WHERE TO WATCH THE CUP
GUIDE:
IT’S the race that stops a nation and, while many Geelong residents may be watching from work, those who are lucky enough to have Melbourne Cup day off are spoilt for choice for places to tune in to the festivities. Venues all over town are pulling out all the stops to ensure this year’s Cup is one to remember, no matter the result. Here are five places we found in Geelong to pull up a seat and watch the big race unfold: 1. OAKDENE VINEYARDS,
WALLINGTON Horse racing can be a classy affair, making beautiful Oakdene a fitting venue to enjoy all the action of the Spring Racing Carnival’s day of days. At $70 a pop, race-lovers will be treated to a day of decadence with canapes prepared especially for the occasion from Oakdene’s award-winning Chef’s Table. The race can be viewed from the restaurant or garden marquee and a best-dressed competition will be held for those with an eye for style. Bookings are essential and can be made at restaurant@oakdene.com.au or 5255 1255. 2. PENINSULA HOTEL,
NEWCOMB Early-bird race lovers can hedge their bets from 8am at the TAB of this Newcomb institution, with $2, $5 and $10 sweeps also available. The race will be broadcast over two big screens and patrons can choose from the hotel’s regular menu or to take advantage of the public bar’s barbecue set to serve $2.50 snags or $4 loaded burgers. For more information call 5248 2606. 3. FLYING BRICK CIDER HOUSE,
WALLINGTON Those who book lunch at this favourite of The Bellarine will be spoilt with a complimentary glass of Reserve Sparkling on arrival and a special Melbourne Cup food selection. Along with sweepstakes and a giant screen on which to watch the Cup, Flying Brick will also offer a fashions on the field with prizes for those who dress to the nines. Booking recommend on 5250 6577 or at flyingbrickciderco.com.au 4. THE SPORTING GLOBE,
GEELONG Where better than a sports bar to watch the race that stops a nation? The Sporting Globe has long been one of Geelong’s favourite spots to screen sporting matches, and the Melbourne Cup is no exception. This year the bar and restaurant will be serving up two dishes designed especially for the occasion by former My Kitchen Rules and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here contestant Ash Pollard. Race-watchers can feast on Pollard’s seared tuna salad with citrus and ponzu dressing, or on a peanut butter cheesecake while they watch the race. For more information call 5224 2600 5. JACK RABBIT VINEYARD,
BELLARINE Now in its ninth year of hosting Melbourne Cup festivities, Jack Rabbit is offering not one, but two different race-watching events at two of its much-loved eateries. The Jack Rabbit restaurant will offer a sophisticated wine and dine with a big screen to watch it all unfold, while The House of Jack Rabbit cafe will encourage race-lovers to dress to impress with a fashions on the field competition and the chance to mingle or relax by the bar. Bookings are essential and can be made at functions@jackrabbitvineyard or 5251 2223.