The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for a pie and a pint at Uttoxeter?

In the Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) we report from Britain and Ireland's racetracks on the cost of going racing.

Racecourse report: entry, food and pint prices from Uttoxeter

Uttoxeter

Date visited: Sunday, June 26, 2022

Was it a big day?

It certainly was, with the bet365 Summer Cup worth £75,000 in prize-money and rewarded with 18 declarations. The bookmaker sponsored the card with more than £155,000 on offer across the seven races.

How much was entry on the gate?

Uttoxeter's prices are fair and entry on the day for the premier enclosure was £28. The grandstand enclosure was £23 and, besides entry to one stand and bar, there is not much to split the two. Admission for the centre course enclosure, where there was a bouncy castle for the kids, was £15. Those prices were £3 cheaper if booked in advance.

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

There was an impressive choice on offer, particularly on the drinks front. The Nags Head is just inside the premier stand and offers real ale, craft lager and flavoured gins, while the premier and grandstand enclosures offer a wide range of alcohol options. There is a Pimm's bar quite close to the weighing room, with a glass costing £7 and a jug £27. Hot dogs, burgers, pizzas, fish and chips, sausage rolls and loaded fries – the last-named costing a pricey £6.50 with pulled pork or meatballs in tomato sauce – are among the food offerings.

Fish and chips and a range of pies were on offer near the premier bar - and it did get busier than this

What's the damage?

Bottle of water: £2.80
Cheapest pint: £5.35, Carlsberg, Kingstone Press, 61 Deep
Guinness: £5.95
Champagne: £55, Hoops Bar, open to annual members and premier enclosure racegoers
Burger: £6.50, extra £1 for cheese
Hot dog: £6.50
Pizza: £10
Fish and chips: £9.90 with one side of mushy peas, curry sauce or gravy

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

What was the pie like?

A fair portion of my colleagues have opted for a burger in the early stages of the Racecourse Prices Index, so I thought I'd give a steak and kidney pie a try at £4.80. It was a reasonable size and the meat was tasty, but the pie was lukewarm at best. It wouldn't have made the cold list but certainly not the hot either.

A steak and kidney pie costing £4.80

And the queues?

There were small queues in the bars just before racing and not too much of a wait for food, with fish and chips proving popular.

What did the punters say?

"I opted for a burger, it was really nice and something I would have again. We go racing quite a bit and know what to expect, but this cost £6.50 and it was competitively priced."
Michael Barker, Leeds

The Racecourse Prices Index:

How much for food and drink at Newcastle?

How much for food and drink at Beverley?

How much for food and drink at Bath?

How much for food and drink at Ludlow?

How much for food and drink at York?

How much for food and drink at Haydock?

How much for food and drink at Goodwood?

How much for food and drink at Lingfield?

Don't miss Yarmouth's legendary fish and chips

How much is a burger and pint at Huntingdon?

What you need to know for an afternoon at Brighton

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.