This year's celebration across Maitland are set to be a little different - thanks to a certain global COVID-19 pandemic - but the city's pubs have risen to the occasion and are preparing to wow patrons with delectable food, drinks, prizes and a good view of the race.

It's a good excuse to support a local venue, especially when the recent relaxing of restrictions means bookings of up to 30 people can now be made.

The usual COVID-safe rules apply and patrons must remain seated, except when ordering a drink, so if you pick the winner you'll have to unleash your excitement while sitting down.

Take a look at what is on offer across the city:

A four-course meal, with a set menu, for $50 per person is at the centre of Tuesday's celebrations.

COVID safety measures will be in place to ensure everybody has a good time and remains safe.

There will be lucky door prizes, sweeps, raffles, and TAB facilities.

Patrons who aren't looking for several courses can order from the regular menu.

Call 49301201 to book your table.

Melbourne Cup Day is just around the corner! And Despite COVID's best efforts, the festivities are still on (with safety measures, of course).

This pub is promising wine hamper prizes so big they could fill a small swimming pool.

They will also be giving away prizes for the best dressed and the best fascinator.

Ladies will receive a complimentary glass of bubbles with a strawberry on arrival.

There will be live music from Elisa Kate.

The action kicks off at 12 noon with the race on the big screen at 3pm. There will be all-day dining and of course, lots of sweeps. Phone 4933 7244 to book.

The Melbourne Cup luncheon is sold out but grazing boxes are still available for parties at home or in the office. Phone 4933 6566 to order.

This historic pub is promising all of the thrills - and none of the frills - for a cup day to remember. TAB facilities will be available and lunch will run between 11.30am and 2pm.

Take advantage of the courtesy bus and you won't have to worry about arranging a designated driver. Bookings are essential. Phone 4933 6202.

There will be food and drink specials on offer as well as $2 sweeps and prizes for the best dressed and the best headwear.

The hotel will be open from 9am. Bookings are essential so phone 4934 8284.

Spruiking the biggest screen in Maitland, get ready for a three course buffet lunch - from your table, of course.

There will be canapes on arrival, a complimentary drink and a variety of desserts to choose from.

A three-hour drinks package will follow to keep the celebration pumping.

The cost of all of this is $70 per person. Bookings are essential and a 20 per cent deposit per person must be made in advance. Phone 4933 6351.

All-day dining kicks off at 11.30am with $5 house bubbles.

There will be prizes for the best dressed as well as a lucky door prize.

Why not make a night out of it and catch the courtesy bus home? It'll transport patrons from 12 noon until late. Betting facilities will open at 8am.

Bookings are essential so phone ahead on 4932 1842.

Enjoy the race that stops the nation in historic Morpeth.

The Commercial Hotel is offering a 2 course meal for $45 or a 3 course meal for $60. There will be champagne and canapes on arrival and an alternate drop menu with desserts.

Staff have promised amazing food and a mystery ticket for every patron attending the luncheon.

There will be a prize for the best dressed couple, best hat and best fascinator. Bookings are essential. Phone 4934 5316.

Are you ready for a delectable feast? The Family Hotel are hosting a 3 course luncheon for $55 with a glass of beer or wine on arrival. Think roast beetroot, fetta and caramelized onion tart, or a 5-spice squid with a strawberry and kiwi salad for the entree.

The chef will serve up Mirin glazed Atlantic salmon with potato salad and Asian greens, chicken and prawn scallopini with mash potato and a creamy garlic sauce, or mushroom, asparagus and cauliflower risotto for the mains.

The dessert menu doesn't disappoint either, with the choice of Malteser cheesecake with whipped cream and chocolate ganache, vanilla bean panna cotta with a lime anglaise and pan seared strawberries, or fresh fruit salad with citrus cream.

There will be sweeps and prizes for the best dressed as well as the patron with the best fascinator.

Phone (02) 4089 1190 to book.

The three-course luncheon in the bistro is booked out but patrons can still enjoy a celebratory beverage and watch the race from the bar area.

The advice from staff is to get in early as once they reach their venue capacity, under COVID-19 restrictions, nobody else will be allowed in.

Betting facilities will be open from 8am.

Put on your Melbourne Cup best for the chance to win the best dressed prize and try your luck in the sweeps.

The Rutherford Hotel will be ready with $5 house bubbles and all day dining from 11.30am.

The courtesy bus will run all day. Bookings are essential so phone ahead on 4932 8241.

Don't forget groups of 30 people can now book.

Soak up the festivities with all day dining from 11.30am and sweeps.

A free mystery trifecta will be given away with every Carlton product purchased.

Buy a glass of Wildflower Brut or Great Northern Schooner and go in the draw to win a $50 voucher from Petal Collective or a Northern fishing rod.

The courtesy bus will run from 12 noon until late. Bookings up to 30 people can now be made. Reserve your place and call 4933 7276.