Grab your frock, your fascinator or your fanciest suit – it’s almost Melbourne Cup time. Here’s where to watch the race that stops a nation in style on November 5:
Thoroughbred Park: For the authentic race-day experience, head to the track. Thoroughbred Park is hosting a day of high fashion, bubbles and live racing, with gates opening at 11am. This year you can even get there on the light rail! Don’t forget to get seriously dolled up for the Fashions on the Field event. Tickets are $25 – you can buy them here.
Agostinis, Kingston: Dig into a four course long Italian lunch at Agostinis for $95 per person, which includes an Aperol Spritz on arrival. Book here.
Alter Ego, Civic: Get your friends and colleagues together and watch all the action at Alter Ego. Enjoy a two course ($49) or three course ($59) lunch, which includes a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon, and you’ll be feasting on dishes like tataki of beef, salmon tartare, chargrilled Angus skirt, gold band snapper, or chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake. There are also drinks packages, with five house beers, wines or spirits for $40, or four cocktails for $40. And stick around afterwards – they’re serving freshly shucked oysters for $2 between 4-6pm. Call (02) 6174 3397 or book here.
Amici, Civic: Celebrate the Melbourne Cup European-style with vino, cheese, hand-stretched pizzas and spritzes at Amici’s spring fling garden party from 1pm. Tickets are $15 and include a French martini on arrival. Book here. They’ll be open from 8am for champagne breakfast before the races, and are also offering free CBD delivery on charcuterie, cheese and antipasto platters for those staying in the office.
Assembly, Braddon: It’s the first Melbourne Cup for Braddon’s Assembly, and they’re celebrating accordingly with the big race live and loud on all the TVs. There are two, four-hour drinks and canape packages. The $100 package includes tap beer, house wine and Jarretts sparkling, or the VIP $150 package also includes oysters and prawns, priority seating and Pol Roger sparkling. To book, email hello@assemblycbr.com.au.
Bleachers, Civic: Have a fuss-free Cup at sports bar Bleachers with beer towers, wings, and the race on the huge screens. Doors open from 11am. Kick-on with Happy Hour drinks from 4-6pm. Tailored packages available for groups.
The Duxton, O’Connor: Head to The Duxton for a day of free-flowing Champagne and a four-course lunch. Tickets are $129 per person which includes four hours of beverages supplied by Moët & Chandon and Peroni. There are also TAB facilities, plenty of screens to catch the live action, plus best dressed and lucky door prizes.
EQ Cafe and Lounge, Deakin: Enjoy live race action on the big screen, a lunch and dessert buffet, sweepstakes and entertainment at EQ Cafe and Bar. Their buffet lunch will include a range of premium roast meats and seafood, gourmet salads and a dessert bar featuring sweet treats all made in house. There will also be a four hour drinking package from 12-4pm for $40 per person. Reserve your table on (02) 6161 1666 or eqcafe@eqcafe.com.au.
First Edition, Civic: It’ll be cocktails and frocktails at First Edition at the Novotel. For $95 per person you’ll get to enjoy a glass of sparkling on arrival, then an elegant sit-down three-course feasting menu and sip on a ‘frocktail’. What’s a frocktail? You’ll have to head along to find out. Book here.
Kokomo’s, Civic: Watch the race on the big screen at Kokomo’s. In the bar, they’re doing $10 glasses of Moët all day, or in the restaurant tickets are $49 per person for the Melbourne Cup Banquet with complimentary sparkling on arrival. There are sweepstakes, prizes for best dressed and DJs until late. Bookings essential.
Molly, Civic: Get your team all dolled up and do Melbourne Cup the speakeasy way at Molly. There will be $10 Mint Juleps, bottles of sparkling, plus meat and cheese platters on offer with the race on the big screen. Entry is free. The evening will keep going with live jazz from 7pm.
Parlour, NewActon: For a relaxed Cup afternoon, head to Parlour. Your $45 ticket includes a glass of sparkling or tap beer on arrival, a generous selection of spring tapas grazing plates and live coverage of the races. Email hello@parlour.net.au for bookings.
Pialligo Estate, Pialligo: Head out to Pialligo Estate for a sophisticated afternoon with show-stopping views. They have three packages on offer, from a full sit-down feast with champagne and oysters on arrival in the Glasshouse, a Prosecco Bar and grazing stations in the Pavilion, or food stations, a DJ, fashion parades and sweeps in The Fields. Click here for the full packages and to buy tickets. You can then kick on at Pialligo Fields for the after party from 4pm till late.
Public, Manuka: Round up the crew and head to Public. Their four-hour package is $140 per person which includes Mumm champagne, special cocktails and a selection of food ranging from canapés, an antipasti table and desserts throughout the day. Live music, live racing and best dressed competition. Click here to book.
And for after the race…
88mph, Civic: Didn’t have a win? 88mph is shouting free private karaoke rooms for the night and serving up $10 pizzas. Book a karaoke room here. Doors open from 4pm.
