California dreaming at Cup Week

Since opening at Crown late last year, Marmont has already made waves, quickly becoming a favourite among Melbourne’s nightlife scene with its blend of sophisticated dining, relaxed luxury, and a great music program. This spring, the hotspot steps out of the city and into the roses, offering racegoers a taste of LA cool with a distinctly Melbourne edge. Its name pays homage to Chateau Marmont, the legendary Hollywood hotel that has hosted screen icons from Katharine Hepburn to Johnny Depp.

At the helm is hospitality figure and DJ Grant Smillie, whose reputation for curating experiences that combine food, music, and atmosphere has taken him from clubs in New York to kitchens in Los Angeles. Australian-born, Smillie made his name by exporting Australian flavour to Los Angeles. In 2015, he opened West Hollywood hotspot E.P. & L.P., with compatriot Louis Tikaram crafting a menu full of bold dishes.

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival has always held a special place for me. It’s one of my favourite events in my hometown,” Smillie said. “To have Marmont pop up this year in The Birdcage, surrounded by the iconic Flemington roses, is incredibly exciting. It gives patrons a chance to experience the glamour of what the Crown experience at the races is like, through the lens of Marmont.”

Crown Melbourne CEO, Ed Domingo, said: “With Grant Smillie’s global hospitality expertise combined with Crown’s unique brand of luxury, we cannot wait to give racegoers a chance to experience the glamour of Crown at the races.”

So, what can guests expect? Think relaxed alfresco lounges and a soundtrack of DJs and live musicians, setting the rhythm between races. On the menu, expect a range of crowd-pleasers with a Californian twist: prawn rolls, salmon ceviche tostadas, truffle fries, and a cocktail list featuring the signature Marmont Paloma. Plus a selection of premium Australian wines, creating the perfect backdrop for long afternoons of indulgence.

Marmont will overlook the new Central Rose Garden, one of the Carnival’s most eye-catching additions. This offers guests the best of both worlds – a backdrop of iconic roses and direct access to The Birdcage Main Stage.

With its blend of style, energy, and effortless glamour, Marmont is poised to become one of this year’s must-visit Cup Week experiences – a little slice of Sunset Boulevard right in the heart of Flemington.