Melbourne in January is essentially a high-stakes, sweat-soaked endurance test where the city collectively forgets how to talk about anything except backhands and humidity. But if you know where to look, the Australian Open transforms from a grueling sporting event into a very chic, very French summer escape.
For its second year, the Grey Goose Courtside Bar has returned to Melbourne Park, and honestly, it’s the only place to be if you prefer your tennis with a side of joie de vivre. Perched right over Court 6, it features the first stadium seating attached directly to a bar, a design masterstroke that allows you to watch the action from an elevated perspective without ever being more than an arm’s length away from a refill.
The vibe is pure French Riviera, with a sleek, reimagined aesthetic that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered onto a film set in Cannes rather than a tennis precinct in Melbourne. Even the staff are getting in on the act, dressed in bespoke Ralph Lauren blue and white uniforms that marry tennis club sophistication with serious style.
On opening night, my plus one and I kicked things off with the signature Lemon Ace, a zesty blend of vodka, passionfruit, and sparkling lemonade garnished with a playful lemon twist. It’s a tasty serve of the summer and we even got to meet the creator of the cocktail. For those of us who like to wander, they’ve even launched an AO-exclusive ready-to-drink can so you can take that citrusy goodness on the road.
If the drinks are the main event, the food is the incredible supporting act. The culinary offering has had a serious upgrade for 2026, with a menu designed by Nik Hill of Sydney’s Porcine. We’re talking Leek and Lobster Quiche, and a Duck Liver and Foie Gras Parfait with stonefruit gelée that is almost too indulgent for a Sunday afternoon. A personal highlight was the fresh oysters, served with a cheeky spray of Grey Goose and a squeeze of lemon. It’s the kind of high-brow snacking that makes you feel very important. For those wanting to go full “main character,” the brand also has a presence in Club 1905 with a theatrical tableside Martini Trolley, but for us, the outdoor energy was where it was at.
To launch the space, Flight Facilities took to the decks for a DJ set that perfectly captured the sun-drenched, airy energy of a Melbourne summer. Dancing with a cold drink in hand while the sun dipped behind the arena was the exact moment I realised we hadn’t actually looked at a tennis score all day.
Between the uninterrupted court views, the refined French-inspired menu, and the endless stream of Lemon Aces, Grey Goose has managed to turn the Australian Open into a world-class party that just happens to have some tennis going on in the background. It’s the ultimate destination to pause, refresh, and pretend you’re a member of the global elite for a few hours.
The Grey Goose Courtside Bar returns to Melbourne Park from 12 January – 1 Febryary 2026. Get your tickets to the AO here.
The venue is accessible.
