The Spring racing season is upon us as we ponder what is jumping the gates in this year’s fashion stakes for the 2022 Melbourne Cup.
Don’t be distracted by worrying about your clothes come Tuesday, November 1…it is more important to find the best place for bubbles and bets!
As jockeys contemplate their weight and owners the gate draw, us mere mortals don fascinators and suits to do justice to the race that stops a nation.
There are three tips that most fashionistas agree on:
It’s not a nightclub – if you would wear it to a nightclub, don’t wear it to the races! There’s a time and place for skin-tight, satin mini dresses and it’s not 11am trackside at Flemington.
Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes and be one of those people walking around barefoot at the end of race day. If you are buying new shoes, make sure you have time to wear them before the Cup…otherwise they will be excruciating after a couple of hours.
Shirt collar too tight? Dress not fitting right? Make sure not to wear ill-fitting clothes, it may be one of your wardrobe favourites but is it comfortable? It is more important you make the best bet, rather than the best fashion statement.
It’s time to round the clubhouse turn, be a frontrunner and pick up the pace to cross the finish line in style, at one of these five stables around the country to celebrate the Cup:
Beautiful food, champagne, prizes and entertainment to celebrate race day in style on Tuesday await at ALBA by Kuruvita, on Alba Close in Noosa Heads. Dress to impress for an elegant Melbourne Cup experience, starting with a glass of champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by a bespoke three-course menu by Peter Kuruvita.
Partnering with Lexus, expect to see their latest luxury models on display along with incredible lucky door prizes such as accommodation, dinner, a gift basket, crystal flute glasses and a masterclass with Peter for two winners.
It’s time to frock up and celebrate the Cup in style at The Darwin Club on The Esplanade. Located in a stunning position overlooking the leafy grounds of Admiralty House, this Chef-hatted restaurant is swinging its doors open on Cup Day with a luxurious buffet in the heart of Darwin’s CBD.
Soak up the unrivalled tropical vibe while delving into a decadent reef and beef buffet lunch along with a drink on arrival and Yarra Valley salmon caviar brioche finger. Perhaps opt for the three-hour bottomless sparkling wine package as you watch all the racing action on multiple screens, as well as live music, sweeps and Fashions on the Field competition.
Discover the elegance and excitement of the Melbourne Cup at Parliament House on the corner of George and Alice Streets in Brisbane for lunch at Strangers’ Restaurant, where guests can expect a quintessential Queensland dining experience.
Featuring Piper Heidsieck or a craft beer on arrival, the three-course lunch highlights the best of the state’s Spring produce, along with a beverage package, live telecast of the race from Flemington, best-dressed contests and sweepstakes.
Indulge in a Melbourne Cup Day high tea at Terindah Estate on McAdams Lane in Bellarine. Bringing together award-winning wines, delectable food and spectacular views across Port Phillip Bay, this dining destination is one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s most beautiful venues.
On Tuesday, race out of the gates with dishes like natural oysters, chicken, mayo and cucumber brioche roll, crème patisserie berry tart and chocolate mousse; best enjoyed with estate drops like Pinot Gris, Zinfandel and Methode Traditionnelle bubbles.
Melburnians not trackside can pack their sunnies and feel the sea breeze at Captain Baxter in St Kilda while kicking up their heels on Cup Day. This iconic venue in the Sea Baths Complex has been Melbourne’s go-to for lunch under the sun, drinks at sundown and relaxed dining for many years.
Enjoy lunch on Tuesday or head to the Cup Afterparty – just because you are not at Flemington doesn’t mean you can’t dress up and make the most of the day. Set those fascinators askew, clip on those cufflinks and get excited to celebrate at the Home of Chandon Garden Spritz!
Still looking for a winning destination, click here for more venues near you.
