Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation, here are some of our top picks for Sydney if you’re looking for a last minute flutter in the city.

Zeta Bar

Dust off your finest fascinator and don your racing best, as now is the perfect time to start planning your Melbourne Cup celebrations.

Photographed by Dominic Loneragan.

Photographed by Dominic Loneragan.

Zeta Bar, Hilton Sydney’s premium cocktail and dining establishment, invites you to join them for the race that stops a nation, for an afternoon of racing festivities.

Your VIP ticket will include a lavish seafood buffet, sumptuous canapes and dessert, as well as a glass of Champagne upon arrival. To help celebrate your winnings, Zeta Bar has also included a complimentary drink within this package.

Priced at $89 per person, the celebrations run from 12 – 3pm on Tuesday 3 November. To book, contact 02 9562 6026 or email drink@zetabar.com.au.

BAR 100

BAR100 will roll out the turf this year transforming its buzzing venue with a classic Melbourne Cup race day style.

On Tuesday November 3, 2015 BAR100 will host two distinct Melbourne Cup soirees: The Jockey Club Luncheon (Level 2); the Picnic With The Ponies Party (Level 3); and 1909 VIP Rose Garden (Level 4). Each floor will be impeccably styled to rival any race day marquee and feature exclusive TAB facilities, multiple screens, free Wi-Fi and outdoor areas.

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Doors open at 11am on George St for attendees of the Picnic With The Ponies Party. A glass of Chandon Brut NV, Bacardi Cocktail or Peroni Nastro Azzurro to delight on arrival, with DJs from 12pm, celebrity MC, Matt de Groot from Nova, Fashions On The Field, continuous pizza service from 12pm-3pm, canapés and much more throughout the event. Guests will once again party on the lawn with the entire 140sqm of the main bar floor covered in synthetic turf. With the huge 3.5m LED screen on Level 3 plus 3 additional large screens guests won’t miss a single moment of the racing action. Tickets $60pp + BF.

Guests at BAR100’s exclusive 1909 VIP Rose Garden event will have access to the vip lounge at 11.30am, with the three-hour premium food and beverage package from 12pm-3pm. Guests will also have DJ’s playing from 12pm and exclusive TAB facilities, 3 screens and access to the 1909 balcony with city and harbour views. Tickets $130pp + BF.

Jockey Club Luncheon can be purchased via 02 8070 9311 or info@bar100.com.au
Tickets for Picnic With The Ponies Party can be purchased through MyGuestList ticketing sales:

http://bit.ly/BAR100MelbourneCup-PicnicWithThePoniesParty

Tickets for 1909 VIP Rose Garden can be purchased through MyGuestList ticketing sales: http://bit.ly/BAR100MelbourneCup-1909VIPRoseGarden

For the full list of what’s on at BAR100 this Melbourne Cup and booking details, visit www.bar100.com.au or call 02 8070 9311.

THE BERESFORD

Drinks and roving canapés in the vibrant court yard of The Beresford, a firm favourite with post race goers from Randwick, from 12pm until the race

Three hour drink package (Chandon, Red wine, White wine, Beer and Soft drinks)

General Admission (includes Roving Canapés and Three Hour Drink Package)Sales Close: 9:00am, Tue 3rd Nov, 2015$80.00$3.00$83.00

Book here

PAILINGS

$50pp including three drinks tokens and a tasting plate from Sunee’s Thai Kitchen.

Where: Palings
Price: $50 A (Includes 4 tokens to use on drinks and a tasting plate)

Biggest screen in the CBD. TAB facilities available.

Book here

Q DINING PULLMAN SYDNEY

Experience the race that stops the nation in style, overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour at Q Dining Restaurant in Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour.

Enjoy an outstanding Melbourne Cup day with champagne and canapés on arrival. Following that, sit down to an exquisite five-course degustation Modern Australian lunch, including dishes like Butter Poached Yabby, Blue Swimmer Crab, Finger Lime, Lemongrass Essence, by Q Dining’s exceptional Executive Chef Daniel Simpson. A two-hour premium beverage package completes the race experience while the live action from Flemington Racecourse is screened. 

