Michael Caines will host On 5 and Phil Howard the Panoramic Restaurant - two of the 12 venues operating for the five days of the Royal Meeting at the Ascot Racecourse next year.
Caines said: “Ascot is renowned for its excellent fine dining and wonderful service and Royal Ascot as one of Britain’s most prestigious sporting and social occasions. It’s an amazing venue and I am very proud to be a part of this year’s event. I hope my passion for cooking combined with the unique surroundings and added flair of the experience I bring from Gidleigh Park will create an unforgettable day for my guests.”
Howard added: “I came to Royal Ascot for the first time in 2014, as a guest, and was bowled over by what a unique and truly spectacular occasion it is. I’m really looking forward to being a part of this year’s event, from the kitchen this time, and using my interest in British ingredients to create a stunning menu to match the spectacle of a day at Royal Ascot.
“We have been growing our own vegetables within the grounds of Fulham Palace for a year now and using them at The Square is something I am very proud of. I am greatly looking forward to bringing them to the Royal Meeting next year.”
Previous years
Fine Dining at Royal ascot attracts 35,000 guests every year, with restaurants including The Parade Ring, Trackside, Windsor Forest, Carriages, Sandringham, Royal Ascot Village, Ascot Pavilion and Old Paddock. Menus for most of the venues are usually designed by Ascot’s executive chef Steve Golding, and 330 chefs are employed for the event.
In 2014, 2,400 kilos of whole sirloin beef, 3,700 rumps of lamb and 2,900 Scottish lobsters were served, along with 51,000 bottles of champagne, 125,000 glasses of Pimms and 45,000 afternoon teas – all in five days.
Private or corporate bookings
Juliet Slot, commercial director of Ascot Racecourse, said: ‘‘Royal Ascot sits at the heart of the British summer season and offers a unique occasion for all our customers. We aspire to offer the very best in fine dining experience set against the backdrop of some of the best racing in the world.
“Whether it is your first time, or a regular occasion, we aim to make the day unique; a special occasion whether it be a private booking or corporate. Guests at Royal Ascot 2015 can savour the delights of world-renowned chefs including Michael Caines and Phil Howard.
“We are also delighted to be working closely with several prestigious catering partners including Sodexo and Smart, with menus designed by Angela Hartnett. We believe that everyone should be able to experience fresh, delicious and innovative food at Royal Ascot whatever their budget.”
Royal Ascot 2015 will also have two Champagne Bollinger bars in the Royal Enclosure Gardens and the Bollinger Lounge on the Motivator LawnThe brand will also create a special afternoon tea offer for the occasion.