One of the highlights of the annual British sporting calendar is undoubtable Royal Ascot. This year, the races will run from Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd June. Fine dining is very much part of the race-day experience, making it a wonderful occasion for high-end corporate hospitality. Royal Ascot Chefs in Residence cooked up a feast at the fine-dining pre-view dinner earlier this month…
Our Editor was invited to join a fantastic dinner at The Dorchester, London, on February 12th to sample some of the dishes on the menu at this year’s Royal Ascot. The Chefs in Residence pictured with evening’s host, Alexandra Dudley. Photo by Nicole Hains.
Four of the Chefs in Residence treated us to an exceptional dinner
Raymond Blanc OBE – Panoramic Restaurant, Royal Enclosure
Raymond Blanc OBE, the two Michelin-starred chef and host of the ITV series ‘Simply Raymond Blanc’, will once again take up residence in the prestigious Panoramic Restaurant, located in the Royal Enclosure. Returning to the restaurant for a ninth year, he will offer a five-course, tailored luncheon menu accompanied by refined service. Raymond Blanc will draw on his expertise from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, his country house hotel in Oxfordshire that has held two Michelin stars for an astonishing 39 years, as well as a Michelin Green Star for three years for its sustainability efforts. This promises to be one of the most superb and intimate culinary experiences found at the racecourse.
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- Raymond Bland OBE
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- Tom Shepherd
Tom Shepherd – The Sandringham, Royal Enclosure
Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd joins this year’s roster, representing his eponymous, one-Michelin-star restaurant Upstairs by Tom Shepherd. Following on from his success on BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’, where he won the main course and cooked his highly praised ‘cow pie’ at the Banquet. For 2024, Tom will host the Royal Enclosure restaurant, The Sandringham. This striking orangery-inspired structure is nestled in a sunny corner of the Lavender Courtyard, just a short stroll from the trackside lawns and the beautiful Royal Enclosure Gardens. To offer a more flexible dining option at Royal Ascot 2024, Tom has curated four-course chef stations serving appetisers, main courses, desserts, and cheese, alongside a signature menu served directly to the table. His unique culinary creations are a testament to his commitment to crafting flavour-led seasonally-driven menus inspired by the surroundings.
Tom Shephard cooked Orkney Scallops, served on a bed of Peanut Satay with Radish and Coriander. Superb new taste combination for most of us.
Lisa Goodwin Allen – ON 5, Queen Anne Enclosure
Lisa Goodwin Allen, Michelin-starred chef and TV-regular, makes her Royal Ascot debut as part of this year’s ‘Chefs in Residence’, headlining the Queen Anne Enclosure’s flagship fine dining restaurant, ON 5. Lisa, the executive chef of the Michelin-starred Northcote restaurant in Lancashire, will be serving a four-course luncheon featuring local seasonal ingredients, cooked with her signature special twist.
These elegant dishes will be accompanied by fine wines selected by the sommelier. Situated on the fifth floor, this glass-fronted restaurant boasts a spacious trackside viewing balcony and a rooftop terrace, offering spectacular views of the Royal Procession journey along the straight mile as well as the racing action. Lisa’s experience and expertise, showcased in her notable TV appearances as a regular guest on ‘James Martin’s Saturday Morning’, as well as one of the veteran judges on BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’, will undoubtedly elevate this dining experience.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen served us a succulent filet of Lake District Lamb and Slow Cooked Belly with Caramelised Carrot, Sheep’s Curd and Pine Nuts. So delicious!
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- Lisa Goodwin-Allen
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- Tom Booton
Tom Booton – The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester, Royal Enclosure
Tom is one of London’s most talented young chefs. In 2019, he made history by becoming the youngest-ever head chef at The Grill at The Dorchester. With his wealth of experience and commitment to sourcing the finest produce, Tom returns to Royal Ascot for a third year, bringing his exciting signature
style to his pop-up in the Royal Enclosure Gardens.
Tom Booton – Head Chef at the Grill at Dorchester was in charge of the pudding. Tom prepared a mouth-watering Rasberry, Cream and Mint Soft Serve with Hundreds & Thousands.