At $199 per person, from 12.30 pm to 3 pm on Tuesday 3 November, a 10% discount is available for tables of eight people or more. 

 From Fashions on the Field to Fashions on the Harbour, fashionistas will be pleased as fantastic best dressed prizes are up for grabs during the event for: Best Dressed Male; Best Dressed Female and Best Head Piece. 

 Offer available at Q Dining on Tuesday 3 November 2015 only.

ROYAL RANDWICK

Sydney’s social scene will come to life at Royal Randwick this McGrath Estate Agents Melbourne Cup Day with a crowd of over 20,000 expected on course to enjoy the array of entertainment options available.

With an exceptional number of acceptances received, the Australian Turf Club will host ten races plus show all of the action from Flemington, including ‘the race that stops a nation’ broadcast on the largest super-screen in the southern hemisphere.

Register to take part in the Melbourne Cup Super Sweep for the chance to share in a $5,000 prize pool. Enter by logging on to www.theraces.com.au/supersweep via Royal Randwick’s free high-capacity WiFi service.

Competition entries close at 2.00pm with successful registrants selected at random and allocated a runner in the Melbourne Cup.

While on course ladies will be treated to complimentary makeup touch ups at the Clinique Pamper Lounge and then be able to capture a race day photo at the McGrath Flower Wall looking their spring racing finest.

In between races, patrons can visit the inflatable NOVA dome and battle their mates at ping-pong or collect a selfie photo frame their Flower Wall image.

Limited hospitality is still available for Tuesday including tickets to spring’s most popular offering, the Bucket List Beach Club Marquee. Sample some of chef Tom Walton’s favourite beachside fare or his signature cocktails while enjoying the sounds of some of Sydney’s best DJs performing throughout the day.

All general admission tickets booked at www.theraces.com.au before midnight on Monday will receive a complimentary flute of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial, valued at $25. Gates Open at 10.15am with the first race at 11.00am.

Swanson Hotel

The Swanson Hotel boasts a cool inner west vibe to party this Melbourne Cup offering a two or three course lunch by AHA award winning chef Brad Sloane will be on offer upstairs 3 course $70 and downstairs 2 courses $40. A TAB will be conveniently located in the bar for all enthusiastic punters.  DJ Kate Monroe will perform following the race.

 

To book contact: P 02 9519 3609

drink@swansonhotel.com.au

swansonhotel.com.au

 

The Greenwood Hotel

The iconic North Sydney Pub will make the ultimate venue for this Melbourne Cup with an authentic race day atmosphere with a lawn party with canapés from 12-3.30pm, fashions on the field, real horse lotto, sweep stakes, GH Mumm Champagne Bar, Ketel One & Tanqueray Cocktail Bar, Rekordeling Cider Outdoor Bar and TAB located on site.  If you cannot attend the lawn party do not miss out on the afterparty where illustrious musician Yolanda Be Cool will perform with free entry from 4pm. Giddy up!

 

To book contact: P 02 9964 9477

dani@greenwoodhotel.com

www.greenwoodhotel.com

 

The Balmain

For the quintessential Australian Pub experience look no further than The Balmain Hotel to celebrate this Melbourne Cup. A set menu has been designed to share with your friends at $65pp. Entertainment will include selfies with a real horse, horse lotto and bocce & croquet tournament. DJ Robbie Rommers will perform after the race & into the night.

