Spring could not come any sooner this year, and the same can be said for the Melbourne Cup! From soaking up sunshine to adorning your brightest floral prints, we think it goes without saying that it’s time to embrace the season with a day of frills and fascinators. Luckily, Brisbane has no shortage of foodie Melbourne Cup events to suit every filly and colt.
The Prince Consort | Fortitude Valley
As part of its luscious Spring Fling festival, The Prince Consort will get your senses racing in the enchanting Parlour Bar and Garden Bar. Don your finest fashions for scrumptious canapés and grazing stations, four hours of flowing sips, and live entertainment during and after the big race. Your $179 ticket includes trackside tipples like bubbles courtesy of Moët & Chandon, frozen margaritas, French martinis and plenty more. Trot over to The Prince Consort’s website to check out the full offering, and take a gander at its Spring Fling festival while you’re there!
Bacchus Restaurant | South Bank
Fitting of its ornate and regal decor, Bacchus Restaurant is hosting an elegant High Tea for the Melbourne Cup. Its classic High Tea delights range from zingy lemon meringue tarts to savoury roast beef sandwiches and shaved mortadella on brioche. Your $79 ticket includes a glass of sparkling on arrival as well as a premium option for $124 to sip endlessly on Chandon. Race in first to get your tickets, this exclusive event sells out year after year.
Cru Bar + Cellar | Fortitude Valley
If you’re looking to wine down this Melbourne Cup, you can’t go past Cru Bar + Cellar’s award-winning beverages. Enjoy a glass of premium champagne on arrival before dining your way through three courses of decadent dishes. The menu is curated especially for this year’s Melbourne Cup, making this event not one to miss. Tickets are $125 per person, so dust off your fascinators, pronto.
Riverbar + Kitchen | CBD
Brisbane’s urban oasis is back just in time for the Melbourne Cup – what better way to get reacquainted with an old friend? Riverbar + Kitchen has elevated its fondly remembered space and with it comes a reinvigorated menu and wine list. Kick off your race day with freshly shucked Pacific oysters and a glass of N V Chandon Brut before indulging in a three-course menu for just $90pp. Giddy up for your taste of the new Riverbar + Kitchen.
Southside Restaurant | South Brisbane
Located in the lush jungle of Fish Lane Town Square, Southside Restaurant is hosting not one but three Melbourne Cup events. Packages start at $169, which includes four hours of bottomless house cocktails, wine, beer and signature canapés. If a race day feast is more your style, you can’t say neigh to Southside’s $229 and $279 packages. The Cup Day Banquet features five courses and extended beverage selections with the option of free-flowing Perrier-Jouët champagne.
Customs House | CBD
We know Customs House pulls out all the stops when it comes to floral spring soirees, and Melbourne Cup is no exception. Dine amongst the blooming Terrace Garden for $210 per person and graze away on substantial cocktail food like their signature Moreton Bay bug croissant with prime tipples all afternoon.
On Point QB | West End
As West End’s newest hidden gem, On Point QB is raising the stakes this Melbourne Cup with ticketed celebrations on its breezy terraces for $89 or $250pp. For city views on the rooftop, the Kite Terrace offering is perfect to sip away the day with a four-hour drink package and succulent substantial canapés. Highlights of the menu include freshly shucked oysters, Moreton Bay bug rolls, bao buns, and charred halloumi sliders (which are to die for, FYI).
Leonards Bar & Bistro | CBD
Luxe and Leonards go hand in hand (or hoof, for those not over the horse puns yet). Treat yourself to a boozy four-course lunch complete with table service. Your $220 ticket will fetch you asparagus tartlets and caviar with a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne to whet your appetite. Second place goes to a chilled seafood platter with Australian delicacies, followed by juicy wagyu steak for the main and Opals white chocolate ganache for a sweet finish. We’ll take two, please.
The odds of picking a winning Melbourne Cup event are definitely in your favour. Start picking your floral ‘fit, the best spots are racing out the door!
