Sydney’s Ten Best Melbourne Cup Venues in 2013

Melbourne Cup Day is fast approaching, with Tuesday, November 5, and ill-advised hat choices galloping toward us. It’s a day to gamble free from judgement and wear peacock-inspired fascinators to your heart’s content. For those of us who can't make the Flemington Racecourse event, Concrete Playground’s sorted through Sydney's best alternatives. These ten are a safe bet for a good, neigh (geddit?), amazing time. All include big screens and most with TAB facilities, sweepstakes and fashion on the field prizes.

The Grounds of Alexandria

Alexandria's warehouse cafe will once again be a Melbourne Cup destination for 2013. The Grounds are yet to finalise the details of the event, but last year featured a grazing table garden party, spit roast and extensive beverage package from 1pm (which set punters back $120). Calling (02) 9699 2225 or emailing [email protected] will get you more details.

Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria

The Winery

Crown Street's The Winery is offering something a little more high-brow with entertainment from Drae & NAD. $110 will get you bubbles on arrival and a spot at the laneway BBQ, or for an extra $10 you can upgrade to a four-course extravaganza. Contact (02) 8070 2424 or [email protected] for bookings.

285A Crown Street, Surry Hills

East Sydney Hotel

While the East Sydney usually holds firm to a no television, no pokies rule, the one and only annual exception is the Melbourne Cup. The mix of old-world and local charm makes this country-style pub one of the best spots in Sydney to enjoy a no frills Cup experience.

113 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo

The Norfolk

If it's tacos, a cool drink in hand and a sunny beer garden that you're hankering for this Melbourne Cup day, then put your trust in the Norfolk. The folks at the Norfolk sell out their Melbourne Cup event each year, and for good reason. From 1pm to 3pm, the Cleveland Street favourite is offering a four-course lunch feast — including snacks, tacos, mains, dessert, beer, wine and sparkling and a bunch of screens — for $80. Email [email protected] to make a booking.

305 Cleveland Street Surry Hills

El Loco

Reading this list on Monday, November 4? Then you're in luck, dear last-minute reader. Tickets will sell like hot cakes for many venues, but El Loco is strictly a no bookings cantina restaurant. Which means you can turn up when doors open at 11am to secure yourself authentic tacos, icy margaritas and a spot to watch the race. Know what else? It’s free. Arriba!

64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills

Palings

Palings — nestled on the first floor of George Street's Ivy — boasts both open-air and indoor seating, a sunny courtyard and what they're saying is the biggest screen in the CBD. Doors open at 11am for $75, which will also bring two courses and a glass of bubbles your way. Phone (02) 9240 3000 to make a booking.

Level 1, The Ivy, 330 George Street, Sydney

Newtown Hotel

Inner Westies can enjoy a glass of Prosecco at King Street's bustling Newtown Hotel, with sweepstakes and a Greek style lunch from The Animal upstairs for $45. To book a table: shoot an email to [email protected] or phone (02) 8070 2424.

174 King Street, Newtown

Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ

If proximity to late-night bars and clubs is what you’re after, then Sweetheart’s Rooftop BBQ might be just what you’re looking for. Positioned on Potts Point’s Darlinghurst Road, the wine and dine destination is offering a feast package with three hours of beverages for $100 per head. Call (02) 8070 2424 for more info.

33-37 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point

The Argyle

The heritage-listed Argyle must be one of the classic spots to spend the Cup, so make sure you don your racing best. At $125 per head, the Member's Pavilion is available to groups of 12 or more with exclusive access to reserved areas, a three-hour beverage package and substantial canape lunch. $90 will set you up with Grandstand Tickets that include a two-hour beverage package, standing lunch service and unreserved seating. The Argyle will also be hosting an afterparty from 3.30pm till late with no cover charge. Book at [email protected] or (02) 9247 5500.

Argyle Street, The Rocks

The Botanist

Don't worry, we haven't entirely forgotten the North Shore. At Melbourne Cup time, the whimsical and sprightly botanical themes of the Botanist are a perfect set-up. From noon you'll be welcomed by canapes, a glass of Charles de Fere Jean Louis Sparkling (sounds fancy), an extensive selection of beverages and a range of Mexican-inspired share plates for $40. (02) 9954 4057 for bookings.

17 Willoughby Street, Kirribilli

By the Concrete Playground team. Top image: The Grounds of Alexandria Melbourne Cup 2012 Garden Party, photography by Andy Vermeulen at Hobogestapo.