Whether you’re out to cheer on your favourite fillie, need an excuse to catch up over a glass of bubbles, or are just enjoying a public holiday, you’re going to need a venue with a vibe and a big screen or two. We’ve rounded up the best bars, hotels, pubs and restaurants to raise a glass and enjoy Melbourne Cup day.
Catch all the action at Bottega Coco on the big screens, with live entertainment, competitions and prizes. Enjoy a three-course, shared Italian banquet for $110pp, complete with fresh Pacific oysters on arrival. Upgrade with a $85pp standard or $105pp premium drinks package that includes free-flowing sparkling, wine, beer & soft drinks. Shop 1 T3.01/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; bottegacoco.com.au.
Well versed in hosting Melbourne Cup festivities, you can guarantee The Dolphin team are seasoned professionals. They’re inviting you to celebrate race day with a menu that highlights the very best of the Dining Room, Wine Room and Public Bar kitchens. Enjoy a drinks package with a Champagne on arrival and signature cocktails alongside a canape menu created by executive chef Danny Corbett. You can expect an afternoon of food, music, drinks and dancing for $150pp (plus booking fee). 412 Crown St, Surry Hills; dolphinhotel.com.au.
Woodcut’s annual Melbourne Cup lunch ticket includes a cocktail on arrival, four-course lunch menu curated by chef Ross Lusted, a live DJ, a stunning floral entrance, races streamed live on big screens, sweepstakes and exclusive prizes for best dressed. Tickets are $230 with drinks packages available for $80 standard, or $110 for premium. Level 1/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; crownsydney.com.au/restaurants/woodcut.
Grab your friends or colleagues, and settle in for the race that stops the nation. Enjoy a menu of Morrison’s signature dishes with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne on arrival for $149pp, or go a la carte, bottles of Laurent-Perrier Champagne will be just $120 all day. The dining room and cosy bar have plenty of versatility if you’re coming with a group, or intimate booths and tables for something more personal. 225 George Street Corner of, Grosvenor St, Sydney; morrisons.sydney.
The Botanist is decked out in full bloom and is spring-race ready. Offering up a fanciful canape menu with Mediterranean flare, you can expect a 10 dish package including spanner crab stuffed zucchini flowers with romesco, grass-fed tenderloin with green pepper sauce, grilled asparagus with sesame and chilli crunch, and so much more. At $150pp for canapes and a glass of bubbles on arrival, with the option to add a two-hour drinks package. 17 Willoughby St, Kirribilli; thebotanist.com.au.
Soak in all the action in the beautiful surrounds of Chiswick gardens, where the kitchen will showcase a special four-course menu of dishes including oysters with apple cider mignonette; wood fired herb bread with tomato butter; Yellowfin tuna tartare with tomato, cucumber, nasturtium; goat’s curd with barbecued peach, mint, spiced honey; market fish with fennel, white bean, red pepper sauce; dark chocolate torte, hazelnut, vanilla custard. You’ll also be greeted with Ruinart Champagne on arrival before the race. chiswickwoollahra.com.au.
If you’re dreaming of warmer weather and laying under a shady palm, let SoCal take you there. With a sharing feast including tostada, heirloom tomato salads, tacos and more alongside a classic Marg’ on arrival, it’s the ideal spot. Tickets are $109pp with an optional two-hour drinks package for an additional $65pp. 1 Young St, Neutral Bay; socalsydney.com.au.
Head down to a’Mare for an extravagant lunch on Cup Day where you will be treated to an extravagant lunch by chef Alessandro Pavoni as you enjoy a’Mare’s incredible harbour views. Tickets are $225pp and include dishes like duck croquettes, steamed mud crab, wagyu beef tenderloins and a series of sweets. Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; crownsydney.com.au/restaurants/amare.
Across the levels of Shell House there will be four ways to play this Melbourne Cup day; with big screens and sound throughout each area. There is so much on offer, from shared banquets in Menzies bar, canapes and Champagne on the rooftop, and lobsters and caviar in the Clocktower. For full details head to the website. 37 Margaret St, Sydney; shellhouse.com.au.
Experience the buzz of race day by the beach with big screen views, free-flowing Champagne and fishy fare at Manly Wharf Bar where you will enjoy a premium package for $249 per person that includes 3 hours of beverages (including Veuve Clicquot) alongside a spread of local seafood from 12pm. E Esplanade, Manly; felonsbrewingco.com.au.
Da Orazio is turning Mexican for Melbourne Cup, why not? The best of Mexico and Italy collide with a menu of margaritas, Champagne, canapes on arrival followed by a three course long lunch menu designed by chef Orazio. The afterparty will start at 4pm when guests can kick on with DJ sets and a Mariachi band. $160 per person. The Hub, Boheme, Shop LG 09, 75/79 Hall St, Bondi Beach; daorazio.com.au.
Marcel Bar and Bistro at the Pullman Sydney Penrith is celebrating the Melbourne Cup with their Race in Style event. Dress to impress as you enjoy a live screening of the race, indulging in a canape-style cocktail party. The event includes Taittinger Champagne upon arrival, a grazing station and roaming canapés, with a 3-hour bottomless selection of Dalz Otto wines and beers. Tickets are priced at $150pp. 81 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith; marcelbarandbistro.com.au.
Eastern Suburbs icon, The Royal Hotel Paddington will be offering a decadent three-course alternate-drop menu and a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut, then enjoy a delicious set menu and three hours of free-flowing drinks. Catch all the action of The Big Race on big screens, plus live entertainment to keep the energy high. Between races, you can head to the picturesque Verandah Bar, to enjoy the sunshine and spectacular panoramic views of Sydney. Tickets are $190pp (not including additional drinks). 237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington; royalhotel.com.au.
It might have had a new lick of paint, but the North Fitzroy Arms remains a sports pub at heart. The 150-year-old pub has plenty of specials in the front bar and big screens in the beer garden. Get a couple of Crownies or grab a bucket and settle in for a great afternoon. 296 Rae St, Fitzroy North; northfitzroyarms.com.au.
It’s business as usual at the Great Northern Hotel during the race that stops a nation. That means plenty of screens, a dog-friendly beer garden, and classic pub fare washed down with independent brews on all 22 taps. The GNH knows that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and is the perfect spot to watch the race – improved only by the addition of the O’Connor beef steak. 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North; gnh.net.au.