 

THE BUCKET LIST BONDI

This Melbourne Cup spend the day on the beach at The Bucket List Bondi, the only venue in the Eastern Suburbs which is offering a 3 hour drinks package. Punters will enjoy  a glass of Pommery champagne on arrival plus drinks and roving canapés from noon until the big race at 3pm. There are also prizes for best dressed, sweepstakes and DJ’s all afternoon, not to mention the best beach views in Sydney.
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Melbourne Cup at the Bucket List will kick off from 12pm
 
Tickets include:
– Drinks + canapés from 12-3pm 
– Pommery on arrival 
– Prizes for best dressed
– Onsite bookmaker 
– DJ’s all afternoon 
 
Tickets must be pre-purchased for this event! Be quick as limited tickets available! 
For more information email info@thebucketlistbondi.com or call 02 9365 4122 

TICKETS HERE

CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS DINING

Melbourne Cup Lawn Party at Centennial Parklands Dining

When the clock strikes 3pm on Melbourne Cup Day, where will you be? For those looking to celebrate in style, Centennial Parklands Dining is holding its inaugural Melbourne Cup event on the lawn on Tuesday, November 3.

Kicking off at midday, guests will be treated to a shared feast, live band, Melbourne Cup screen live from the big screens and a glass of bubbles on arrival. Don’t forget to dress to impress as there will be Fashions on the Field with a grand prize drawn on the day.

Opt for either $95.00 per person, which includes a shared feast, live jazz band and a glass of bubbles on arrival from midday to 3pm. Or for an additional $45.00 per person, include a three hour beverage package for your friends and colleagues.

Don’t worry, the party won’t stop there! From 3pm – 6pm there will be live music and a pop up bar serving drinks and snacks on the lawn to help continue the celebrations.

To make a reservation, phone 9380 9350, email or book online below.

360 BAR AND DINING

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style this year at 360 Bar and Dining. Take in the views of Sydney and enjoy the race that stops a nation from Sydney’s best vantage point.

Opening exclusively for Melbourne Cup, 360 Bar and Dining is offering a 3 course meal for $95pp and an optional 3 hour beverage package $49 per adult, to help with the celebrations.

Live screens at the bar will air the race that stops the nation and have you cheering for your horse to win.

Dress to impress with your suits and fascinators and enjoy an afternoon of food, wine and celebration.

Date: Tuesday, November 3

Where: 360 Bar and Dining

Price: $95 per adult

To book, phone 8223 3883 or click here

ZAZIBAR NEWTOWN

Celebrate Melbourne Cup with a relaxed luncheon at Zanzibar Newtown!

The kitchen, The Cross Eyed Dog, offers a flexible range of catering options to suit every taste!

Enjoy three hour roaming canapés and sweeping cityscape views from our 1950s Backyard Rooftop Bar for $45 per head or three course set menu and intimate settings of our newly renovated 1920s Bourbon Bar for $65 per head.

Large HD screens with coverage of The Melbourne Cup races, sweeps and prizes up for grabs for best head wear and best dressed!

Don’t miss out! Secure your ticket today via 02 9519 1511 or info@zanzibarnewtown.com.au.

THE MORRISON 

Sydney revellers are invited to hedge their bets on The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room for this year’s Melbourne Cup. Guests will be treated to an eclectic menu from internationally acclaimed Executive Chef Sean Connolly as well as enjoying an exciting range of activities, including Fashions on the Field.

Located conveniently in Sydney’s CBD, The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room is already renowned for its menu, managed by Executive Chef Sean Connolly, so it’s perhaps no surprise that it has cemented itself as a firm favourite at the climax of the Spring Racing carnival.

As the 3pm race on Tuesday 3rd November stops Australia in its tracks, Sydney-siders who’ve put their money on The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room will take full advantage of a four course lunch and flute of champagne on arrival for just $145pp. Guests will be with the set menu, which includes Freshly Shucked Oysters, Free Range lamb Shoulder, Ocean Trout on a Plank and The Morrison’s infamous doughnut holes to name just a few of the mouth watering options.

MC for the festivities is Lizzy Lovette who will no doubt entertain the crowd and will assist in awarding on the spot prizes for the best dressed.

