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 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
Back row (left to right): Tom Shepherd, Benoit Blin – Front row (left to right) Raymond Blanc, Simon Rogan

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.

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

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.

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - a strawberry dessert on a white plate
“Strawberry Theme” – Strawberry ice cream, sorbet & marshmallow by Raymond Blanc. Photo by Nicole Hains.

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
Slowly cooked Cornish cod, whey onions & broccoli, Roasted shrimp sauce finished with rosehip vinegar by 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, 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
Raymond Blanc OBE presented with a bottle of Moët & Chandon Vintage 2015 by Jonathan Parker, and a cake baked by Benoit Blin to celebrate 10 years as Chef Patron

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
Yannick Alléno in situ at his restaurant Pavyllon London, located in Four Seasons Hotel London

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

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 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 will be taking place from the 17th – 21st of June 2025, find our more and book tickets via ascot.com

Royal Ascot Restaurants 2025 - Clodagh McKenna
Author and Chef, Clodagh McKenna was in attendance to also get a Taste of Royal Ascot and 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
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
A handful of influencers: Pips Taylor, Alistair Guy and Lara Fraser were also in attendance