Melbourne Cup is rolling in next week, and with minimum three-hour luncheons with fashion, food and generous beverages, it's not called 'the race that stops a nation' for nothing.
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Here are some luncheon locations for those excited to celebrate Cup Day off the track.
Punters in the CBD can treat themselves to a three-course lunch at Pourboy Espresso's first cup day function. Bookings are essential for the 12.00pm to 12.30pm seating, which will be BYO and running sweeps throughout the afternoon, and can be made by email at info@pourboy.com.au or 3172 1141.
In the city, there will be exclusive three-course sit-down lunches at The Euro and Urbane, as well as a cocktail event at The Laneway. These elegant hotspots will be right in the action with big screens showing the track, as well as sweeps and prizes courtesy of Guide Dogs Australia. Sit-down lunches are $100 excluding beverages, while The Laneway's cocktail event is $150 for a three-hour food and beverage package, and can be booked by phone at 3229 3686.
Crafty spectators will enjoy the Rotary Club of the Brisbane Airport's annual Cup Luncheon where in addition to a full buffet lunch and a charity auction for RACQ Careflight and other charities, patrons will be rewarded for creating their own hats or fascinators incorporating racehorses. Starting at midday, tickets for the event are $69 and can be booked by calling 3352 2204 or emailing squinney@stolaw.com.au.
To truly glamorise your race day, walk the red carpet at Brisbane City Hall's Mercedes-Benz Brisbane Melbourne Cup Gala. With tickets at $250, guests will be treated to champagne and Craggy Range Wines, a three-course luncheon and a fashion show featuring looks from Samantha Ogilvie, Queens Plaza, Mitchell Ogilvie, Alex Perry and Paspaley Pearls. The stylish event will also be supporting AEIOU Foundation, which seeks to create brighter futures for children with autism, so make your bookings on 3212 1112 or email events@aeiou.org.au.
Another good cause lunching ladies and lads can support next week is the Be Uplifted Breast Cancer charity cup luncheon at Kedron Wavell Services Club, where funds will go towards women, men and families suffering financially while they endure breast cancer. Tickets at $65 per person will include a gourmet buffet lunch and a glass of bubbly.
Spring Restaurant will be supporting Hear and Say, a not-for-profit organisation supporting deaf children, with a three-course 'Spring Carnival' luncheon at $140 per person. Stylish spectators can partake in a charity sweep, games and an afterparty starting from 3.30pm by booking online.
If you'd like to watch the race with a glass of Pol Roger in hand, The Landing at Dockside will provide at its Melbourne Cup Pol Roger Party. With tickets at $65, beautiful Brisbane River views, an elegant luncheon, best dressed prizes and live entertainment will be abundant at the 11.30am event, as well as a charity raffle by The Pyjama Foundation.
Seafood and champagne will be enjoyed at the Rush Bar & Dining's Melbourne Cup on the Green at Post Office Square, with the race on the big screen and donations going towards the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Foundation. To book a day filled with live jazz music, a dessert bar, sweeps, and Fashions on the Green, go online to www.rushcbd.com.au.
Finally, for those males who feel neglected in the race day fashionable festivities, come to the Farmers and Fillies cocktail party at Habitat Restaurant and Bar. At $95 per head, punters can enjoy a three-hour food and beverage package with awards for best dressed for both men and women, as well as 'best beard on show'. To book, phone 3846 3285 or email functions@habitat.com.au.