The Morrison will celebrate the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday 3rd November 2015 and will offer punters a four course dinner, including champagne on arrival for just $145pp. An after party will also be hosted at The Morrison for post-race shinnanigans, where the drinks will continue to flow and guests can take full advantage of $99 Champagne Magnums!

For more information or to book, visit www.themorrison.com.au

THE STAR

Soak up the glamour and thrills of Australia’s biggest social and sporting event, Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, 3 November at The Star Sydney – proud partner of the Australian Turf Club.

The Star will be buzzing with fashion and the pulse-quickening excitement of thoroughbred racing with a range of premium dining and entertainment experiences on offer to celebrate the race that stops the nation.

Racegoers can choose from three decadent dining options at The Star’s signature restaurants, including Osteria Balla Manfredi, Sokyo and BLACK by ezard, each with bespoke menus for the iconic event.

For the full trackside experience, 24/7 Sports Bar is the place to catch all the excitement of every race live, with a full TAB, huge LED screens, food and beverage specials, plus a beverage and canapé package available. Or settle in at Cherry for a three-hour package of gourmet canapés, desserts and premium drinks.

To keep the excitement going, head to Rock Lily for an unforgettable live performance from ARIA- nominated DJ duo Bombs Away.

Melbourne Cup lunch packages and offers include:

SOKYO

Sokyo Executive Chef and Japanese cuisine master, Chase Kojima will serve a lavish eight-dish share menu of seasonal fare, including house specialities miso kingfish ceviche, salmon tataki, dengakuman caramelized miso cod and more. The memorable set menu is $125 per person for a 1.00pm booking.

OSTERIA BALLA MANFREDI

World-famous chef Stefano Manfredi will delight with a superb four-course Italian menu, starting with fresh Sydney rock oysters and a glass of prosecco, followed by three delicious dishes finishing with a tempting chocolate tart dessert. The set menu is $135 per person for a 1.00pm booking.

BLACK BY EZARD

Sip on a flute of NV Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial on arrival and take in the beautiful Sydney Harbour views in one of Sydney’s finest steak houses. Indulge in a three-course menu featuring mouthwatering grain fed beef striploin, fresh seafood, complimentary side dishes and a delicious dessert. The exquisite three-course menu is $165 per person for a 1.00pm booking.

PIZZAPERTA

Take in the spring air with alfresco casual Italian fare at Stefano Manfredi’s Pizzaperta and enjoy a Melbourne Cup inspired ‘horseshoe’ pizza with blonde base, mozzarella and bresaola with rocket salad, parmesan and lemon dressing for $20. Add two glasses of Italian bubbly for $40.

FAT NOODLE

Get into the racing spirit at Luke Nguyen’s famed Fat Noodle with select beverage specials and two bespokeMelbourneCupdishes includinggrilledhoisinquailwithbabywatercressandcherrytomato salad for entrée ($18), and Vietnamese classic sautéed jumbo king prawn and scallop with spiced cinnamon, asparagus, served with jasmine rice ($32).

GARDEN BUFFET

Garden Buffet boasts an elaborate all-you-can-eat smorgasbord including a glass of sparkling wine on arrival and one dozen oysters to start for $49 per person; $20 per child (5- 12 years) including unlimited soft drinks. Bookings from 11.30am.

FOOD QUARTER

The Star’s Food Quarter will offer unmissable specials including prawns and fresh oysters with shallot vinaigrette ($20), chilli prawn spaghetti with tomato sauce ($18.50) and prosciutto pizza with salsa verde ($16).

24/7 SPORTS BAR

Open all day with food and drink specials from 12.00pm to 6.00pm, 24/7 Sports Bar will impress with big screens and full TAB service, along with a drink and canapé package for up to eight people including cold seafood, an antipasto platter and assorted hot canapés with a choice of one bottle of NV Moët & Chandon champagne or 24 beers.

CHERRY

One of Sydney’s most stylish cocktail lounges, Cherry is set to be a winner on Melbourne Cup Day with a fabulous three-hour package including gourmet canapés, desserts and premium drinks for $125 per person between 1.00pm and 4.00pm.

