Osbourne Hotel — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Melbourne Cup 2022

Despite paying $195 for a ticket to this event, my expectations were still pretty low. Not because of the venue itself but usually with bottomless packages such as these on major event days, the service provided at the venue is more often than not quite poor. Line ups for drinks are long, food is scarce, limited seating etc.

In reality, Melbourne Cup at the Osbourne completely exceeded my expectations. We arrived around 10:30am and the package was to start at 11am. Entering the venue and checking tickets couldn’t have been faster. We were provided with a glass of champagne as we walked in and taken to our table. Looking around a few things stood out - the venue was beautifully decorated, there were PLENTY of bar staff ready and waiting, and the grazing table and dessert stand were already up and available. Within a few minutes, a waiter came over and offered to top up our drinks, even though it was still about 15 mins before the package commenced.

As more people began arriving, the venue never felt packed or over crowded. It was easy to move around the place to the different food and drink stations.

Throughout the day, we were brought countless canapés and finger food directly to the table which included sushi, lobster sliders, sausage rolls, and arancini just to name a few. Other food included full sized yiros made to order.

Another real stand out was the drinks service. Minimal to no line ups at the spritz and margarita stations. Bottles of champagne brought to our table. And very quick service at the main bar.

Music, a saxophone player, and multiple tvs showing races all day made for great entertainment.

Ultimately I couldn’t fault the day. It was a great experience and would definitely recommend it for next year, as well as any other events that happen...

I was refused entry into venue due to wearing open toed flat shoes. The security said because they weren’t 1cm high the entire way across, which they were, I was not allowed entry. They stated it was against their dress code however neither differed from my friends wearing heels(who may have had a heel but didn’t change the height of the shoes at the toe) I stated it was discrimination to my friend from those wearing heels as I had an ankle injury, to which he piped up and proceeded to state it was the same for “men” even though that’s not what I was implying. I was trying to say goodbye to my friends inside as they as well couldn’t understand why I wasn’t allowed it and then the security (blonde/ ranga beard with small dark eyes and black earring) grabbed me to escort me away even though I had remained outside the venue at the front entry the entire time. I found this physical contact completely inappropriate as I, one was in no way aggressive, not way assertive or pushing my way through. I was trying to reason with what I believe to be a discriminatory call however, In my opinion he was trying to assert his authority and dominance. I understand it is a “safety reason” however it is no different to any women wearing heels. It was discriminatory to those women who cannot wear heeled or platformed shoes due to injury of comfort. I would like to hear from the Osbourne itself and see an evaluation of its security staff due to their inappropriate behaviour and see the venue make allowances for those who are physically unable...

Ist time at The Osbourne for a drink and a feed. The Hotels' spaces are cleverly broken up, there's a large modern bright airy atrium with a great buzz. The atrium is complemented beautifully with an area that is a fusion of an English Gentleman's club and New York speakeasy, dim lighting, leather furnishing, something with a bit age and class ... you get the picture. Anyhow, back to the drink and feed. HUGE tap selection, nobody but nobody could possible complain about the beer choices and Spirits, cocktails ... anything you could want, served by very helpful and friendly bar staff. The food was a great selection of pub favourites with a few classier choices. The Mrs's had her favourite, a Parmy, which she said was one of the best she'd had. I had battered fish and chips, could not fault them, the fish was beautifully cooked and a VERY decent sized portion. Both these meals came with a lovely side salad and wonderfully crispy fries. Someone else has a cheeseburger, but in all honesty, the burger could have been a bit more Americanised, that is, a bit more 'bits' such as tomato, onion etc ... in between the bread although, what they got was beautifully cooked. Not often do I go and thank the cooks but here I did as they deserved to be recognised. In conclusion, I hope the standards are maintained as I'd definitely become a regular and right now I'd have no hesitation in recommending The Osbourne for a drink and feed. Keep up the...