And they’re racing…The Melbourne Cup Carnival is Here.
So many things to see and do in the days around the Spring racing season and Melbourne Cup Carnival. What first? Where to next? And wherever life does take you, what do you wear to get there?
The Swisse Body Day Spa
Step 1: Get a general admission ticket to a day at the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse.
Step 2: Find the front lawn and prepare to be pampered.
That’s what’s on the menu at the luxurious Swisse Body Day Spa.
When the heels hurt your toes, rest your feet and enjoy the ultimate ‘me’ experience with herbal tea, cleansing Swisse Body scrubs, moisturisers and massage treatments. It’s a lovely time-out in a hectic space and you’ll leave all aglow. The goodie bag of Swisse Body and Vitamin products adds to the pleasure.
James Boag’s Draught Escape Bar
Birdcage, schmirdcage.
Want to party at the Cup Carnival? Rather than envy the bright, shiny people in the gilded cages, make your own fun. At the James Boag Draught Escape Bar in the Hill Square precinct at Flemington, it’s within easy (public reach), no gold-leaf invitation needed.
This year, the brand is hoping man millinery, Boag-style is the topic on every race-going bloke’s lips. Thanks to Eliza Godman – best known as one of film-maker Baz Luhrmann’s creative consultants – male visitors to the Draught Escape Bar will have the chance to try what is being billed as the ‘male fascinator’, then have their group picture taken to post on Facebook.
The beer itself will be on tap and the complimentary food offerings will slide in and out. Expect gastro pub atmosphere – a hand-carved rock bar, set off against dark Chesterfields and a mix of contemporary and antique lampshades and chandeliers.
Jeff Banks
Sure you’ve got your dress sorted but what about him?
International menswear designer Jeff Banks has all the answers. Well, at least one – in the form of a stylishly snazzy tie. Just the thing to take the man in your life from couch to concourse with effortless chic.
Do you trust it can do the trick? Why, of course. After all, would this year’s host of the 50th anniversary of Myer’s Fashions On The Field lead you astray?
The tie is a celebration of 50 years of fabulousness at the Cup Carnival – limited edition loveliness in the seasons’s ‘it’ colours of fuschia pink and lime green. The Rose of Lancashire motif is a definite nod to Flemington’s famous flowers, as well as a reminder of Jeff’s UK heritage. The Roman numeral for 50 (L) makes its appearance in the tie’s central design and the jacquarded racehorses add to the fashionable fun.
Want one? $59.95 at a Myer near you.
Morris Jones Bar & Restaurant
They call it the ‘Bohemian end’. That pocket of suburb tacked onto Prahran that resides at the other end of Chapel Street. That’s where Morris Jones Bar & Restaurant lives. Perfectly at home. Number 163.
T’s a gastro-style pub restaurant and cocktail bar located in a landmark building that dates back to 1887. Inside, the inspiration is 1960s class and style, with French film having a lot to do with the general ambience. And at race time? The cocktails flow.
Cup Eve to be precise and the drink of choice is the Black Caviar Espresso Martini – just to set the Melbourne mood.
Morris Jones Bar & Restaurant
163 Chapel Street, Windsor
The Jewels In The Cup Carnival Crown
Crown’s got a reputation. During any major sporting events in this city, it’s the go-to place – close to transport and with plenty of options to see you through a world of entertainment. Try these for size:
Pop Goes The Bubbles at JJs Bar & Grill
Gold, black and white – they’re the colours on show when the Moet & Chandon Glamour Bar look takes over during the week-long vibe of Cup week. Vintage champagne? Don’t mind if the bubbles tickle your nose. It’s part of the fun.
Celebrity sightings abound at Crown on any given day and when there’s an event in town, it’s even more likely. Whether you’ll be leaning on the bar with a TV personality or sporting star or not, it doesn’t really matter. Just find a friend and create your own scene.
Cup Week buzz at Mr Hive
With hot-shot UK chef, John Lawson (and he’s only 29) cooking up a storm at Mr Hive Kitchen & Bar, Cup Day here is all about exclusivity.
Wave your ticket at the door to enjoy a sumptuous five-course lunch. Your friends will believe it because the package price ($95) includes a photograph to take home as a reminder of the day.
The giant TV screens placed here and there mean that the race that stops a nation is the star of the day. Best-dressed? Best hat? It might be you who collects the prize.
Crown’s Photo Finish Exhibition
Did you see it last year? Those iconic images of some key racing industry leaders created such an interest that they’re back – with plenty of fresh new faces, to boot.
This year, the exhibition is a celebration of racing and style – perfectly coinciding with Fashion On The Fields 50th anniversary.
Ann Peacock, Susan Renouf, Lillian Frank, Jesinta Campbell, James Cummings, and Tom and Hoda Waterhouse are some of the 27 portraits that reflect racing royalty. The fabulous pictures shot around the globe by some of the world’s leading photographers, including Earl Carter, Tyler Stableford, Julian Kingma, Megan Cullen, Ellis Parrinder, Stephen Langdon, Toufic Araman, Daniel Mahon and John Tsiavis – are on display until November 18.
Level One Retail Precinct, Crown Metropol
Monday 8 October – Sunday 18 November 2012
Admission: Free