ROCK LILY

Rock Lily is set to bring the house down for this year’s Melbourne Cup official after-party with a live performance from ARIA-nominated DJ duo Bombs Away, plus Dan Absent and Suite AZ. Great for groups, Rock Lily is the place to dance the night away until late, with drink specials available from 12.00pm to 5.00pm.

For more information, please visit www.star.com.au/melbournecup. For reservations, please call 1800 700 700.

MERIVALE

Sydney’s leading lifestyle and entertainment destination, ivy, has a variety of events bursting with race day revelry. Fresh with a brand new look inspired by the dreamy Italian Riviera, Pool Club offers a decidedly glamorous Cup Day experience like no other, with DJs spinning tunes all afternoon, cocktail on arrival and Chandon NV throughout ($130).

UCCELLO, FELIX & ASH ST CELLAR

 

Overlooking the poolside festivities, Uccello serves an amazing four course Italian feast and a flute of Veuve Clicquot Rosé Vintage ($250), while French bistro Felix and European wine bar Ash St. Cellar provide beautiful dining packages to while away the afternoon.

THE DEN

Upstairs at Level 2, The Den offers an elegant, fun-filled affair with Chandon NV, Heineken and mouth-watering canapés ($100) and ivy’s VIP booth packages provide corporate hospitality at its best with personal waiter service and large screens ($150).

THE ROYAL GEORGE

For a more relaxed affair, punters can enjoy the easy warmth and charm of The Royal George ($50).

ESTABLISHMENT & MR WONG

The grand dame of Sydney’s entertainment scene, Establishment, will be abuzz with guests enjoying the exciting events across its award-winning portfolio. Mr. Wong will serve an enviable ten-dish shared banquet by Executive Chef Dan Hong ($150) as Sushi e and hemmesphere come together for a delectable six-course lunch ($150). A sumptuous celebration is to be enjoyed at est. with a three course menu designed by the legendary Peter Doyle ($250) while Establishment’s leafy atrium, The Garden, provides a beautiful city hideaway to enjoy the racing spirit ($100). Establishment Main Bar is open to the public all day from 11am for guests who want to enjoy the joie de vivre without committing to a booking.

BISTRODE CBD, HOTEL CBD, THE GRAND, THE ANGEL, WYNYARD AND EL LOCO

Elsewhere in the CBD, Bistrode CBD will be the perfect setting for a stylish Melbourne Cup lunch ($130) with Executive Chef Jeremy Strode preparing a delicious three-course menu ($130). Hotel CBD Main Bar, The Grand, The Angel Hotel, Wynyard and Surry Hill’s El Loco Excelsior offer an electric experience with no tickets or planning required.

MS G’s, THE FISH SHOP

In the tree-lined streets of the East, Pop-Asian hangout, Ms.G’s whips up an eight-course banquet of mind-blowing dishes ($80) and The Fish Shop offers a slice of the seaside with their fresh a la carte menu.

COOGEE PAVILION

For race day revelers wanting to swap the city for the sand, Merivale’s stunning beachside venue, Coogee Pavilion, offers a delicious four-course shared feast and a glass of Chandon NV on the ground floor ($115).

MANLY

Northside, Manly Wharf’s smokehouse and grill, Papi Chulo, will provide a fun and fresh Melbourne Cup with succulent meats and a glass of Möet & Chandon NV on arrival ($80).

Merivale’s Melbourne Cup venues all feature multiple screens and LIVE coverage of the big race. Many venues will also offer on-site TAB facilities for convenience. For the full list of what’s on at Merivale this Melbourne Cup and booking details, visit www.merivale.com.au or call 02 9240 3000.

About The Author

Lisa Hollinshead
Editor & Director

Boss lady over here at Social 101. Lover of all things that inspire creativity, individuality and happiness! Former party gal, now mama to a beautiful baby boy!

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