The Melbourne Cup is Australia's premier horse racing event. It has become a day of celebration that brings people worldwide to Melbourne.
The race is billed as the wealthiest 2-mile handicap race in the world. It is held at the Victoria Racing Club or the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. The event is held on the first Tuesday in November and starts at 3 PM.
The actual race will last a little over 3 minutes. The festivities that occur before the race can last much longer.
Once the race is over, the people who have seen it keep the party going by heading out to the pubs and the after-parties held throughout the city.
Knowing where to go is the key to getting the most out of the pubs and after-parties. You do not want to choose any place that you happen to see. You want to go where the excitement is.
The best pubs and parties will keep the excitement generated by the race going. They will have plenty of people, great drinks and food, and some of the pokies that the pubs in Melbourne are so well known for.
Best Pubs and After Parties on Melbourne Cup Day
This list gives you a few of the best places to celebrate Melbourne Cup Day.
1. Harvey's Bar and Bistro
- Address: 4/31 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
- Opening Hours: 7 AM to 3 PM
- Phone: +61 7 3852 3700
This is the perfect place to wind down the day of parting. Remember that it is a Tuesday, and you may have to work in the morning. This pub offers good food, plenty of pokie machines, and fun drinks. The Tinderbox is next door for those who want a pizza at the end of the day.
2. Bridie O'Riellys
- Address: 462 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
- Opening Hours: 12 PM - 2 AM
- Phone: +61 3 9827 7788
This building was an old church—the perfect place to seek atonement for your sins during Melbourne Cup day. Drown your sorrows and win back what you lost in the race with this pokie pub.
3. The Spice Market
- Address: Beaney Lane off Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Opening Hours: 7 PM to Late
- Phone: 03 9660 3777
Situated near the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, the Spice Market will host after-parties following Derby Day, Cup Day, Oaks Day, and Stakes Day to keep punters refreshed well into the night.
4. Prince Alfred Hotel
- Address: 619 Church Street, Richmond, VIC 3121
- Opening Hours: 12 PM - 10 PM
- Phone: (03) 8563 0046
The pub is packed before, during, and after the primary race. Live musicians play into the night while you enjoy the drinks and cocktails. Major sports are shown across the venue; check here to see if your favourite sport is being played.
5. P.J. O‘Brien’s
- Address: Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank, VIC, Australia
- Opening Hours: 12 PM till Late
- Phone: 03 9686 5011
All the local and big international sports at P.J’s. Soak up the P.J. sphere while watching your favourite sport with a beer! AFL, NRL, Union, Cricket, Football, American Sports & more.
6. Harlow Bar
- Address: 447 Church Street, Richmond, VIC 3121
- Opening Hours: noon until late
- Phone: (03) 9810 0082
Watch local and international games, from all your favourite AFL matches to the NRL, NBL, Rugby Union, League, UFC, and more. Grab a spot and settle in; they’ve covered your sporting needs so you can enjoy all the action.
7. The Sporting Globe
- Address: 288 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC 3121
- Opening Hours: 12 PM to Late
- Phone: 03 7002 2998
The Sporting Globe is where fans, fanatics, friends, and families can gather and celebrate their passion for sport. It's more than a sports bar. With a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks and over 50 screens at every location, including private booths with touchscreen TVs, The Sporting GT.V.be is the best place to eat, drink, and catch a game.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne Cup and the punters have a festive time in the November racing event. Though the race is over, the mood is in high spirits.
Many pubs and hotels in Bristol offer after-parties on Melbourne Cup Day.
Besides the pubs mentioned above, more venues offer you sporting spirits. You only need to look out for their after-party events on social media and websites.
You can book your seat, make a prior reservation, or go to the venue and enjoy.
FAQs
How can I know what the parties and pubs offer?
To be the first to hear about the pub's special offers and events, keep an eye on its social media channels and What's On page or subscribe to its newsletter.
Are there any discounts and deals?
Yes, these pubs and hotels offer certain discounts and deals on special racing events. You need to check at their venues.
Are Minors allowed?
Minors are permitted in the venue until 9 PM as long as a parent or guardian accompanies them.
Do they offer vegetarian food also?
They have various options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
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