Sydney’s Ten Best Melbourne Cup Venues in 2014

The Melbourne Cup is nearly upon us again, and with it, all the outrageous fascinators, sartorial fun and guaranteed afternoons off work. For those who can't make the Flemington Racecourse this year, we've narrowed down some of the best alternatives at which to spend your first Tuesday of November.

These ten are a safe bet for a good — neigh, amazing! (so lame, we're sorry) — time. All include big screens and most have TAB facilities, sweepstakes and fashion on the field prizes.

East Sydney Hotel

The East Sydney is the kind of old friend you've known for decades. Its menu is refreshingly unpretentious (the most complicated item on there is a steak), and it's been proudly calling itself a no-TV and no-pokies pub since day 1. On Melbourne Cup day, the East Sydney loosens its tie a little and calls an exception to the no-TV rule — the only one day of the year this happens. Join the crowd and you'll see why the East Sydney is such a local favourite.

113 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo

The Norfolk Hotel

The Norfolk has been always been a favourite go-to place for celebrating the Melbourne Cup. This year is no different. The Surry Hills hangout is offering a bunch of snacks, mains and dessert plus your choice of beer, wine and sparkling from 1-3pm. Don't worry about missing out on the race action; the Norfolk has promised there will be more than enough screens to go around. Be sure to book if you're a group of four or more — email [email protected] or call 0410 551 717 (Bridget) for reservations.

305 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills

El Loco

The frustration of leaving Melbourne Cup plans to the last minute can only be surpassed by the anger felt upon realising all your favourite venues have been booked out. Thankfully, Sydney's favourite Mexican cantina holds a firm no bookings required policy, allowing you to just rock up freely on the day. Along with the usual prizes, TV screens and sweeps, El Loco is brewing up a special concoction for the occasion: a Melbourne Cup Day margarita.

64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills

The Grounds of Alexandria

Sydney's favourite cafe courtyard will once again be the Melbourne Cup destination for 2014. This year they're throwing a bash in their newly renovated garden, with live entertainment, interactive games, sensory installations, an array of canapes, buffet tables, mini desserts and an ice-cream cart with doughnut ice-cream sandwiches(!). For those wanting to stick around after the celebrations, there'll be an afterparty in The Atrium until late. Tickets are $140 including food, alcohol and a goodie bag.

Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria

The Fish Shop

If fish and chips and a flute of sparkling sounds like the perfect accompaniment for the Melbourne Cup race entertainment, you might want to put Potts Point's The Fish Shop on your list. For $45, it's your bargain option. You bag a two-course meal and a complimentary glass of Chandon NV. For bookings, call 9240 3000.

22 Challis Avenue, Potts Point

Ms G's

Ms G's, the funky Asian-inspired restaurant with those cute-as-heck bubble tea cocktails are preparing a banquet extravaganza come Melbourne Cup day. Eight courses of Dan Hong's delicious food will be on offer, including his signature miniature banh mi and crunchy vegetable salad. Don't forget the complimentary Moet on arrival either, all for $85. For bookings, call 9240 3000.

155 Victoria Street, Potts Point

The Glenmore

Provided you don't get distracted by the rooftop harbour views, The Glenmore might be one of the best places to call in the Melbourne Cup. There'll be a lavish luncheon spread, prizes for best dressed and best hat and live entertainment to boot, all for the sum of $149. Oh, and remember to stick around for the free afterparty too, featuring Scotty Sax Trio and DJs until late. For bookings, call (02) 9247 4794 or email [email protected].

96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

The Bristol Arms

A rooftop party is always guaranteed fun. It's great to know then, that The Bristol Arms is throwing a huge bash in their kitchen and rooftop bar with canapes, a four-hour drink package (wine, champagne, beers), photo booth, and a DJ from noon till late. For bookings, email [email protected] or call on (02) 9262 5491.

81 Sussex Street, Sydney

Chiswick at the Gallery

Opened just this October, Chiswick at the Gallery is a city take on the original namesake restaurant nestled in the leafy streets of Woollahra. For this year's Melbourne Cup, co-founders Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan (of Aria fame) have devised a three-course lunch with a glass of Taittinger on arrival, for $115pp. For bookings, call (02) 9225 1819 or email [email protected].

Art Gallery Road, Sydney

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. For $99pp, you receive a standing lunch and two hours of beverages. Alternatively, you can sign up for a Member's Pavilion three-hour lunch and beverage package, which will set you back $135pp. Tickets are selling fast, so get in quick by emailing [email protected] or calling (02) 9247 5500.