The ‘ultimate place to be seen’ at Royal Ascot where a seat will cost you £4,000 – and includes a Michelin-star five-course meal, impressive views of the carriage procession and free-flowing champagne
The attractions at Royal Ascot aren’t all glamorous personalities, royalty and horse racing, as the Berkshire festival is also famous for its food.
Led by culinary stars such as Raymond Blanc OBE, Tom Shepherd and Angela Hartnett, the racecourse’s restaurants have spectacular menus, panoramic views and the opportunity to mingle with well-heeled guests over a glass of fizz.
But the crown jewel is the Parade Ring Restaurant, led by nine-Michelin-starred Simon Rogan; Tables here start at a whopping £2,760 per person.
On Women’s Day, prices rose to £4,158 for a five-course a la carte menu from the chef at Cumbria’s L’Enclume, who was awarded an MBE in the King’s 2024 New Year’s honors list.
Hailed as ‘the best place to see’ by high society bible Tatler, the Parade Ring restaurant is adjacent to the coveted Royal Box, so it has benefits including unobstructed views of the King’s carriage procession and access to private viewing balconies.
It has a capacity of 160 people and table sizes vary between 2 and 12 people.
Racing enthusiasts in good standing are greeted with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Champagne and canapes on arrival, and the price includes free access to a bar serving fine wines, cocktails and liqueurs all day.
The main attraction is the five-course menu, which a photo shared on
As the Parade Ring restaurant is adjacent to the highly acclaimed Royal Box, the benefits of sitting at the ‘most exclusive table’ include uninterrupted views of the King’s carriage procession and access to private balconies.
The temperature is expected to reach 29 degrees today, as race fans begin to arrive at the Berkshire racecourse for the fourth day of the festival.
But attendees didn’t let the balmy temperatures stop them from putting their best fashion forward, and bright, summery ensembles appeared to be the order of the day.
The dazzling guests turned the racetrack into a sea of colorful ensembles as they hugged equally spirited fans and filled up with water to help them stay cool as they stepped out for the prestigious event.
This year’s official catalog of the event was curated by menswear expert Daniel Fletcher, who has previously designed for the likes of Louis Vuitton, JW Anderson and Victoria Beckham.
The guide outlines the dos and don’ts of the annual event and, for the first time, also names the color of the year: bright tomato.
It comes after American actor Stanley Tucci, 65, made a surprise appearance at the King’s royal estate with wife Felicity Blunt on Women’s Day yesterday.
The American actor dressed for the part, opting for an impeccably tailored suit and a black top hat.
Meanwhile, the sister of Oscar nominee Emily Blunt, who starred in Tucci’s The Devil Wears Prada, made a stylish appearance in a floral dress on the most popular day of the festival, when race fans filled all the fashion stops.
Racing fans started to arrive at Berkshire racecourse for the fourth day of the festival; The temperature is expected to reach 29 degrees today
But attendees didn’t let the balmy temperatures stop them from putting their best fashion forward
Another famous face who made her debut in the Royal Family’s Ascot procession was the Earl of Snowdon’s long-term girlfriend Isabelle de La Bruyere; the duo had the honor of riding alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Smiling at the crowd, Princess Margaret’s son David Armstrong-Jones, 64, has been dating the French art dealer since 2022, two years after he split from wife Serena Stanhope after 27 years of marriage.
The beloved royal couple attended Ascot together last year, while Women’s Day marked Isabelle’s first appearance in the royal carriage procession, showing off a stunning figure in a white dress with a black belt.
Hollywood attendees were also joined by senior members of the Firm, led by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Yesterday’s celebrations were attended by the Crown Princess, her daughter Zara Tindall, who dazzled in her butter yellow dress, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Prince Edward and Sophie attended the star-studded event a day before their 27th wedding anniversary, with the Duchess wearing the same pearl necklace she wore when she got married.
The couple dressed up for the occasion in Prince Edward’s top hat and Sophie’s black dress and matching hat.
She was later seen laughing and chatting with her husband Princess Anne and Zara Tindall in the royal box.
Other royals who attended the ceremony yesterday were Princess Diana’s nephews. Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer wearing matching pink dresses.
