Whether you’re at the game or watching at home with mates and a bunch of beer and party pies, Grand Final Day is one of the most exciting days on Melbourne’s calendar, marking the beginning of the silly season and getting even the most reluctant spectators whipped into a frenzy over those last goals kicked as the siren sounds.
From cocktail-sipping with a set menu, to a beer at the pub, here are some of the best spots in Melbourne to enjoy the footy mania.
The Rooftop at QT, Melbourne CBD
For those who’d rather avoid cramming into the local pub, QT Melbourne is inviting guests to sip cocktails amongst the clouds on the Rooftop at QT, while enjoying the game across all of the venue’s televisions.
Between 12-6pm, QT Melbourne’s chefs will be stationed in the bar preparing a gourmet Rooftop Barbecue featuring; steak sandwiches; Middle Eastern chicken pockets; spiced eggplant and cauliflower pitas; and freshly chucked oysters, all alongside the normal Rooftop menu.
A host of cocktail specials will accompany the festivities, including a Four Pillars spiced Negroni and a signature Aperol Spritz, keeping the day’s festivities rolling after the final whistle is blown.
Bookings available at $55 minimum spend per head, but the rooftop open as usual for guests not wanting to pre-book.
The Grosvenor Hotel, St Kilda East
The Grosvenor Hotel is the perfect spot to get amongst it and be part of the excitement of the big game.
Happy Hour kicks off at 11am, with free pots of Carlton Draught being served between the bounce and the first score. For those feeling peckish, a range of mouthwatering burgers are available all day, including the special Greedy Sheedy, a hybrid of two of Melbourne’s favourite footy treats – the burger and meat pie.
If it’s a unique spot you’re after, then head over to the adjoining St Kilda Burger Bar. The urban-inspired burger bar located in the Grosvenor Hotel drive thru will play host to a special pop up bar with big screen viewing, and their range of mouthwatering burgers served all afternoon long. After the final siren, the resident DJ is sure to keep the party going long after the final siren sounds.
Reservations are available from 11am for a two-hour duration to enjoy a menu influenced by Pub classics in the Bistro, or choose to be amongst the action in the Main Bar from 11am, where the game will be live across the big screens.
The Corner Hotel, Richmond
The Corner is going all out for Grand Final Day, with an all day party in their band room, front bar, rooftop and car park. Open from 9am, footy fans can start early to get involved in the festivities. At noon, punters are invited to the Corner’s Grand Final Backyard Bash, where the car park will be transformed with a host of food, booze and fun times including live music, face painting, games, food trucks and a big ol’ LCD screen to watch the Grand Final and all the pre-game commentary.
Celebrations will continue after the Grand Final, with free live music starting with The Rechords at 6.30pm.