Christmas Cooking Masterclass

Details

Date: Sunday December 6, 2026

Time: Two session times available: 12:00pm and 2:00pm. You will be advised of your session time closer to the function date

Location: Members' Dining Room and MCG Culinary Centre

Dress: MCC Members' Reserve dress standards

Access: This function is open to Full, Restricted and Provisional members and up to two guests

About

Get into the festive spirit with a hands-on cooking experience at the iconic MCG. Perfect for larger celebrations, this event will be run with two groups, each enjoying their own dedicated cooking session led by MCG Executive Pastry Chef, Ashley Smith.

Both groups will come together between the two sessions for a relaxed hour of canapés and drinks in the Members' Dining Room for a chance to mingle, unwind and soak up the atmosphere before getting back to the fun.

And it wouldn't be complete without a festive centrepiece: every guest will build their very own gingerbread house to take home, a sweet reminder of a memorable day at the 'G.

Pricing

Early bird pricing will be available for two weeks only – until 9:00am AEST Tuesday August 18

Early Bird Package

Member Adult 18+

$90
Member Under 18

$90
Guest Adult 18+

$100
Guest Under 18

$100

Standard Package

Member Adult 18+

$100
Member Under 18

$100
Guest Adult 18+

$110
Guest Under 18

$110

Booking Process

Early bird bookings open: 9:00am AEST Tuesday August 4

Early bird offer concludes: 9:00am AEST Tuesday August 18

Bookings close: 5:00pm AEDT Friday November 27, unless sold out sooner

Cancellation cut-off: 5:00pm AEDT Friday November 27

If you are unable to book online, please call our Membership Services Team on (03) 9657 8888 or email mccfunctions@mcc.org.au.

If you wish to attend with other members, please ensure you book together online as a group, or make a note of the members you wish to be grouped with when making your booking.

More Info

About Ashley Smith, Executive Pastry Chef

Ashley Smith is a Yorkshire-born pastry chef with over 15 years of international experience, known for his refined technique and visual storytelling.

His fine dining career began in London, where he trained at Michelin-starred institutions including Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road and Claridge’s, developing a deep respect for classical French technique and culinary precision.

After relocating to Australia, Ashley led the pastry programs at Stokehouse in Melbourne and Aria in Sydney, and held positions with the Rockpool Group, Chiswick, The Australian Club, and 12 Micron.

Each dessert Ashley designs tells a story. His innovative, complex creations have been featured in So Good Magazine (Issue 32), with pieces including The Popcorn Box, Sunflower, and Ooops I Dropped the Ice Cream.

Ashley leads the pastry program at the MCG as Pastry Chef de Cuisine and his creative desserts are presented across the stadium.

Check out Ashley's dessert creations ahead of the masterclass on Instagram at @ashcamsmith.

Allergen Statement

While some menu items may not include specific allergens as ingredients, all our food is made in a facility that contains allergens. Therefore, we are unable to guarantee there are no allergens in the food and beverages served from this menu.

Images and Video Footage