Lamingtons may be a nationally adored treat, but what about ant lamingtons? The unique take on the traditional sponge will be making an unexpected appearance at this year’s Melbourne Cup, all thanks to revered chef Ben Shewry.

The owner of Melbourne restaurant Attica will be in charge of the food offering at the luxe Lexus tent this year. As the chef of one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and a Lexus culinary ambassador, we have no doubt patrons are in good hands. But guests will have to place their trust in Shewry considering just how boundary-breaking his plans are. His stand-out dessert is set to be the Black Ant Lamington, an ice-cream lamington accompanied with black Australian ants and coconut, paired with chocolate grown and handmade in the Daintree Forest of Queensland.

Of course, jaw-dropping desserts are just the beginning at the Melbourne Cup this year. The Lexus tent, in particular, is eager to make its mark on its first year as the principal partner of the Victorian Racing Club and Melbourne Cup. The space itself has been guided by the concept of ‘Utopia’ and will contain a grand staircase, on which guests will ascend to an oasis with track views. It’s a three-storey space which features the new Lexus’ LF-1 Limitless, and an equally impressive 2.5-metre horse sculpture by renowned artist Anna-Wili Highfield.

But let’s face it; we’re eager to try the ants.