Raymond Blanc’s Beetroot Terrine © Chris Terry
Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen © Olivia Brabbs
Dish at Northcote © Olivia Brabbs
The countdown to one of the grandest racing and social events of the year has begun! Royal Ascot, with its storied history and unparalleled elegance, is gearing up for its spectacular return from 18-24 June 2024. This year, the event not only promises thrilling races and high fashion but also an exceptional culinary experience, as it unveils its distinguished lineup of ‘Chefs in Residence’. Featuring a collection of chefs who hold a remarkable twelve Michelin stars and three Michelin Green Stars among them, the 2024 Royal Ascot is set to redefine luxury dining in the world of sport.
Here are the culinary superstars guests can expect to see at the races this year…
Raymond Blanc OBE
In the plush confines of the Panoramic Restaurant within the Royal Enclosure, Raymond Blanc OBE returns for his ninth year. Known for his ITV series ‘Simply Raymond Blanc’, he brings an illustrious culinary pedigree from his two Michelin-starred restaurant at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Guests can anticipate a tailored five-course luncheon that promises to be one of the most intimate and refined gastronomic encounters on offer at the racecourse this year.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen
Lisa Goodwin Allen, a Michelin-starred chef and familiar face on television, makes her inaugural appearance at Royal Ascot this year as a ‘Chef in Residence.’ She takes centre stage at ON 5, the premier fine dining establishment in the Queen Anne Enclosure. As the executive chef at Northcote, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Lancashire, Lisa will prepare a four-course luncheon that highlights local, seasonal ingredients, each dish bearing her unique culinary flair. The meal will be enhanced with fine wines carefully chosen by the sommelier. Located on the fifth floor, ON 5 features a glass façade that opens up to a spacious balcony and a rooftop terrace, providing breathtaking views of the Royal Procession and the thrilling races. Lisa’s extensive experience, demonstrated in her frequent appearances on ‘James Martin’s Saturday Morning’ and as a seasoned judge on BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’, promises to enrich this exceptional dining experience.
Simon Rogan
Simon Rogan, Britain’s beloved master chef with seven Michelin stars, makes his sixth appearance at Royal Ascot in 2024, offering a five-course à la carte luncheon that showcases the finest fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients at the Parade Ring Restaurant. His acclaimed restaurant, Aulis London, received its first Michelin star in February of this year, while L’Enclume, another of his establishments, marked its 20th anniversary in 2022 by securing a third Michelin star—the first restaurant outside of the South East to achieve this. It also earned a Michelin Green Star in 2021 for its commitment to sustainability. Situated in the Royal Enclosure, the Parade Ring Restaurant provides guests with a lavish dining experience complemented by private trackside views, offering a prime vantage point to witness the Royal Procession through the Golden Gates and the triumphant arrival of the winning horse at the Winner’s Enclosure.
Tom Barnes
At The Old Press Room, Tom Barnes, the owner of recently opened restaurant Skof in Manchester and former Executive Head Chef at L’Enclume and Rogan & Co, returns for his third solo appearance at the racecourse to offer a six-course tasting menu prepared in an open kitchen setting. This approach allows guests to engage with the culinary process, adding a layer of drama and anticipation to each course, all paired with select wines.
Above: Orkney Scallop, peanut satay, radish and coriander at Upstairs by Tom Sheperd © Laura Kelly | Hero: Royal Ascot © Getty Images
Tom Shepherd
At The Sandringham in the Royal Enclosure, Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd offers a blend of traditional and modern dishes inspired by his restaurant, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd. The Sandringham, an elegant structure fashioned like an orangery, is ideally situated in a sunlit corner of the Lavender Courtyard, mere steps away from the trackside lawns and the stunning Royal Enclosure Gardens. For Royal Ascot 2024, Tom offers a versatile dining experience featuring four-course chef stations, including appetizers, main dishes, desserts and cheese, complemented by a signature menu delivered straight to your table.
Tom Booton
Tom, renowned as one of London’s most gifted young chefs, made a historic mark in 2019 by becoming the youngest-ever Head Chef at The Grill at The Dorchester. Leveraging his extensive experience and dedication to selecting only the finest ingredients, Tom is set to grace Royal Ascot for the third consecutive year in 2024. He will bring his dynamic signature culinary style, showcased at his restaurant, The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester, to his eagerly awaited pop-up in the Royal Enclosure Gardens.
James Tanner
James Tanner, celebrated Head Chef at The Kentish Hare and Barbican Kitchen, and a familiar face on television, joins Royal Ascot once again for a spectacular culinary event, this time with his brother, Chris Tanner. Together, known as the Tanner Brothers, they will helm The Deck, Royal Ascot’s latest dining addition. The menu at The Deck will spotlight the best of British seasonal produce, skillfully creating contemporary summer classics that epitomize the Royal Ascot dining experience. Celebrating a quarter-century since their first restaurant opened, the Tanner Brothers will craft a three-course menu that perfectly complements a day of thrilling sports and vibrant socializing.
Eric Lanlard
Globally celebrated Master pâtissier Eric Lanlard, famed for his exquisite and creative desserts, cakes, and Afternoon Teas, marks his sixth appearance at Royal Ascot this year. He will offer his specially crafted Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea menu throughout the racecourse, including in fine-dining restaurants and private boxes. Through his renowned Cake Boy brand, Eric Lanlard has garnered a worldwide following for his visually stunning and delicious confections. He promises that this year’s selections at Royal Ascot will maintain the same high standard of culinary excellence.
Royal Ascot 2024 celebrates the heritage and spectacle of horse racing and offers an immersive gourmet experience poised to be as memorable as the races themselves. With their unique style and culinary philosophy, each chef will create an atmosphere where fine dining parallels the grandeur and excitement of what is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious events on the global sporting and social calendar.
Chef Tom Sheperd © Laura Kelly
Beef fillet and stuffed potato by Tom Booton
Chef Tom Booton