A fanfare of trumpets please. It’s February and that means only one thing. Time to start planning for summer- it’s how people in the UK cope with persistently grey and cold days, we just day dream ahead and practice that great British sport we excel in: Planning Ahead. There are only a little over 100 days left until the start of Royal Ascot, 17-21 June 2025. Let’s get our skates on and start Planning Ahead.
There is no event in the social calendar quite like Royal Ascot. Everything about it, from the horse racing to the hospitality and style, is top notch. I was lucky enough to visit for the first time in 2024 and even though I had a fair idea of what to expect (there’s a strict dress code which includes precise measurements for head gear), I was still floored by the extent of flamboyance and glamour. It’s a taste of a whole different world, an extravagant and colourful dream-like world that, like all things that extraordinary, lasts for only 4 days. And talking about taste, to get the full Royal Ascot experience, you should book one of their fine dining packages, pronto.
I had a sneak preview of the type of dishes planned for Royal Ascot this summer by the celebrity chefs that will be there to provide sustenance and delight. The verdict? All the e’s: elite, extravagant and exciting. For the first time in history for any sporting event, 28 Michelin stars will assemble at Royal Ascot and the line up includes names such as Raymond Blanc OBE (Panoramic Restaurant, Royal Enclosure) , Simon Rogan MBE (Parade Ring Restaurant, Royal Enclosure) and Lisa Goodwin-Allen (ON 5, Queen Anne Enclosure). Making their debut this year are French chefs Yannick Alléno (15 Michelin stars) who will be heading a new pop up concept based on al fresco small plate tasting and Master Pȃtissier Benoît Blin in charge of the specially designed Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea served across the racecourse.
.
Angela Zaher is a freelance writer based in London. Her articles have been published in The Evening Standard, Delicious, Platinum, Good Housekeeping and Business Insider. She’s a columnist and writes regular restaurant reviews for luxury lifestyle magazine, Time & Leisure. She is on the Committee of the Guild of Food Writers. Find her on instagram @angela_zaher.
