I’m writing this review from the comfort of an air-conditioned café, on a 34-degree day while flicking through dozens of pictures we took of the Royal Croquet Club’s (RCC) opening night – most of these pictures are of delicious Pimms Cocktails. It’s summertime and what Melbourne needs most right now is the RCC.
What started as a popup food and drink festival is now an annual party in Melbourne that seems to just keep on getting bigger and better.
Nestled next to the Yarra River just below Fed Square at Birrarung Marr, the festival has always been interested in finding what’s fresh and bringing it to unique settings and surrounds to be appreciated by music and food lovers. Here are three things (besides the free croquet) we love about this year’s Royal Croquet Club.
1) Food, food glorious food (and Pimms Cup Cocktails!)
The culinary capital of Melbourne wouldn’t settle for soggy chips and Dagwood Dogs, oh no! We were well treated in the food department with tasty bites from one of our favorite burger joints, 8-Bit. Other local flavors include Gelato Messina, Up in Smoke, POW Kitchen and Hoy Pinoy.
Also who really wants warm stubbies of generic beers when you can have! Pimms Cup cocktails are our number one choice for your day (or night) here. For those who haven’t had a chance to sip on this summer cocktail before it includes Pimms, lemonade, ginger beer, and a handful of fresh fruit!
2) Music to our ears
The stage this year resembles an enormous boom box. Seriously, it’s huge! It’s with very little hyperbole that we say this is one of the most affordable ways to see a stellar lineup of Aussie bands this summer. Hayden James, Generik, Airwolf, Electric Fields, Angus Stone (from Angus and Julia Stone), Fortunes, Touch Sensitive and Aston Shuffle amongst many more.
3) Fashion on the field
Melbourne (rightfully) claims to be the culinary and arts capital of Australia so it’s only fitting that we also claim the fashion capital title as well. Go Melbourne!
The big trends at the RCC are polo shirts and summer dresses. Think a weekend away in the Hamptons. The venue has been dressed up for some perfect Instagram selfies that will have your friends rolling around with FOMO. We also loved the roving performers, particularly some pesky seagull ladies who would chase after anyone with chips. Fantastic.
– Tomas
Tomas Zagoda is a filmmaker, writer, coffee addict and tall person who does not play basketball. You can follow him on your social media channel of choice @TomasZagoda
The Royal Croquet Club runs from the 8-23 December in Melbourne. Tickets can be purchased on the door or online. Some dates have free entry so check the website for more details.
