Your Showcase Finalists: Food & Beverage

With the Finalists for the 2022 RCA Showcase & Awards now out it’s time to take a look at those in the running for each of the awards. Food & Beverage identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service.

Arena Racing Company—Reimagining Jockeys’ Catering

ARC’s commitment to the sport’s human athletes is clear with their reimagined jockeys’ catering offering now available at all of their racecourses. ARC’s jockeys’ menus have been specially curated by group executive chefs Matt Pollard and Richard Lymbery to provide the energy and nutrition needed by this group of elite athletes.

Reimagining Jockeys’ Catering

Ascot—The Mindful Bar

The trend of low and no alcohol (LONO) drinks is growing faster than you can say Queen Anne Enclosure, and Ascot’s take on a LONO bar was delivered with the finesse and style one may expect from a Royal venue. In association with Harrogate Spring, Ascot offered a relaxed, alcohol free space during Royal Ascot which catered for LONO with fantastic results.

The Mindful Bar

Chester—PARADE at Chester Racecourse

Ever at the cutting edge of trends, Chester Racecourse continued to demonstrate excellence with the ‘immersive gastronomic journey’ that is PARADE. This stunning hospitality space offers guests an intimate fine dining experience with unparalleled views of The Roodee, with plenty of hidden surprises to delight the tastebuds along the way.

PARADE at Chester Racecourse

Pontefract—Huggamug @ The Pavilion

Taking advantage of the busy passing trade within Pontefract Park, Pontefract Racecourse transformed their Pavilion space into a bustling community hub which also doubles up as a new area for stable staff on raceday. Using local providers Huggamug to supply fresh, local produce, the Huggamug @ The Pavilion is one of the success stories in Yorkshire eateries, boasting a near-perfect Google rating amongst users.

Huggamug @ The Pavilion

York—Champagne Pavilion

It takes courage to admit a venture does not work. York’s analysis of their Champagne Pavilion indicated change was needed to capitalise on what should be a premium space, and change was duly delivered. With a keen ear to customer feedback, adopting the latest trends in bar space plus the flair of the York Racecourse team, the Champagne Pavilion was reborn to superb reviews and results in 2022—50% year on year sales growth suggests it was the correct call.

Champagne Pavilion