The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for a burger and pint at Kelso?

The Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) is an occasional series, in which we report from each of Britain and Ireland's racetracks on the cost of going racing.

Racecourse report: entry, food and pint prices from Kelso

Kelso

Date Visited: Thursday, December 29, 2022

Was it a big day?

Plenty to enjoy at a meeting billed as Festive Fling raceday. The racing itself was not high-class but it offered competitive, decent-sized fields. Off the track, the course was awarding prizes for best-dressed racegoers in various categories.

How much was entry on the gate?

£25 on the day, £21 for an advance ticket and £17 for an early bird ticket.

Other than restaurants/hospitality, what were the food and beverage options?

No chance of going hungry with a wide array of eating options available. The cafe in the Tweedie Stand was busy even an hour before racing started. The food looked good, especially the chicken curry with chips. Beef burgers were £4.30 (£7 with chips) and cheeseburgers were £4.80. Feelin’ Peckish, a mobile van, situated near the Tweedie Stand was serving burgers with all the trimmings. Nearby, The Chopping Block was serving soup (for £2.50), mac n’cheese (£4.50) and various pies. Near the main stand was Kelsae Yorkies where racegoers were treating themselves to delicious-looking wraps. The Luckie Beans coffee stall had Americano for £2.50 and cappuccino for £3.20.

What’s the damage?

Bottle of water: £2
Cheapest pint: £5 for Carlsberg and Belhaven Best
Guinness: Not available on draught. £5 for a can.
Champagne: £59 (Joseph Perrier)
Burger: £4.30

All drinks prices taken from the main racecourse bar, or where there are multiple bars one chosen at random

What was the food like?

Fancied a change from burgers, so went with the chicken curry and chips. It was delicious and good value for £8.50.

And the queues?

An hour before racing began and you could stroll up to the eating places at your leisure. As more people arrived it was still only a few minutes wait for your burger, wrap or soup.

What did the punters say?

The cheeseburger at Kelso 'was just the job'

“I’ve got a hot dog and my wife has a cheeseburger and the food is spot on, just the job. We come here regularly and it’s always pretty good. It’s fairly priced and I’ve no complaints.”
John McKay, Galashiels

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