Dress to impress and saddle up for Cup Day at your local pub!
It was that time of year again, Melbourne Cup Day, “the race that stops a nation.” While millions across Australia and New Zealand tuned in to watch the horses gallop around Flemington, Hamilton locals didn’t need to travel far to soak up the excitement.
From glamorous lunches to garden-party vibes and casual afternoons with friends, several local venues brought the thrill, style, and atmosphere of the Cup to town. It was the perfect day to dress up, place a bet, or simply enjoy the spectacle with a drink in hand.
For those after something a bit more formal, Keystone Bar and Restaurant hosted a bottomless lunch. Guests enjoyed a four-course menu crafted by award-winning chef Andrew Clarke, paired with bottomless drinks. Melbourne Cup attire was encouraged, and spot prizes were awarded for the best-dressed guests.
The Keg Room in Rototuna offered a more social, lively atmosphere. Guests were welcomed with sparkling wine or Pimms, grazing platters, $10 Cup Day cocktails, and a live broadcast of the Melbourne Cup on the big screen. Prizes were handed out for Best Dressed, Best Hat, and Most Dapper Gent, making it a fun afternoon for fashion and racing enthusiasts alike.
The Lookout Bar also hosted a long lunch from 1pm while all the races unfolded. For $95, guests enjoyed good food and the excitement of the Cup in a stylish setting. This year’s theme was Santorini, and the Lookout winning wheel made an appearance with plenty of giveaways. Best Dressed and Best Hat prizes were offered, encouraging guests to dress to impress.
For those wanting a more relaxed, affordable option, the Good George Dining Hall provided a casual way to enjoy the day. Tickets were $25 and included a drink on arrival and platters to share. Guests joined a Winner Takes All sweepstake and competed for best-dressed prizes, making it an easy-going choice for groups of friends.
Whether it was an indulgent lunch, a garden-party vibe, or a low-key catch-up with friends, Hamilton offered plenty of ways to celebrate Melbourne Cup Day. Locals dressed up, gathered their mates, and enjoyed the day close to home, for the fashion, the food, and the thrill of the race.
