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

The Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) is a new and 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 Musselburgh

Musselburgh

Date visited: Sunday, January 1, 2023

Was it a big day?

The traditional January meeting is one of the biggest fixtures of the year at Musselburgh and ushers in plenty of racegoers eager to celebrate the new year.

The Auld Reekie and Hogmaneigh handicaps both offer £30,000 in prize-money and can draw in runners from far south and Ireland. Both races are broadcast on ITV alongside their New Year's Day coverage from Cheltenham and Tramore.

How much was entry on the gate?

Tickets on the gate were £45, with racecards available for £3. Advanced adult tickets were available from £35 if purchased before December and full price if not.

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

There was lots to choose from, with a row of street food vendors on site. Well Hung and Tender served up burgers for £7.50, including a vegetarian option, while hot dogs, loaded fries and bacon rolls were available next door at the Dog N' Bon.

Pinkie's Deli also served bacon rolls for £4.50, sourced from Ayrshire, while Bonnie Events offered up custom-made burritos for £9. Fish and chips were also on offer for the same price.

There was a welcome selection of drink options too, with a Langs Jamaican Rum punch (£6) and Edinburgh Gin mixer (£5) available to buy from specialised stands.

For those seeking something warm to hold on a chilly day, mulled cider and wine for £5 was a welcome option.

Free water freely available near the food vendors

What's the damage?

Bottle of water: Bottles were freely available from water points throughout the racecourse
Tea: £2.50
Coffee: £3.50
Cheapest pint:£5.80 Amstel
Guinness: Not available on draught.
Champagne: £59
Burger: £7.50

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

How was the vegetarian burger?

It did not appear particularly intriguing on first glance but the burger was warm, slightly spicy and tasty. Lettuce and mayonnaise were offered as additions but there were no other toppings.

The vegetarian burger from Well Hung and Tender

And the queues?

Queues started to pick up about an hour before the opening race at 12.40, but still required only a few minutes' wait. The biggest queues were at the main bars and for the Ayrshire bacon rolls at Pinkie's Deli, which also offered tea and coffee to combat the cold.

What did the punters say?

I've just had the burger and it was unexpectedly good, and has definitely helped me warm up this afternoon. We made a special trip and bought our tickets in November, so they were slightly cheaper than on sale today. The prices seem reasonable and the atmosphere is really good – despite the rain!
Caitlin Heyler, Angus

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