Short format
What makes an afterwork
Short, informal, no programme, five to twenty people, no private hire.
Organised in a few days, with a three-line invitation.
The Journal · Practical guide
How to organise a successful afterwork with colleagues: the practical guide
For whoever volunteered: a weekday team afterwork for five to twenty people, with no private hire and no speeches.
The essentials in 30 seconds
A successful afterwork means a venue under twenty minutes from the office, a 6–7 pm start midweek, dishes to share rather than a sit-down meal, a real alcohol-free offer and a booking made a few days ahead. Tuesday and Thursday work better than Friday. Book as soon as you are more than six or eight.
An afterwork rarely organises itself. This guide comes from the ground, from an afterwork in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue where teams from the area meet every week.
No HR jargon: just the conditions for an evening that goes well.
First things first
Afterwork or corporate evening: don't mix them up
They look alike from afar, but they meet different needs.
Event format
When to switch to a corporate evening
With a specific goal or more than twenty guests, you leave afterwork territory.
We cover that in our guide how to organise a corporate evening in the Vaucluse.
The calendar
Choosing the right day and time
Why Tuesday and Thursday beat Friday
On Friday, half the team already has weekend plans.
Tuesday and Thursday are free evenings — and Tuesday opens the week with an afterwork at Via Notte.
6 pm: the right slot for those driving home
Colleagues from Cavaillon, Carpentras or Avignon get a real hour and still get home at a decent time.
Say “from 6 pm” rather than a fixed time.
How long to plan for
About two hours; those who want to stay can, until 12:30 am Tuesday to Friday.
The venue
Choosing the venue
The venue makes half the success: easy to reach, comfortable within five minutes.
The criteria that matter
- AccessCentral, under twenty minutes from the office.
- ParkingCheck nearby spaces and mention them in the invitation.
- Terrace or indoorsAlways keep an indoor option.
- Noise levelMusic at conversation level early in the evening.
Music bar
Why a music bar rather than a regular bar
A music bar gives the evening a second wind when a band takes the stage.
People move, mingle, and everyone leaves when they choose.
At the table
What to order to share
Sharing boards rather than individual plates
A board in the middle of the table gets people moving and talking.
Corsican charcuterie, cheese, mixed or anchoïade boards are made for this.
Tapas to nibble standing up
Crispy chicken, squid rabas, panko prawns, octopus and homemade fries.
How much per person
About one board for three or four people, plus a tapas or two.
Alcohol-free
Thinking of those who don't drink
Mocktails, soft drinks and drivers
Drivers and non-drinkers should never feel left out.
Via Notte mocktails are made with the same care as cocktails.
Staying true to the Évin law
No imposed rounds: let everyone order at their own pace, with water and food on the table.
Help anyone who overdid it get home without driving.
The numbers
Budget per head: three scenarios
No package deal: build the budget from the prices shown on the menu.
Scenario 1
The quick drink
One drink each and shared homemade fries.
Scenario 2
The dinner-style aperitivo
Two drinks each, one board for three or four, a tapas or two.
Scenario 3
The long evening
Scenario 2 plus a second wave; split the bill by wave.
Calculate from the prices on our menu, round up, and give a range in the invitation.
See the menuThe last detail
Booking and telling the team
From how many people to book
From six to eight people, always book a few days ahead.
For a larger seated meal, see our group dining page.
The template invitation
Day, start time, address, payment and alcohol-free offer — sent a week ahead.
Template to copy
Afterwork on Thursday, from 6 pm!
Via Notte, 12 esplanade Robert Vasse, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Boards and tapas to share, cocktails and mocktails, live band later.
Everyone pays their drinks, we split the boards.
Come when you can, leave when you like. 👍 so I can book.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book for an afterwork?
From six to eight people, yes — a few days ahead, especially on live nights.
Who pays?
Usually everyone pays their drinks and the boards are shared. State it clearly in the invitation.
What if it rains?
At Via Notte, the evening moves indoors, where the bar and stage are.
Afterwork on the terrace: until what time?
The terrace is open until 11 pm; inside until 12:30 am, Tuesday to Friday.
What is the best day for an afterwork?
Tuesday and Thursday.
Afterwork vs corporate evening?
An afterwork is short and informal; a corporate evening has a goal and a programme.
Explore
To prepare your evening
Further reading
Hours, atmosphere, cocktails and boards Tuesday to Friday from 6 pm, on our page afterwork L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Tuesday night?
Book your team's table
Tuesday to Friday, 6 pm to 12:30 am, on esplanade Robert Vasse. Book online for a Tuesday night, or call us.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.