Royal Croquet Club, Birrarung Marr Secret Tasting

The Royal Croquet Club is Melbourne’s newest and hottest festival this summer. Nestled on the banks of the Yarra in Birrarung Marr, the pop up festival features Melbourne’s favourite food haunts, beverages, live music and croquet! Expect a spectacular outdoor dining and entertainment precinct like no other.

The concept was introduced in Adelaide during the Adelaide Fringe Festival and has travelled to Melbourne just in time – when the summer events season is in full swing.

Broadsheet and the Royal Croquet Club have curated Melbourne’s very first installation of the Broadsheet Summer BBQ. Foodies will be in for a treat with some of Melbourne’s favourite food trucks rolling in for the festival, including Hammer and Tong, Beatbox Kitchen, Cornucopa, Little Mushroom Co, Nuoc Mama, Shari D’s, Toasta, Trailer Made and RTW Bagels.

As part of the launch, I was lucky enough to be invited along to attend the secret tasting in the Yalumba container. Fellow foodies enjoyed a balmy summer evening besides the croquet pitch, at the heart of all the action at the Yalumba Rooftop.

To observe all the action of the croquet pitch, try to nab one of the exclusive high chairs pitch side.

In true summer festival style, Pimms was free-flowing from the Yalumba Container.

We were treated to a delicious range of food starting with Crispy Hanoi Vegetarian Net Spring Rolls from Miss Chu.

Carnivores favourite Meatmother brought it home with their BBQ Lamb Cutlets and my favourite – Burnt Ends (pork) with Jalapeno Slaw and Mother BBQ sauce.

Mr Claws were a smash hit with their famous Chunky Wasabi Lobster Roll, served in a brioche bun.

Gelato Messina didn’t disappoint with their new International Soup Kitchen inspired range.Incase you are wondering, no it’s not soup – more of a souped-up dessert concoction served in a bespoke soup tin! Four flavours are on offer, representing four countries around the world. The black forest bisque is a heavenly concoction of chocolate-fondant gelato, cherry jam, kirsch cream and kirsch-soaked sponge. The American Chow Down may sound strange but it’s a beauty – comprised of peanut gelato, Oreo custard, cream-cheese mousse and pretzel crunch.

If that’s not enough, the festival also has themed bars, roving entertainment and live music.  There’ll be a viewing area where guests can watch the tennis with a drink and dishes from some of Melbourne’s favourite venues.

So pack your mallet and head to Birrarung Marr for the ultimate summer festival! But get in quick the festival ends on the 1st February!

Opening Hours

Monday – Thursday: 4pm -11pm
Friday: 4pm – 1am
Saturday: 12pm – 1am
Sunday: 12pm – 11pm

Extended Trading hours for the Australia day Long Weekend & Closing Weekend:
Sunday 25th: 12pm – 12am
Monday 26th: 12pm – 12am
Closing Night Sunday 1st Feb: 12pm – 12am

http://www.royalcroquetclub.com.au

I was invited as a guest of the Royal Croquet Club and ID Collective.