It’s the race that stops a nation and, as such, a Champagne (or two) in its honour is really a non-negotiable. If you are not planning on watching trackside, there are a plethora of venues around the country which offer equal amounts of festivities, whether you are celebrating with workmates or a gaggle of friends. Here is our pick as to where to ring in the November 7 event in style.

Sydney

The Dolphin
412 Crown Street, Surry Hills
For the second year running, The Dolphin will host a Melbourne Cup extravaganza across its entire venue. Maurice Terzini and Monty Koludrovic will take care of the cuisine with wine by James Hird, and drinks by Lenny Opai and Robbie Dodds. There will be screens throughout the venue for the race with four DJs playing across the event including Kali, Cassette, Adi Toohey and Ariane.

Helm Bar & Bistro
Aquarium Wharf, 7 Wheat Road, Sydney
This recently revamped Darling Harbour space comes fully equipped with iconic views to enjoy following the race itself. Drinks and canapés will be included in two separate packages that range from $115-$135. There will also be live DJs and prizes throughout the day.

Coogee Pavilion
169 Dolphin Street, Coogee
Step outside the borders of the Sydney CBD with a celebration at Coogee Pavilion. The beachside retreat will offer a three-course feast on the ground-floor restaurant, or the option for a canapés and cocktails combination on the rooftop. DJs and live music are also expected.

Cirrus
23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Barangaroo favourite Cirrus will be serving up a four-course feast in celebration as a part of the restaurant’s festivities. Of course there will also be champagne – N.V Taittinger to be precise. The best part is that the menu is catered to those who like to try a little of everything, as it’s share style.

Catalina
Lyne Park, Rose Bay
You can go past a Sydney icon when it comes on choosing a venue. The harbourside establishment has a four course luncheon in the works. If that’s not enough to tempt you there will also be prizes for best dressed, sweeps and big screens for your viewing pleasure.

Anason
5/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
If you are after something a little more exotic, Anason will be dishing up its beloved Turkish fare on race day. There’s a four-course set menu available, or the chance to choose tipple over nibble with a three-hour drinks package of Turkish wines, beers, and soft drink.

Brisbane

Limes Hotel
142 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley
The Sunshine State is all about the rooftop rendezvous – limes will be hosting from its much loved sky-high destination. Guests will be greeted with frisky (frozen whiskey) on arrival, followed by cuisine courtesy of Alfred & Constance and Mister Fritz’s famous mini ice-cream sandwiches.

Les Bubbles
144 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley
If free flowing Veuve Clicquot sounds like a good idea, look no further than Les Bubbles. There’s a three hour beverage package on the cards, canapés, and (naturally) the venue’s signature steak frites expected as a part of the event.

Cloudland
641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
To call Cloudland a large venue would be an understatement, which is exactly why the historic space is ideal for a Melbourne Cup celebration big or small. There is both a three-course sit-down luncheon, as well as a cocktail party to enjoy, accompanied by prizes, giveaways, and live entertainment across the multi-level complex.

Gerard’s Bistro
15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
James Street hasn’t missed out on race day. The strip’s famed restaurant Gerard’s Bistro will be celebrating with a takeover of the district, incorporating the restaurant space, smaller sibling Gerard’s Bar and the neighbouring laneways. There will be a feast prepared by award-winning chef Ben Williamson, as well as plenty of Champagne (Mumm anyone?) and spirits to toast to the winner.

Madame Rouge Bar+Bistro
100 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley
It’s French vibes all the way for Madame Rouge. It’s a Flemington-inspired menu of Gallic favourites served up in the red velvet-draped interiors of the venue’s dining room. The race itself will be screened from multiple big-screens across the venue, with prizes for ‘Fashions off the field’ all apart of the fun.

Melbourne

The Botanical
169 Domain Road, South Yarra
Being a Melbourne venue, The Botanical hosts a plethora of Spring Racing Week celebrations. But on Cup Day, there is a four-course set lunch to indulge in, or the option to pull up a chair and grab a drink while you watch on from the main bar. For those who prefer an earlier start, there is also a Champagne breakfast to tempt you.

Grosvenor Hotel
153 Phillip Street, Waterloo
St Kilda’s iconic Grosvenor has been entertaining the masses since the 1800s. A casual affair is planned for November 7, with free entry open to all and plenty of prizes which range from best to worst dressed. It’s also a celebration that is intended to go on well into the night, Tim Morrison plays live from 3pm with DJs taking over from 6pm.

Mr Mason
530 Collins Street, Melbourne
If central is what you are after, there is always Mr Mason. The central favourite plans on a cocktail-favouring event that follows with a three-course lunch, complete with promised cheese station. Accompanying the screening of the race, there will also be live entertainment, sweeps and prizes in store.

The Wharf Hotel
38 Siddeley Street, Melbourne
Sitting pretty on the banks of the Yarra River is The Wharf Hotel. If the views don’t distract you too much, the race will be screened throughout the establishment. The venue’s full a la carte menu is available to enjoy, as is the opportunity to indulge in a spot of gambling with a selection of sweeps.

Left Bank
1 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Left Bank Melbourne understands that ample Champagne is required at any celebration. That’s why, on top of the venue’s three-course lunch option on race day, there is also the chance to sign up for a bottomless GH Mumm NV Champagne option. Accompanying lunch will also be live entertainment, and a make-up and hair pampering pop-up.