Meet the Showcase Finalists: Food & Beverage

With this year’s RCA Showcase less than a month away it’s time to meet the Finalists. The Finalists, carefully selected by an expert, independent judging panel demonstrate best practice from British racecourses and will be in with the chance of being crowned category winners at the RCA Showcase Awards on Thursday 13th November at York Racecourse.

Today’s piece will look at the Food & Beverage category.

Food & Beverage

Ayr – The Sparkling Seafood Package

With the Firth of Clyde in view from the grandstand, what better way to enjoy the taste of Ayr than a sparkling seafood package.

Acknowledging the need for innovation, Ayr Head Chef Iain Conway partnered with seafood suppliers Pieronis to deliver a true ‘sea to plate’ taste journey. By the end of the season, packages were selling out with further additions to come for 2026.

Beverley – Booking to Pudding

Beverley’s collaboration with FAN GO has revolutionised the catering customer journey on the Westwood, offering a true ‘from Booking to Pudding’ inclusive service.

A tailored, digital booking system and refresh of menus to focus on quality, local produce has delivered exceptional results; both revenue and number of covers have significantly increased from 2024.

Goodwood – Local Restaurant Pop-up

Wanting to offer a truly personalised option for guests, Goodwood took the bold move to position selected local restaurants front-and-centre of racecourse hospitality in 2025.

All based within 20 miles, the restaurants were chosen to reflect their popularity within the community and potential to add something new to Goodwood’s stellar catering line-up. A combined PR effort from the racecourse and restaurants ensured a broad reach to promote this mouthwatering initiative.

Jockey Club Catering – Food & Beverage during the Randox Grand National Festival 2025

Jockey Club Catering and Aintree’s collaboration with Box Park blew away any misconceptions about what food and drink was on available at the races.

Utilising the showpiece Grand National fixture, Box Park delivered authentic on-trend options including Korean and Cantonese cuisine, plus pop-up bars and pubs to suit all tastes and budgets. There was even the option to sample a Flying Cow burger—winner of the national Best Street Food Award in 2020.

Newbury – Bar None – Newbury Racecourse’s No & Low Alcohol Lounge

With Bar None, Newbury became the first British racecourse to open a permanent, dedicated low & no alcohol bar.

Fully stocked with draft and bottled options, Bar None offers a genuine choice for customers to enjoy a non-alcoholic drink in a sophisticated setting. Successful partnership activations with Levy, Thatcher’s and Lucky Saint have cemented the investment in this space as a punt worth taking.