your bank and, if needed, the venue with your transaction details.

Question 4

How can I get a copy of my receipt from Madame Brussels?

Accepted Answer

If you paid by card, Madame Brussels can usually reprint or email a receipt if you provide the date and approximate time of your visit, the last four digits of your card, and the total amount. Reach out to them via the contact details on madamebrussels.com or call the venue during opening hours. For event or function bookings, check your email for the original confirmation or invoice sent at the time of booking.

Question 5

How do deposits and minimum spends for functions at Madame Brussels appear on my statement?

Accepted Answer

For private functions or large group bookings, Madame Brussels may require a deposit or a minimum spend agreement, which will appear as a one-time card charge on your statement. Deposits are often processed at the time of booking and then credited against your final bill on the event date. If your final spend exceeds the minimum, you’ll see a second charge for the remaining balance on or shortly after the event date. Details about deposits, refunds, and minimum spends are typically outlined in your booking confirmation email.

Question 6

How do I change or cancel a function or group booking to avoid unexpected charges?

Accepted Answer

To change or cancel a function or group booking at Madame Brussels, contact the venue directly using the email or phone listed on madamebrussels.com and refer to your booking name and date. Their event terms usually include cut-off times for changing guest numbers or cancelling without forfeiting your deposit. If you cancel outside the permitted window, part or all of your deposit may be non-refundable. Always review your booking confirmation for specific conditions before requesting changes.

Question 7

How can I request a refund or dispute a charge from Madame Brussels?

Accepted Answer

If you believe you were overcharged or billed incorrectly by Madame Brussels, first contact the venue with your receipt or the exact transaction details (date, amount, and last four digits of your card). They can review the till records, bar tab history, and any tips or service charges added to your bill. If an error is confirmed, they can process a partial or full refund back to your original payment method. If you suspect fraud or cannot resolve the issue with the venue, contact your bank or card issuer to lodge a dispute.

Question 8

Why does the charge from Madame Brussels show a different name or city code on my statement?

Accepted Answer

Card statements sometimes abbreviate or slightly alter merchant names, so Madame Brussels may appear as “MADAME BRUSSELS MELBOURNE,” “MADAME BRUSSELS BOURKE ST,” or a similar variation. The city or country code (e.g., MELBOURNE VIC AU) indicates the transaction took place in Melbourne, Australia. If you recently visited Melbourne or attended an event there, cross-check the date and amount with your visit. If the location or timing doesn’t match your movements, contact your bank to investigate potential card misuse.

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