Melbourne Cup 2024: Best Birdcage Tents Named

“This is the largest birdcage in terms of area that we have ever had,” he said. “In fact, we went further, built an observation deck, we have champagne, we have caviar. We maintain this level because our customers expect it; we didn’t back down from that. We need this moment of celebration and happiness.”

The Penfolds marquee, overlooking the parade ring, boasts the longest crossbar in the Birdcage at 14 metres.

The winemaker is offering signature cocktails and tastings of the 2020 Grange, which retails for $1,000 a bottle.

Guests will be presented with a silk scarf featuring artwork by Ricky Day, and a stylist will help them accessorize the scarf to complement their outfit.

Marketing director Christy Keith said that while cost of living pressures had had an impact on consumers, Penfolds had experienced a “premiumisation”.

“So people may be drinking a little less, but they’re choosing times when they want to indulge,” she said. “I think we’ll have one of those moments at the spring racing carnival this year.”

Penfolds also has a secret bar in the Birdcage, with Don Julio’s tequila bar hidden behind a hot pink telephone box.

Nine, the owner of this cap, first set up a tent on the so-called “Millionaire’s Row” in front of the “Birdcage” with a stunning view of the track, and Schweppes and Herald of the Sun this year they came out of the exclusive enclosure.

The tallest tents in the Birdcage are again from Lexus and Crown, who built the three-story structures.

Interior designer Brahman Perera said he was asked to create a different experience at each level of the Lexus tent.

The ground floor houses a restaurant helmed by Atlas chef Charlie Carrington, a Mecca beauty and hair salon, and the largest flexible birdcage yet: private toilets with running water.

There is a large outdoor terrace on the second floor and a Tarts Anon bakery lounge on the top floor. Paintings by Archibald finalist Zoe Young from Sophie Gannon Gallery are hung throughout the marquee and are for sale – for whoever wins big on the day.

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“The whole point was to create a sense of continuity and integrity in this space,” Perera said. “In that sense, to have the real art of an Archibald finalist is what elevates it.”

Perera said the Birdcage celebrations were taken to a new level this year.

“It also has to do with the weather – people want to look forward to the end of the year,” he said. “It’s a small moment, it only lasts a week, but hopefully it sets the tone for the rest of the future.”

At Crown, chef Guillaume Brahimi served mini crab sandwiches and blowtorched scallops with pea puree and caviar.

“My crab sandwich, a glass of champagne, a horse race—it’s a triple win,” he said.

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