A Taste of Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025

Words by
Lisa Barnard

13th February 2025

As Royal Ascot approaches this June, the excitement isn’t just about the racing - the line-up of 'stud' chefs may be the winning formula. Lisa Barnard went for a delicious preview tasting of Royal Ascot restaurants 2025 at The Maine Mayfair. We’re serving up who’s bringing Michelin-star magic to this year’s feast, where fine dining meets horsepower. With just 29 Michelin stars between them, from Raymond Blanc OBE to Yannick Alléno at his new pop-up, the food experiences are bound to set the pulses racing. 

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 -  Tom Shepherd, Benoit Blin, Raymond Blanc and Simon Rogan
Chef Tom Shepherd, Chef Benoit Blin, Chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Chef Simon Rogan

The excitement of Royal Ascot isn’t just about world-class horse racing – it’s about the entire experience. When it comes to food, this year’s line-up is nothing short of spectacular, featuring the finest culinary talent  ssembled at a sporting event. With a record-breaking 29 Michelin stars between them, the chefs in residence at Ascot are setting the bar high. So, while you’re there to back your favourite horse, prepare to indulge in a gastronomic journey this June that is likely to make your taste buds race.

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - parade ring restaurant
Parade Ring Restaurant at Royal Ascot. Photo by Nicole Hains.

A Stellar Line-up of Chefs

Royal Ascot 2025 has assembled a dream team of Michelin-starred chefs, with an individual flair for pushing culinary boundaries. Whether you’re an aficionado of refined French dining or a lover of seasonal British ingredients, you will mount easily into one of the fine dining saddles. I trotted with no hurdles through the courses in the chandeliered setting of the glamorous Maine Mayfair for a preview taste of what to expect from the Royal Ascot restaurants this year. The star-studded chefs were game enough to be interrogated, charmingly, by Clodagh McKenna, Irish chef, author and wife of Harry Herbert, Racing Manager, The Royal Ascot Racing Club. 

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - a strawberry dessert on a white plate
“Strawberry Theme” by Raymond Blanc at Royal Ascot. Photo by Nicole Hains.

Let’s start with the Chef who's synonymous with fine dining at Royal Ascot: Raymond Blanc OBE, who I've been privileged to know for 30 years. A Royal Ascot staple for a decade, Blanc brings his expertise from Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons to the Panoramic Restaurant in the Royal Enclosure. His four-course lunch menu, complemented by sweeping views of the track and the London skyline, offers a dining experience as thrilling and refined as the event itself. 

Simon Rogan, a man who brings nine Michelin stars to his crown, returns for his seventh year with his iconic "farm-to-fork" ethos. His Parade Ring Restaurant will feature a five-course à la carte lunch, showcasing seasonal produce that make every bite a celebration of nature.

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - a cod dish in white bowl alongside a bottle of wine
Cornish cod, whey onions & broccoli, Roasted shrimp sauceby Simon Rogan. Paired with Condrieu “Les Cassines” 2020 Paul Jaboulet Ainé. Photo by Nicole Hains.

Jonathan Parker, Managing Director, 1711 by Ascot commented, "Fine Dining at Royal Ascot has gone from strength to strength, and each year we strive to elevate the experience. This year is no exception with Royal Ascot 2025 set to be the world’s most Michelin-starred sporting event, with a collective 29 stars. We’re delighted to celebrate Raymond Blanc’s tenth year as Chef Patron, a milestone that underscores his enduring brilliance. We’re also thrilled to welcome superstar chef Yannick Alléno for his debut, alongside a remarkable lineup of talent that reflects the innovation and style of both the global and domestic culinary scene.”

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Raymond Blanc receiving a bottle of champagne
Raymond Blanc OBE presented with Moët & Chandon Vintage 2015 by Jonathan Parker, MD of 1711 by Ascot, and cake baked by Chef Benoit Blin to celebrate 10 years as Chef Patron at Royal Ascot

Chef Yannick Alléno will debut a brand-new pop-up concept at Royal Ascot. With just 15 Michelin stars to his name, Yannick brings his cutting-edge approach to French cuisine to Ascot for the first time. His al fresco small plate tasting menu, inspired by Bar Antoine at the Four Seasons Hotel London on Park Lane, aims to deliver fresh flavours with a creative twist.

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Yannick Alléno standing in his restaurant
Yannick Alléno at his restaurant Pavyllon London, located in Four Seasons Hotel London

How we love a sweet ending. Master Pâtissier Benoit Blin makes his debut with a Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea like no other. Drawing from over 30 years of expertise at top-tier venues like Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and the Ritz Paris, Benoit is famed for his ability to remarkably remaster the simple British Afternoon Tea with his trademark Normandy flair.

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - a small tart and a cake on a white napkin
Lemon barquette & Earl grey tart by Chef Benoit Blin. Photo by Nicole Hains.
Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Clodagh Mckenna sat down with Benoit Blin
Chef and author Clodagh McKenna in conversation with Benoit Blin

If you’re looking to indulge in other unique dining experiences, Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns to ON 5 in the Queen Anne Enclosure, offering a four-course lunch with seasonal ingredients. Over at The Vista, Tom Barnes will be serving a six-course tasting menu paired with fine wines, all from an open kitchen where diners can watch the culinary magic unfold.

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - sauce being poured from a jog into a dish of scallops
Marinated Orkney scallops, BBQ kohlrabi, watercress and whey by Tom Barnes. Photo by Nicole Hains.
Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Lisa Barnard and Raymond Blanc OBE
Raymond Blanc OBE with SPHERE Digital Editor and ILN CEO, Lisa Barnard

Don’t miss Tom Booton, whose vibrant, fresh approach to British ingredients has earned him a spot at the Royal Enclosure Gardens for the fourth year running. For a more relaxed yet equally stylish experience, James Tanner returns to The Deck in the Queen Anne Enclosure, offering a three-course menu perfectly suited to the social atmosphere of the event. 

Finally, Tom Shepherd, renowned for his seasonal, flavour-driven dishes, brings his Michelin-starred expertise to The Sandringham, Royal Enclosure. His unique four-course chef stations will give guests the flexibility to savour an array of dishes while soaking in the inimitable Royal Ascot atmosphere. 

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - a duck dish served on a white plate
Creedy Carver Duck – Breast, duck leg croustillant, celeriac, cherry ketchup & five spiced sauce by Tom Shepherd. Photo by Nicole Hains.

Royal Ascot 17th – 21st June 2025, find out more and book tickets via ascot.com

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Clodagh McKenna
Author and Chef, Clodagh McKenna was queen bee at Taste of Royal Ascot and in converse with the chef line-up. Photo by Max Cisotti, Dave Benett/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse
Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 -Flora Gibbs, Ellen Francis and Isabella Charlotta Poppius
Attending the preview: Flora Gibbs, Ellen Francis and Isabella Charlotta Poppius. Photo by Max Cisotti, Dave Benett/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse
Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Pips Taylor, Alistair Guy and Lara Fraser
Influencers enjoying a taste: Pips Taylor, Alistair Guy and Lara Fraser were also in attendance