But back then it was not a ``race that stopped the nation''. And the 2009 Melbourne Cup is not going to stop the current Northies Hotel rebuilt in 2000 from wholesale celebrations starting from 10am with lunch served from noon.

Northies has genuine claims to be the cultural and social hub of the Sutherland Shire, and with recently expanded TAB facilities in the Sports Bar, a gourmet barbecue in the Beach Bar, and a spectacular three-course lunch in the Mango Jam Restaurant, the club is planning its biggest and best cup day. This will include a spectacular fashion parade in the Beach Bar featuring acclaimed local designer, Erin Louise.

For the fashion-conscious, the focus will be the Mango Jam Restaurant, where lunch begins with a glass of bubbly on arrival, followed by a three-course menu selected by head chef, Sandra Brooks.

The Mango Jam menu begins with a tasting plate of hot and cold seafood including king prawn in saffron tempura batter and crab omelette or, for vegetarians, char-grilled vegetable strudel.

The main course offers a choice of slow-roasted prime beef and crusted ling fillet.

Desserts on offer will be baked chocolate tart and strawberry mille-feuille.

For the big race, there will be flat-screen TVs throughout the hotel, including a massive 103-centimetre screen in the Mango Jam Restaurant.

Northies-Cronull a Hotel, Corner Kingsway and Elouera Road, Cronulla. Bookings: 95236866.