Courtside in Style: Grey Goose Brings French Flair to the Australian Open

As Melbourne settles into its favourite sporting season, the Australian Open once again becomes more than just tennis. It’s a meeting point of food, fashion, hospitality and atmosphere, where what’s served off court is just as considered as what unfolds on it.

This summer, the Grey Goose Courtside Bar returns with an elevated take on tennis hospitality, blending French-inspired flavours, design and signature serves directly into the heart of the action. To bring the experience to life, we spoke with Nik Hill of Porcine, who crafted the courtside menu, and Joe McCanta, Grey Goose’s Global Director of Brand Experience, about the inspiration behind the dishes, the joy of summer tennis, and the players they’d happily enjoy a Lemon Ace with courtside.

Nik Hill, Porcine

Can you tell us about the menu you’ve created for the Grey Goose Courtside Bar and the inspiration behind it? The menu created for The Grey Goose Courtside Bar was an easy brief. French picnic vibes while watching the tennis with a Grey Goose Lemon Ace in hand. In one box a decadent foie gras parfait with stonefruit gelée accompanied by some French baguette and great butter. A perfect wedge of Camembert cheese with prunes and lavosh crackers. Another box boasts a Lobster Quiche with Leeks and tarragon baked daily and served chilled with a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and Boursin cheese. For the sweet tooth a Porcine Signature, Truffle Honey Custard Tart. We only bake a limited number every day so get in quick to avoid disappointment. Game, Set, Goose.

How did the Australian Open and the summer tennis atmosphere influence the flavours and style of the dishes? The whole vibe of the AO is such a celebration of both sports and hospitality. Dining and drinking keeps us armchair athletes at bay and rooting for our favourite players. With this in mind the influence for the Courtside bar was to bring a little luxury to the table.

French inspiration runs through the menu – how did you translate that into food that works for a day at the tennis? For this we took some of the hits from both Porcine and L’avant Cave and made them accessible to the public and easy to eat, thus not taking your eyes off the ball.

Is there one dish that really stands out as the ultimate courtside bite this year? I would have to say the foie gras parfait and the cheese is must for anyone gracing the courtside bar. It’s easy, it’s familiar and it’s absolutely delicious!

And finally – who’s your ultimate ‘ace serve’ player to watch while enjoying the menu? Alex de Minaur for me. The homegrown hero hopefully takes the crown!

Joe McCanta, Grey Goose Global Director of Brand Experience

The Grey Goose Courtside Bar returns for 2026 as a premium hospitality destination – what makes this space so special within the Australian Open? The big innovation this year is that we’ve actually built the bar into the Court 6 grandstand. It’s seamless—you can grab a Grey Goose Lemon Ace and step straight into your seat. “We wanted to remove the barrier between the hospitality and the tennis. Now, you have unmatched proximity to the action. It’s a true ‘courtside’ experience, not just a standalone bar. It’s designed for real tennis lovers. You can move seamlessly between socializing at the bar and watching the match without missing a beat. Also,

How does the Courtside Bar reflect Grey Goose’s French heritage and joie de vivre at Melbourne Park? We’re bringing a touch of French-inspired elegance to the tennis. You’ll see it in the refined design and feel it in the attention to detail throughout the space. The space really celebrates the joy of the moment—or joie de vivre. We’re encouraging guests to slow down, socialize, and actually savour the experience – making time wait.

For first-time visitors, what’s the one Grey Goose experience they shouldn’t miss while watching the tennis? Ordering a Grey Goose Lemon Ace courtside and walking straight from the bar into the grandstand to watch live tennis! We’ll also have DJ’s on Thursdays- Sundays after the tennis matches finish at Court 6.

And to finish – who’s your ‘ace serve’ player to enjoy a Lemon Ace with courtside. Definitely Big Foe! His energy, charisma and love of the moment perfectly match the Grey Goose Lemon Ace. Stylish, vibrant and made for summer tennis.