This year’s ‘Chefs in Residence’ at Royal Ascot boasts two exciting new faces Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Tom Shepherd, combining a remarkable eleven Michelin stars and three Michelin Green Stars between them. Elevating the already unforgettable Royal Ascot experience, the lineup features renowned Michelin-starred chefs celebrated for their innovation and delectable creations.
With a promise to deliver a dining experience that mirrors the elegance and grandeur of the races, these chefs will present an array of exquisite canapés to decadent desserts, ensuring each guest experiences a distinct yet equally delightful gastronomic feast.
Who are the remaining Royal Ascot chefs in residence this year?
Simon Rogan – Parade Ring Restaurant, Royal Enclosure
Seven Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan returns to Royal Ascot in 2024 for his sixth year, presenting the very best in fresh, local, and seasonal produce with his five-course à la carte luncheon in the Parade Ring Restaurant. Simon’s restaurant, Aulis London, gained its first Michelin star in February this year, and in 2022 his restaurant L’Enclume celebrated its 20th anniversary and received the coveted three Michelin-star status, making it the first restaurant outside of the south-east to hold three stars. The restaurant was also awarded the newly created Michelin Green Star in 2021 for its efforts in sustainability. Located in the Royal Enclosure, the Parade Ring Restaurant will host Simon’s sumptuous dining experience for guests whilst they enjoy the restaurant’s private trackside viewing area, providing spectacular views of the track, the Royal Procession arriving through the Golden Gates, and the winning horse entering the Winner’s Enclosure before the trophy presentation.
Tom Barnes – The Old Press Room, Royal Enclosure
Tom Barnes, the soon to be owner of restaurant Skof in Manchester, and former Executive Head Chef at L’Enclume and Rogan & Co, returns to The Old Press Room for this third solo appearance at Royal Ascot. Tom will showcase his talents from an open kitchen, allowing guests to share the drama as he prepares and presents a specially designed six-course tasting menu. Each course will be served with accompanying fine wines selected by Ascot’s Master of Wine from Hallgarten & Novum Vintners. The Old Press Room is an inviting restaurant full of charm and character, featuring design elements inspired by the press connection. Located in a prime elevated trackside position close to the winning post, it is an exceptional spot that offers uninterrupted views of the Royal Procession.
James Tanner – The Deck, Queen Anne Enclosure
James Tanner, Head Chef at The Kentish Hare and Barbican Kitchen, and a regular on TV, returns to Royal Ascot for a culinary celebration alongside his brother, Chris Tanner. This dynamic duo, known as the Tanner Brothers, is set to take charge of The Deck, Royal Ascot’s newest restaurant. The Deck’s menu will highlight British seasonal ingredients, expertly crafting modern summer classics to enhance the Royal Ascot experience. With a nod of appreciation to the 25 years since the opening of the first ‘Tanners’ restaurant, the Tanner Brothers will curate a three-course culinary journey perfectly complementing a day of sport and socialising.
Eric Lanlard – Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea, Various Locations
Renowned worldwide, Master pâtissier Eric Lanlard is known for creating stunning and innovative desserts, cakes, and Afternoon Teas. He returns for his sixth year, serving his specially designed Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea menu in fine dining restaurants, private boxes and across the racecourse. Through Eric’s Cake Boy brand, he has established an international reputation and following for creating truly stunning sweet treats, and this year’s offering at Royal Ascot will be no different. Speaking about fine dining at Royal Ascot in 2024, Jonathan Parker, Managing Director of 1711 by Ascot, said: “At Royal Ascot, dining is an ever-evolving masterpiece, a tradition of excellence we elevate with each passing year. As we gear up for 2024, we’re not just aiming to surpass expectations; we’re crafting a culinary symphony that echoes the brilliance of stars—both on the track and in the kitchen.
Royal Ascot isn’t just an event; it’s a fusion of over 300 years of legacy, where food and drink intertwine seamlessly with the spirit of the British summer season, creating an unforgettable journey for all who revel in its splendour.” With its prestigious standing and rich history, the highly anticipated Royal Ascot is set to return for another year with its 5-day spectacle. It promises to be an unmissable experience for both racegoers and virtual spectators around the globe, showcasing the best in racing, high fashion, style, and pageantry that the world has to offer.
To book or for further information please call 0344 346 3000 or visit www.ascot.com for more information about fine-dining including all the packages.
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