The 12th public holiday for the year is coming up (thank goodness). It is time to prepare where you will be spending your Melbourne Cup day placing your bets and enjoying a bev on your day off.
We’ve found some places to enjoy your day off without having to trudge through grass and pay for extremely pricey drinks, but still being able to enjoy the hype and atmosphere of the race that stops the nation. Whether you plan to watch the races or not, there is something for everyone to enjoy the day.
The Carlton
193 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Calling all eager beavers and party animals! Start your celebrations early and dance your way into Melbourne Cup Day at The Carlton on Monday 6th November. With happy hour from 4pm-7pm, the party will be going late into the night with 4 DJ’s on the decks to keep the tunes coming and keep you going through the night.
Sagra
256-258 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC 3144, Australia
This modern Italian restaurant decked out with retro furniture and contemporary gallery will be hosting festivities to celebrate Crown Oaks Day (because who said all the fun was only for Melbourne Cup?)
With all the fun and antics of the race season plus champagne, frozen rose’, shucked oysters, canapés and prizes for fashions on the field.The celebrations will start at 11:30am until 3:30pm Thursday November 9th with places at $99.50 per person.
Time for fascinators, frocks and fun!
Captain Baxter
10/18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
Captain Baxter will be celebrating Melbourne cup day with all the festivities you would find at the race carnival event. With Best dressed competitions, sweepstakes, plenty of food and drinks without being at the track!
With a set menu and glass of bubbles for $35, a breath-taking view of St Kilda beach plus big screens to watch all the races, your Melbourne cup day is set.
Garden State Hotel
101 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Just because the race is held in Melbourne doesn’t mean you have to suit up or wear a fascinator which will most likely annoy you (and if you’re anything like me, you’ll lose it within an hour).
For those not attending the races, Garden State Hotel will be holding a ‘Cup Day in The Garden.’
With 12 hours of solid race day fun starting from 10am with priority entry, table reservation in either the public bar or beer garden (tables being the most sought after object every dog, cat and fish always fight for at the types of places) plus a food hamper and picnic rug to set up a cute little luncheon. Including a personal esky filled with Chandon X Seafolly Limited Edition Brut NV and cans of Balter beer. With table bookings available for 2, 4, 6 and 8 people.
Hopscotch
4/2 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Hop, skip or jump into Derby and Stakes day at Hopscotch for a pre-race day breakfast to fuel you up for the big day.
With the fun not only meant for the Melbourne Cup Day, Hopscotch will be having live music from 1pm and an after party from 6pm on Saturday 11th of November. With drink specials such as $15 glass of GH. MUMMNV or a bottle for $85 to treat yourself.
Hopscotch has the whole day sorted from the morning to night.
The Emerson
141-145 Commercial Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
This race season, The Emerson rooftop presents the Veuve Clicquot Racing Club. Your off track in-style destination for Derby day, Melbourne Cup, Oaks day and Stakes day.
Veuve Cliquot providing a premium beverage package combined with a Japanese inspired lunch for a sophisticated and delicious day.
For those attending the races who are planning to continue the celebrations, there will be an Emerson bus on all race days leaving Flemington to drop you off at the front of the Emerson right at the door. This $10 includes a seat on the bus right to the door of the Emerson, priority entry and a drink on arrival.
The Deck
Waterside Hotel, 508 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
If Free Entry and $30 jugs of Pimms sounds like a great start to your weekend, The Deck is the place for you. They have you covered from DJs playing until late, drink specials while also having an inside and outside area. Where you can eat, drink and party all under one roof.
Oh and did we mention it’s free entry?
Republica
18/10 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Trot over to Republica where there’s not only a beach view but screens that will be showing live coverage of the race that stops the nation, while you enjoy a set menu of dips, choice of main and of course a glass of bubbly for $45pp. Book to secure your table to enjoy live music, cash sweepstakes and best dressed prizes all near the beach.
Here’s to all the food and drink that will be consumed this long weekend with no regret! There will be plenty of long lunches which will turn into dinner and parties with lots of food, live coverage, an abundance of drinks and entertainment – you really can’t lose this race week!
By Adriana Vanni
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