The races are a Springtime staple, but there’s only one that brings the entire nation to a grinding halt.
Melbourne Cup Day is something that we never leave to chance here at the Liquidity office. After the offerings we have seen from some of Brisbane’s best restaurateurs, we insist you relieve your keyboard and your tie for the afternoon of November 3rd.
If you aren’t already ahead of the pack, we ran the hard yards and tracked down Brisbane’s best offering’s so you don’t miss out on the festivities this year.
The Fox Hotel | South Brisbane
Your options are endless at The Fox Hotel, with three packages available to suit every budget. Long Bar will serve up lunch and three beverages for $44pp. Fish Lane Bistro offers bubbles on arrival followed by a three course lunch for $77pp. Or if you want to get a head above the rest, Dandys Rooftop is hosting a cocktail party with a three hour beverage package and spring BBQ for $129pp.
Cove Bar and Dining | South Bank
Race in to Brisbane’s best riverside venue and let your festive season out of the gates, with a great lunch, better company, and unbeatable stunning river views. Enjoy drinks on arrival, sweeps and a two course lunch for $55pp.
Southbank Beer Garden | South Bank
Beat the Beer Garden bookie! For $110pp you not only get ‘Beer Garden bucks’ to beat the house bookkeeper, but you also get the best vantage point in Brisbane to savour enjoy the Spring breeze. For three hours, enjoy tap beer, wine and cocktails along with a selection of delectable canapés and a glass of Champagne on arrival.
South Bank Surf Club | South Bank
It’s the time of the year when glamorous Spring attire in the office is acceptable, and a glass or two of bubbly over lunch is encourage. For just $120pp indulge in the opportunity to spend a Tuesday by the Brisbane River and settle in for a three hour food and beverage package to top off your afternoon.
London Fields | West End
Start your winning day with a little Moët. London Fields celebrate their first ever cup day with a four course lunch for $90pp. Moët and oysters will greet you on arrival, followed by two more courses of gastropub favourites and desserts to sweeten the most bitter of losses.
Habitat | West End
Between the din of the race day cheers and the live entertainment, this year Habitat is giving you the only legitimate reason to drop your pens and forgo your computer keyboards on a Tuesday afternoon. Enjoy a three hour banquet and beverage package for $89pp between 12 and 3pm for Habitat’s answer to a Melbourne Cup Carnival in Brisbane.
Chop Chop Changs | West End
Craving a different kind of Melbourne Cup feast? Choose between a 4 course banquet for $39pp or a 6 course banquet for $59pp, each with a glass of sparkling on arrival and jam-packed with your favourite Pan-Asian dishes.
The Chelsea Bistro | The Barracks
Kick of the carnival with a couple of drinks before enjoying a two course bistro lunch. If all the flashy frivolity of race day is not for you, this is the place to be. No prizes, no nonsense – just a great race day lunch at the Chelsea Bistro, tickets cost $65pp, bookings are necessary.
Libertine | The Barracks
Saddle up for a French-Vietnamese feast! Indulge in a spectacular 7 course banquet for $85pp and enjoy the race that stops the nation, with sweeps and close TAB access.
Darling & Co | Paddington
Celebrate with Paddington’s hottest new destination venue, Darling & Co, for fashion, food, frivolity and fine wine. Watch the ponies at Darling & Co, and socialize over canapés and two drinks for $85pp.
PUBLIC | City
Ensure the race that stops the nation stops your office as well! Variety QLD will join PUBLIC to provide an afternoon full of entertainment, starting with Louis Roederer champagne and oysters on arrival, followed by a sumptuous four course lunch for $95. Or upgrade to include a drinks package for a total of $155pp.
Communal | City
While the competition is heating up trackside, keep it light and breezy at Communal. Anyone is welcome to trot on in, but prebook your seafood platter for $65pp, or $55pp if you are travelling with a herd of 10 or more.
More information: (07) 3003 1056
Cicada | City
If you are looking for a central venue, escape the hum drum of the city at Cicada while they bring race day to life with a feast suitable for any filly or colt. For just $65 get a glass of wine on arrival and enjoy the excitement of sweeps.
More information: (07) 3211 2161
Firefly | City
Looking for something more casual? Catch all of the action from Firefly without having to commit to a set menu. Duck in for a pizza from their a la carte menu before heading back to your desk.
Room With Roses | City
You might not be frolicking trackside but you can still enjoy some delectable carnival delights at Room with Roses for $50pp. Sweet treats, finger sandwiches and fabulous hats are the name of the game at this Melbourne Cup high tea. The ticket price also includes a glass of bubbly!
Toobirds | City
Melbourne Cup lunch is no event to just ‘wing it’ – ditch the office and join Toobirds in watching the race live over share platters, 2 courses and a glass of sparkling for $65pp. Located in the heart of Brisbane CBD, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Australia’s longest lunch.
The Pineapple Hotel | Kangaroo Point
You can’t handle all the race day excitement on an empty stomach! The Pineapple Hotel is dishing up a treat with its three course lunch full of classics. Don’t forget to don your best outfit as there will be prizes for best dressed on the day. Tickets are $99pp and include a three hour beverage package.
Nantucket | Indooroopilly | (SOLD OUT)
It is probably the bottomless bottles that have seen this year’s race day at Nantucket sell out so quickly. Nestled on a bend of the river in Indooroopilly, this venue saves you from battling the inner city crowds this race day with a three course lunch for $175pp.
With such a huge demand for the best seat on race day we recommend booking your Melbourne Cup Lunch in before the crowd races away from you.