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

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 Leicester

Leicester

Date visited: Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Was it a big day?

The Pertemps Network Novices' Chase and the Pertemps Network Leicestershire Silver Fox Handicap Chase were the main events on the seven-race card, with both contests worth £13,600. An otherwise quiet card was boosted by the ITV cameras rolling into town to show two races as part of its Christmas Festival coverage.

How much was entry on the gate?

£22 for adults and £19 for over 65s on the gate, but £20 for adults and £17 for concessions if paid for in advance. Complimentary racecards were given to all on entry.

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

There were two vans from local company Gallops Farm Beef Burgers, with one ideally positioned near the parade ring and winner's enclosure. A noodle bar serving Thai green curry chicken and chicken chow mein offered an alternative to the standard racecourse grub.

For those looking to escape the rain, an indoor cafe offered all sorts to keep you warm with jacket potatoes, chilli and rice, sausage and cob rolls and tomato soup all options to ease the winter chill as well as the more straightforward option of the reasonably-priced hot chocolate.

What's the damage?

Bottle of water: £1.50
Tea/coffee/hot chocolate: £2
Cheapest pint: £5 for Carling, Coors and Aspall Cider
Guinness: £6
Burger: £6.50 with an extra 30p for cheese

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

What was the burger like?

The cheeseburger with onions was excellent, perhaps one of the best I've had on my racecourse visits this year and at a cheaper price than most. The chips weren't quite so good but the excellent burger more than made up for it.

And the queues?

Slightly longer for the bars than for the food as you would expect but the diligent and polite staff ensured any waiting time for a drink was swiftly forgotten about.

What did the punters say?

"This is my first time at the races, the weather could be a bit nicer! The drinks are a little bit pricey but you get that at any place. It's on par with what you pay on a Leicester Tigers rugby day out. The burger is delicious, it's proper quality food."
Michelle Harriman, Market Harborough

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