The excitement of Royal Ascot isn’t just about world-class horse racing – it’s about the entire experience. And when it comes to food, this year’s line-up is nothing short of spectacular, featuring the finest culinary talent ever assembled at a sporting event. With a record-breaking 28 Michelin stars between them, the chefs in residence at Ascot are setting the bar higher than ever before. So, while you’re there to cheer on your favourite horse, prepare to indulge in a gastronomic journey this June that’ll make your taste buds race.
A Taste of Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025
13th February 2025
As Royal Ascot approaches this June, the excitement isn’t just for the races - it’s for the line-up of chefs. Lisa Barnard went for a preview taste of this year’s Royal Ascot restaurants at The Maine Mayfair and we’re serving up who’s bringing Michelin-star magic to this year’s feast, where fine dining meets horsepower.
![Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Tom Shepherd, Benoit Blin, Raymond Blanc and Simon Rogan](/sites/default/files/2025-02/chef%20image.jpeg)
![Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - parade ring restaurant](/sites/default/files/2025-02/Parade%20Ring%20Restaurant%20-%20Nicole%20Hains_0.jpg)
A Stellar Line-up of Chefs
Royal Ascot 2025 is set to feature a dream team of Michelin-starred chefs, each with their own flair and passion for pushing culinary boundaries. Whether you’re an aficionado of refined French dining or a lover of hyper-seasonal British ingredients, the dining options this year are sure to impress. I took a seat in the chandeliered setting of The Maine Mayfair for a preview taste of what to expect from the Royal Ascot restaurants this year. Sampling new flavours from these (literally) star-studded chefs.
Let’s start with the chef who's practically synonymous with fine dining at Royal Ascot: Raymond Blanc OBE. A Royal Ascot staple for a decade, Blanc brings his renowned 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, the man behind nine Michelin stars, returns for his seventh year with his iconic "farm-to-fork" ethos. His Parade Ring Restaurant is set to feature an exquisite five-course à la carte lunch, showcasing seasonal produce and beautifully plated dishes that make every bite a celebration of nature.
![Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - a cod dish in white bowl alongside a bottle of wine](/sites/default/files/2025-02/25_Ascot_Fine_Dining_NicoleHains-00962.jpg)
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, boasting a collective total of 28 stars. We’re also delighted to celebrate Raymond Blanc’s tenth year as Chef Patron, a milestone that underscores his enduring brilliance. At the same time, we’re 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](/sites/default/files/2025-02/8B36774D-19E9-45BD-8586-5BA831CC8770_1_105_c.jpeg)
For those seeking something truly innovative, Yannick Alléno will debut a brand-new pop-up concept at Royal Ascot. With a staggering 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, is sure to deliver fresh flavours with a creative twist.
![Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Yannick Alléno standing in his restaurant](/sites/default/files/2025-02/Yannick%20Alle%CC%81no%20.jpg)
Providing sweet endings, Master Pâtissier Benoit Blin is making his much-anticipated 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 - Clodagh Mckenna sat down with Benoit Blin](/sites/default/files/2025-02/8B838137-0914-4F34-BF86-3A80FB3E61B0_1_102_a.jpeg)
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 refined four-course lunch with seasonal, locally inspired 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](/sites/default/files/2025-02/25_Ascot_Fine_Dining_NicoleHains-00988.jpg)
![Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Lisa Barnard and Raymond Blanc OBE](/sites/default/files/2025-02/7C043003-C6FD-42D6-866C-188BBDCF99DE_1_105_c.jpeg)
And don’t forget about 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 spirited atmosphere.
Royal Ascot will be taking place from the 17th – 21st of June 2025, find our more and book tickets via ascot.com