The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for food and drink at Royal Ascot?

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 Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot

Date visited: Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Was it a big day?

You could say that. Day one of Royal Ascot, with crowds back to full strength for the first time since 2019. With three Group 1 races on show, it's among the biggest and best days in the British racing calendar.

How much was entry on the gate?

Windsor Enclosure: £37
Village Enclosure: £69
Queen Anne Enclosure: £87

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

As you can imagine there was no shortage of options. Royal Ascot is renowned for its fine dining but for those not lucky enough to be sitting in one of the restaurants overlooking the course, a not-so greasy burger and fish and chips were available, as were a wide choice of alcoholic refreshments.

Take your pick from the Dubai Millennium, Dancing Brave, Nijinsky, Desert Orchid or Choisir bars in the main enclosure, where Peroni was the most expensive pint on offer at £7, but it was £6.80 for a Guinness and £6.50 for Grolsch. Rumour had it there was one bar serving real ale from a barrel for £5.50 but I failed to locate it.

Champagne started at £96 a bottle but more expensive options were readily available.

The Winning Post Burger would set you back £9.50 but there were plenty of alternatives outside in the lovely seating area by the bandstand – everything from tandoori chicken wraps (£10) to Mac 'N' Cheese (£8.50).

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall in the first carriage during Tuesday's royal processionCredit: Edward Whitaker

What's the damage?

Bottle of water: £2
Cheapest pint: Grolsch, £6.50
Guinness: £6.80
Champagne: £105 for Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2013. £96 for Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial.
Burger: £9.50

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

What was the fish and chips like?

A decent portion, including a large piece of freshly fried haddock. Up to standard with your local chippy, although at £11.50 it should be.

And the queues?

The acid test will come when the crowds get bigger later in the week but at 1pm on the opening day it appeared very straightforward to get served at the bars in the grandstand concourse. The fish and chips outlet was understandably getting busy during the lunchtime rush but the staff were just about on top of it.

What did the punters say?

"There's one bar that does beer out of the barrel for £5.50, otherwise it's £6.50, and it's still good value for money compared to other racecourses and the racing is just super. It's good to be back."
Keith Wolfe, Harrow

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