hether it’s trackside grazing, pre-race events or how you’re getting to the stables that has you stumped, Broadsheet has you covered. Here are a few places where you can get a glass of champagne and something to eat before the races.

St ALi

St ALi will be pouring three different glasses of French bubbly to accompany their gourmet fare on Derby and Melbourne Cup Day. Start with a flute of champagne and your choice of organic chicken sandwiches or lobster rolls, followed by a cold pressed espresso martini and a plate of five sweet things that are sure to send you off on a high, for a low $28.

stali.com.au

Albert St Food & Wine

The good folk at Albert St Food & Wine are giving you one less thing to worry about on race day, with custom-made hampers that can be pre-ordered and customised or purchased on the day. A delicious spread of nibbles with matching bubbly, wine and beer will be encased in a compact wooden box for easy takeaway, and all customers who purchase a hamper on Cup eve or earlier will receive two complimentary passes to see Albert St Food & Wine at the Taste of Melbourne Festival in November.

albertst.com.au

The Botanical

The Botanical is offering an array of festive events for Derby Day, starting with a champagne cocktail breakfast ($25). Roll out of the Botanical after enjoying some bubbly and a feed and into a luxury coach, with transfers to and from Flemington for $20. The price also includes nibbles and a cocktail at the after party, where there’ll be drink specials, DJs and giveaways.

thebotanical.com.au

Middle Park Hotel

If the train isn’t your thing, jump on the bus at the Lavazza Bus Stop at the Middle Park Hotel. The bus will be departing from Middle Park at 10.30am and picking up from Flemington at 5.30pm every race day, with Schweppes Flemington Fling cocktails and Lavazza coffee also included in the $40 fare. There are also breakfast bus snacks available for purchase.

middleparkhotel.com.au

Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia has teamed up with Chrismont Prosecco to bring you a home-grown breakfast in the sunshine. Head to the Fitzroy Street favourite for grilled asparagus with house-smoked ocean trout, poached eggs, pea and mint salsa and crispy quinoa, with a glass of Chrismont ‘La Zona’ Prosecco. The food and drink feast is only $30 per head and is available every race day throughout the carnival.

fitzrovia.com.au

Trocadero

Prop yourself up at the bar or hang out on the terrace for drinks and nibbles at Trocadero before you head into the races. As one of the best venues for spring weather, Trocadero is in the perfect position to soak up the warmth and engage in some serious people watching.

trocadero.co