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

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 Sedgefield

Sedgefield

Date visited: Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Was it a big day?
Not as big as Durham National day in October or the course's traditional Boxing day card (for which all three restaurants are already fully booked), but there was more than £80,000 in prize-money on offer – enough to attract four Irish-trained runners – and there was a £17,500 hurdle and a £20,400 chase.

How much was entry on the gate?
£16 for general admission, or £69 for private hospitality. 

Other than restaurants/hospitality, what were the food and beverage options?
By the time Sedgefield race again next week the Hoops and Silks restaurants will be joined by a third, cheaper option offering a set two-course meal. It will be above the existing Bistro 1927 (named after the year the course was founded), where you can get tea and coffee (£2.80 for a latte), pies (£4) and sandwiches as well as beer and cider. Memories of a prolific winning chaser of the 1980s are stirred by a visit to the Sea Merchant fish and chip shop – you can chew over thoughts of Arthur Stephenson and Ridley Lamb at their finest while waiting for delights such as cod and chips (£9.50), battered sausage and chips (£6.50) or steak and ale pie and chips (£6.90). Payment is card only across the whole course, as per Arena Racing Company policy.

What's the damage?
Bottle of water: free
Cheapest pint: £5.35 (Carlsberg)
Guinness: £5.65
Champagne: from £55 (house Champagne) to £95 (Laurent Perrier)

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

Steak and ale pie on offer at SedgefieldCredit: David Carr

What was the pie like?
The steak and ale pie was tasty and succulent, with plenty of filling.

A tasty and succulent steak and ale pie according to David CarrCredit: David Carr

And the queues?
Not a real problem on this day.

How did it go down with the punters?
"I'm having fish, chips and peas and it's pretty good. I've had it a couple of times here and it's better value than most courses – Carlisle is the only other one that would compare."
Alan Cairns, Northumberland

The fish, chips and mushy peas on offerCredit: David Carr

Read more from the Racecourse Prices Index series:

Ranked: where's the most expensive pint at British and Irish racecourses?

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