Here are the front runners in the field of venues vying to be the best spot to celebrate.

A full house is expected at the Railway Tavern in Lambeth Street on Melbourne Cup day.

Publican Nathan Sanderson will run the popular Calcutta auction on the Sunday before the big race, with 24 tickets at $100 each up for grabs.

“We’ve been running the Calcutta now for seven or eight years and it’s proved very popular,” Mr Sanderson said.

Chef’s specials, including a seafood basket and pas,ta will feature on the tavern’s menu on November 1.

Glen Innes and District Services Club events coordinator Julie Clement is expecting up to 100 people at their Melbourne Cup Day luncheon, which costs $15 a head and kicks off at 12.30pm. 

Chicken and champagne will be the order of the day, followed by fashions on the field, with prizes for best hat, best dressed lady, best dressed man and best dressed couple.

Theme this year is Oaks Day.

“Something different for this year will be our Melbourne Cup trivia quiz, so everyone should brush up on their cup trivia,” Julie said.

The cup will be screened live on the mega screen in the club’s auditorium.

Women wanting to look special for the day should visit  the Bees Knees, in Grey Street.

Owner Lynda Ludlow has a wide range of bags, shoes and other accessories specially for Melbourne Cup.

You can shop online at thebeesknees.net.au in the lead-up to the big event.

New England Club manager Dominic Grob promises a complimentary glass of wine or champagne to accompany Thai lunches on Melbourne Cup day.

“We’re also selling Calcutta tickets for the auction which will run on the Monday night before the cup,” Dom said.

Manager of the club for the past eight-and-a-half years, Dom said reservations were essential on 6732 3144.

The club, in West Avenue, has previously put on special lunches.

“But this year we’re returning to our tried and tested Thai meals, which everyone seems to love,” Dom said.