If you are heading to the track or just looking for the best place for your Spring Racing flutter, we have the inside scoop on where punters can find ‘fun on tap’ throughout the Spring Racing Carnival! We have the best places to be before, during, and after a race day.
Nieuw Amerstadam Hotel
Three kisses and a ‘Goedenavond’ (good morning in Dutch) will see you gain entry to this fine venue.
Embark on a Dutch affair as you enjoy cocktails and the festivities they have planned for the spring carnival.
Nieuw Amsterdam will be welcoming race goers before and after each of the race days, and entertaining until at least 3 am throughout the carnival, including cup day. The Melbourne Cup will be on the big screen and accompanied by Cup Day specials from behind the bar, during both the day and evening.
Prizes are also up for grabs for the best hat/fascinator worn on the day!
| Address | 106–112 Hardware St,Melbourne |
| Website | Nieuw Amsterdam |
| Race Days Catered For | All days of the Carnival |
Trunk Bar and Restaurant
Trunk boasts one of the largest beer gardens in the CBD which is sure to be jam packed with spring-lovers each day of the Carnival. Trunk has a whole new cocktail menu for punters—decadent fruity flavours for a quick refresh or generous cocktail jugs for those who want to settle in and park themselves for the day.
If you’re looking to kick off early on Darby or Emirates day, begin as you mean to go on, with a Champagne Breakfast. From 8:00 am.
| Address | 275 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC |
| Website | Trunk Bar and Restaurant |
| Race Days Catered For | All days of the Carnival |
Brooks
For the sophisticated punter, head sommelier, Matt Brooke, will be showcasing the finest sparkling and champagne in an exclusive ‘Sparkling Season Flight’. What better way to enjoy your drink of choice than with Chef Nic Poelaert’s fresh local appetisers paired with the bubbly.
Brooks promises to be a ‘sure thing’ throughout the Carnival, and is entertaining each of the race days and Melbourne Cup Eve for lunch and dinner.
| Address | Basement 115–117 Collins Street, Melbourne |
| Website | Brooks |
| Race Days Catered For | All days of the Carnival |
Prahran Hotel
The Prahran hotel is all set to celebrate the race that stops a nation. Bubbles on arrival – tick, 15 screens – tick, prizes for the best frock up – tick, a Melbourne sweeps – tick. Get in on the action and book online.
With a delicious spring grazing menu, this will be a fun and lively way to spend Cup Day.
| Address | 82 High Street, Prahran |
| Website | Prahran Hotel |
| Race Days Catered For | Cup Day only |
Public House – Richmond
Public House is preparing for their best Spring Racing Carnival yet. On each day of the Cup Carnival, along with cup eve, they are showcasing an amazing line-up of DJs. Plus, Public House is hosting their very own version of ‘Fashions on the Field’—the best dressed lady will be honoured with a bottle of bubbly and the gent with a jug of Boag’s Draught.
Watch the races each day of the Carnival while you graze on delicious share plates.
| Address | 433–435 Church Street, Richmond |
| Website | Public House |
| Race Days Catered For | All race days |
Mr Lawrence
Head upstairs at Mr Lawrence for Melbourne Cup Day celebrations. Grab your friends and book one of the tables catering for 8–10 race lovers. All day grazing menu, sweeps, door prizes and races on the big screen. Sit back, eat, drink and …win? Head to their website to book your table.
| Address | 92 Beach Street, Port Melbourne. |
| Website | Mr Lawrence |
| Race Days Catered For | Melbourne Cup Day |
The Botanical Hotel
You are guaranteed to be well fed at The Botanical during the Carnival—champagne breakfasts, big breakfasts, dishes of the day, set menus, 2 or 4 course lunch specials and after parties. If the food isn’t your thing, spend the day trackside then continue the party with live music on Darby, Melbourne Cup and Oaks days.
| Address | 169 Domain Road, South Yarra |
| Website | The Botanical Hotel |
| Race Days Catered For | Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day and Oaks Day |
New Shanghai Restaurant
Forget shopping and think re-fuelling. The punters that didn’t fare too well at the track can get themselves back on a winning streak by presenting their losing ticket and earning some free dumplings! For the gentlemen taking a date, present your lady with a free glass of bubbly—just in case there wasn’t enough at the track.
| Address | Melbourne Emporium, level 3, Melbourne |
| Website | Shanghai Restaurant |
| Race Days Catered For | Melbourne Cup Day (open to 7pm) |
Wherever you find yourself during the Carnival, have fun. Singles – ask your friends for a hot tip, take a risk, and bet on someone interesting. But remember, there’s no such thing as a ‘sure thing’. Happy Punting!
For more tips on the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival – check out this super cool article.
