Bubbles, pianos, karaoke: First look inside Flemington’s exclusive Birdcage enclosure ahead of Melbourne Cup
Flemington’s exclusive Birdcage enclosure is back and bigger than ever, with karaoke, a grand piano, world-class food and sparkling drinks set to send guests into a frenzy during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
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Flemington’s exclusive Birdcage enclosure has revealed a new level of luxury, sweeping views and top notch food and alcohol.
As the Melbourne Cup Carnival prepares for take off on Saturday with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, the VIP destination opened its doors to unveil a raft of premium marquees and some curious highlights.
Among them is a new secret Don Julio tequila bar, a $1495 per person dining experience on Cup Day at Gwen, Penfolds 2019 Grange, a karaoke lounge, an edible bubble booth and a new three storey hotspot.
“I’ve been coming for nearly 37 years and it has elevated this year, it is really special,’’ said The Big Group’s Bruce Keebaugh.
“Last year we were coming out of Covid and this year there’s a real networking perspective and people want to get close to their clients. Crown is a good example of that.”
Newcomer Crown’s three-storey marquee is slightly taller than the Lexus marquee and almost level with its opulent neighbour, the Herald Sun House.
Luke Stone said Gwen, offering a premium dining experience based on the LA restaurant he runs with his brother Curtis Stone, would be complimented by Lucky’s upstairs which is set to be a party spot.
“There’s a new concept called Lucky’s which is the place to be and we have food focused menus,’’ Luke said.
“We are fully booked for most days, there are a few spots available for Stakes Day (for $1195 per person).”
Penfolds is inviting guests to venture beyond and embrace its underwater wonderland complete with its own gelataria and crooner.
“I’m always excited for this week as a sports lover and a lover of fashion and all that’s on offer at Penfolds,’’ said Channel 7 presenter Abbey Gelmi.
G.H. Mumm has a different position and a refreshed look while Schweppes is set to bring the party vibe with bubbles and entertainment.
“It’s such a special occasion and we are so lucky to have this destination,’’ said Schweppes Carnival ambassador Tess Shanahan.
The Lexus marquee design is a fusion of Japanese and Australian landscapes and offers dining by chef Luke Mangan.
“They do everything with such a height of consideration and standards,’’ said TV personality and Lexus ambassador Melissa Leong.
“It’s such an occasion of pageantry. For me it’s all about the fashion and the people watching and that’s my favourite part of it. I’m coming Derby, Cup and Oaks and I’ll always take an opportunity to get dressed up.”
The Pamper Lounge with hairdresser Joey Scandizzo and make up artist Jade Kisnorbo sits alongside the karaoke lounge and close to the secret speak-easy bar.
“Last year we really opened up the middle space and you’ll see it again with the Bird Bath Bar,’’ VRC CEO Steve Rosich said.
“It’s a credit to our partners the way they look at the creativity and provide something completely different for everyone.”
Lexus
The three storey Landmark by Lexus offers sophistication and style with Japanese and Australian landscape influence. Chef Luke Mangan is curating lunch for 240 guests each day on the ground floor, there’s also a sashimi chef and a suite of world-class collaborators delivering Close to the Source, a sense of luxury driven by the craftsmanship it takes to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary through time, effort, and design. On display at the entrance will be the all-new Lexus LBX.
Penfolds
What’s not to love about having Penfolds Grange 2019 on hand. The Australian Winemaker has unveiled an underwater wonderland with scuba divers, Piccolina Gelateria, caviar and a menu by Executive Chef of Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, Scott Huggins, and Penfolds ambassador Sam O’Connell. Performer and coral crooner Mike Snell and his back-up dancers will perform along with DJ Yvette Lee.
Herald Sun House
The three storey structure features a past Melbourne Cup winning horse whose silks correspond directly with the brand ribbon – Prince of Penzance on level 1; Verry Elleegant on level 2 and Cross Counter on level 3. Drawing inspiration from Newscorp, the facade features coloured cubed cocktail jellies.
G.H. Mumm
Billed as a theatre, the marquee celebrates excellence in artistry across champagne, gastronomy and performance. There will be many spots for ‘insta’ moments along the two-storey champagne house with a French-Australian culinary theme. More than 100,000 glasses of G.H. Mumm are likely to be enjoyed across the week. Model Jessica Gomes, appropriately in red by designer Jordan Dalah, will perform the sabrage on Derby Day.
TAB
A wooden horse is the centrepiece of the lush green interior by Stella & Co. With wall to wall screens it’s the spot for punters, as unveiled by jockey Mark Zahra and Group 1-winning trainers Ben Hayes and Wayne Hawkes. Food is by The Big Group.
Schweppes
Fun and frivolity will engulf the bubble filled yellow and white marquee with installations and sculptures on display by Melbourne-based floral artist Hattie Molloy. The Schweppes signature cocktail will be a Pash n Dash — passionfruit, gin, lemonade based. Plus don’t miss a Flemington Fling and a Chilli Cuban. Food highlights by culinary director Damian Colless include fancy fairy bread, surf and turf and truffle cheese toasties.
Crown
Moving from its position at the end of track, this three-storey townhouse with black and white styled interiors offers stunning sweeping views of the track. “Where else would want to be,’’ said Olympia Bellchambers. “There’s a grand piano, a ballroom on the second floor and a lift that opens up with amazing offers.”
Furphy
The only pub in the Birdcage hosted by fifth-generation cousins Sam and Adam, the two-storey building trackside has blue signature interiors and an atrium in the middle as well as internal bathrooms. There is no shortage of pints, surf and turf, bangers and mash, and “the Furphy” burger.
Gwen and Lucky’s
Curtis Stone’s fine dining, Michelin starred LA restaurant Gwen will be set up to cater for up to 200 VRC members and guests each day. It’s not a cheap sitting but it offers premium food and decadence. Above the Gwen dining room is the Lucky’s marquee which will be buzzing with entertainment.
Don Julio
A tap on the shoulder is all you need, then follow the man in the black hat to gain entry to this secret bar. Eight spots are available in the tequila haven which simply has a gold door. The Don Julio 1942 signature cocktail, ‘Man in the Hat’, by one of the World’s best bartenders, Orlando Marzo, which is topped by a mini hat. As each hat is lit, the scent of the woodchips ignites the senses and as the hat is removed, the soft flowing smoke hits the nose.
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