What better way to have spent the Queen’s Birthday long weekend than eating, drinking and horsing around at the recent Fitzroy Street Queen’s Birthday Street Party! This right royal event in Fitzroy Street transformed into a royal affair! The celebrations commenced with the grand arrival of Her Majesty the Queen hailing on a horse and carriage which travelled from St Kilda Sea Baths to Fitzroy Street.

 Along the famous strip there were roving street entertainment including musicians, fire twirlers, circus acts and drag queens, plus an honourable salute from the Royal British Guards, bagpipes, stilt walkers and a special appearance from Her Majesty (An impersonator of course!)

 To continue the celebrations into the night, the official “Queen’s Birthday After Party” kicked off at Robarta, where they served up a special Queen’s Cocktail for the royal occasion. Meanwhile a great line up of DJs throughout the night entertained party goers.

  There was plenty to feast on throughout the day along Fitzroy Street, including Valerie Patisserie for a croissant and coffee, Texan sized toasties at Misery Guts, Indian food at Babu Ji, and classic French cuisine at Embassy 97. Claypots Seafood Express offered the freshest fish as always, and the iconic Italian restaurants Topolino’s and Leo’s were on point with their warm hospitality.  Whiskey lovers stopped by at St LuJa, and there were more cocktail specials to be had at Girl Next Door, 29th Apartment, Acland Street Cantina, St Hotel, and Metropol. And for the beer lovers? Freddie Wimpole’s, The Fifth Province, the POW Kitchen and Prince Bandroom catered to this most royal of occasions!

 No doubt this was one grand old time at the Fitzroy Street Queen’s Birthday Street Party!

 READ CELESTE IULIANO’S REVIEW OF THIS FABULOUS EVENT…

The Queen’s Birthday Bash

Review by Celeste Iuliano

In the United Kingdom, the Queen’s birthday is a joyous yet dignified occasion. The British celebrate with traditional troop and horse parades, ending with an appearance by Her Majesty on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

On the 11^th June, St Kilda celebrated in a similar fashion. But, Australia has always been the cheeky young sibling, and a unique sense of fun and playfulness was evident in the festivities. The Queen’s Birthday began with a parade that trailed from the St Kilda Sea Baths to vibrant Fitzroy Street. A carriage carrying regal drag queens led the procession to the sound of bagpipes. This was arguably the most traditional element of the parade.

As the carriage graced the streets, it passed by a host of colourful characters – musicians, fire twirlers, and stilt walkers – all adding to the festival atmosphere. The final destination was Robarta in the heart of Fitzroy Street. Here the Queen (or at least a striking double), kicked off her after-party by taking photos with her good friend Dame Edna (or perhaps her twin), and her ladies in waiting.

DJs played dancefloor favourites well into the night. Partygoers could choose from a wide selection of wines, beers, and cocktails to promote their dancing vibe. As for the Queen? Her pick of the party would have to be The Queen’s Bee. This special celebratory cocktail created with gin, lemon, and Chambord, was a simple yet refreshing drink, perfect for getting you in the mood for a night of dancing.

We hope you had a happy birthday, Your Majesty. We look forward to doing it all again next year!

www.fitzroystreetstkilda.com.au 

Information Courtesy of Fitzroy Street Business Association/Helen Reizer hrpr

Images Courtesy of Jim Lee, Sandra Gaits & Celeste Iuliano

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet – Food/Wine/Events