Melbourne Cup 2023 at The Normanby. Always a Winner!

Interview with Jasmine Sparreboom, the Functions Manager at The Normanby Hotel. With over 5 years of experience coordinating events, like the Melbourne Cup, she knows how to create the party atmosphere. Here are some of the details for this day that stops the nation.If you’d like more information about Melbourne Cup at The Normanby Hotel, or want to book your ticket to our party, email us or call (07) 3831 3353.

This year, the Melbourne Cup is on November the 7th. We can’t wait…The Normanby Hotel has always been a go-to spot to watch the Melbourne Cup. The atmosphere in our beer garden is full of energy and excitement, with all eyes glued to the big screen TV. No spot is without a view! We also have a huge screen TV in our Public Bar at eye level so you feel even closer to the action. With TAB facilities on site, we have your betting needs covered. But get in touch with us soon because we do book out fully. Don’t miss out!

How many Melbourne Cup parties have you planned?

Melbourne Cup is one of my all time favourite events to plan. I’ve planned so many different types over the years, from full scale, ponies included parties, to smaller gatherings for horse racing nuts.

Why do you think the Normanby Hotel is such a popular place to watch the Melbourne Cup?

We go all out! Having the big screen TV in our outdoor beer garden is such a winner for watching the main event race. Everyone can see the race, no matter where you’re sitting or standing. We always have a full house, so the atmosphere is electric. And it’s such a friendly feeling in the pub, everyone has a good time.

This year I’m very excited because we are having the ponies back again! They will be our greeters at the door. Think of them as our security guards but with shorter legs and a mane… 

What happens at The Normanby on Melbourne Cup day?

3 hours of fun, drink, food, entertainment and racing excitement! Whilst the horses are racing on the big screen TVs, we’ll have live music playing, lucky door prizes and sweepstakes to win and our super popular Fashion on the Field competition. We always have the best hampers up for grabs.

Food will be a bounty of roaming canapes, including oysters, salmon, pork belly, tacos, sushi, caviar and more.

And the drinks will be flowing, whether you want to enjoy beer, sparkling, wine or softdrinks.

The Normanby opens at 10am daily, but the Melbourne Cup package starts at 12pm.

All this fun and frivolity is only $149 per person. We do get booked out so make sure you secure your spot right away.  Email me for your ticket – functions@thenormanby.com.au 

UPDATE as of Oct 11 – WE ARE ALL SOLD OUT

What time do you start the Melbourne Cup party at The Normanby?

Doors are open from 10am. Come early to get your spot!

The 3 hour food & drinks package and all the activities will be on from 12-3pm. The Cup races at 2pm (3pm AEST).

How many people normally attend the Melbourne cup party?

We’re normally full house which is approximately 500 people. Make sure you are one of them!

Do people get dressed up for Melbourne Cup?

YES! There aren’t many chances to get dressed up this fancy on a Tuesday so I say “go for it”!!

And if you need an extra incentive or just feeling competitive, we have bottles of wine and delicious hampers as prizes for best dressed. Majority rules and the crowd decides the winners.

Do you have a Fashion on the Field competition?

We sure do. Check out our fabulous winners from last year.

How do I bet at The Normanby?

Easy. We have TAB facilities on location. You can bet with an operator or from your phone.

Or to take the hassle out of selecting a horse, we also have a sweepstake event you can participate in.

What’s on the menu?

Look at this delicious list of roaming canapes our chef will be making fresh that day for our 3 hour Melbourne Cup party. Oysters, salmon, caviar, sushi, duck, pork belly…

• Pork belly tartlets with roast butternut, apple puree and mixed olive tapenade
• Duck spring rolls with hoisin, sweet chilli, and soy
• Pulled pork tacos with tomato, cucumber, coriander and lime and wasabi mayo
• Boomer Bay Oysters with champagne dressing, salmon caviar, lemon, and chives
• Smoked salmon blinis with Persian feta, mascarpone, dill, and lumpfish caviar
• Assorted sushi and nigiri platters
• Assorted pizza platters
• Assorted platters wings and calamari

Make sure to get your tickets to enjoy all this deliciousness.

Do you have gf and vegetarian options?

Yes, we always include gf and vegetarian options. Just ask us and we can cater to your dietary needs. The sushi and nigiri will be mainly gf (without soy) but we can also do gf pizza. For our vegetarian friends, we can do pizza, arancini, spring rolls. Just ask and we’ll look after you. 

When should I book?

Due to the popularity of the Normanby for a Melbourne Cup event, we have people booking as early as August. And because we have limited spots available, I can’t stress enough how important it is to book early. Don’t wait until October!

There are 3 ways to get your tickets.

– Book through Eventbrite and get an electronic ticket

– Email functions@normanby.com.au

– Call (07) 3831 3353

Do you book out function spaces at The Normanby Hotel, if I want to have my own party?

We won’t be taking any private bookings for our rooms. But come along and soak up the atmosphere of the crowd in our beer garden and public bar. 

Do you have parking?

Yes we have parking for about 80 cars on site. It’s right next door to the hotel. For directions, the address for parking is 18 Kelvin Grove Rd, Kelvin Grove.

Do you have any seating for guests?

We have plenty of seating in our beer garden and Public Bar.

I have some more questions.

Please email us or call (07) 3831 3353. Or send us an enquiry with our event form below.

Come join us for Melbourne Cup at The Normanby Hotel. I love it so I make sure the day is a winner for everyone!

If you need a great spot for your next party, function or event, book it at The Normanby!