A Greyhound Racing Champion - Photo by Saris0000
Whenever you hear the word, "Waterloo," either one of two things may come to mind – or both. Depending on how British you are, you could immediately think of
Waterloo Station in the London network rail, also known as "The Tube." Then there's the cheesy 1974 Abba song called
Waterloo.
Just add "Cup" and "Hotel" to the mix and you've got Waterloo Cup Hotel. Of course, there's really nothing spectacularly ingenious about that, but a simple play on words could be significant when examined in context.
The name "Waterloo" appears to be shrouded in mystery, for there isn't anything anywhere to suggest why this particular hotel adopts such a title. However, when it comes to the word "Cup", the answer is plain obvious when you consider how the hotel is not very far from
Flemington Racecourse.
The food is fairly affordable, with the Waterloo Cup Hotel offering its patrons a pasta, steak, sandwich, and burger menu. For those of you who happen to be vegetarians, a salads menu is also available. And just like any other fully licensed bistro, there are entrees and appetisers to be enjoyed before you really start to dig in. Moreover, there's a modest range of accompanying dishes if you're really that famished. That's usually more the case in the colder months.
Perhaps the busiest season at the
Waterloo Cup Hotel is during the Melbourne Cup and during the events prior to and after the Melbourne Cup. I was born on Melbourne Cup Day in some distant year, and me being almost three weeks early certainly attests to the fact I couldn't miss it. That's why it's such a glorious occasion, even though my birthday falls every five to seven years or so on the actual day. It's such an honour to have all the lovely ladies dress up for me. But since every man and his greyhound will also be celebrating my birthday, it would be highly advisable to book tables in advance at the Waterloo Cup Hotel, especially if you intend to utilise the sports bar.
If curiosity has got the better of you, the sports bar is the place where you sit down and mull over your racing form, frantically examining the odds before placing your hopeful bets. It doesn't have to be horses. Why not choose to be the
odd one out and learn about your geared-up greyhounds in action? Be sure to enjoy a nice meal so that you don't end up looking like one, and always remember to gamble responsibly.
Now, who says you can't reap the benefits of the Waterloo Cup Hotel if horse and greyhound racing aren't your cup of tea? The place has had more than a reasonable track record, pardon the pun, in catering for engagements, birthday parties, marriages, and other special occasions. When it comes to a wedding, for instance, wouldn't the Waterloo Cup Hotel's late to early 1900s exterior complement the arrival of the newlyweds in their black vintage car? It never ceases to amaze me just how backward some people can be. But hey, they certainly beat the
Jetsons any day.
