Bath Racecourse’s recently completed multi-million pound redevelopment has won it a major catering award and put it in the running for two other racing industry accolades.
The racecourse triumphed at the National Racecourse Catering Awards, winning in the category of Special Catering Award for Small Racecourses.
Meanwhile it has also been shortlisted for two trophies at next month’s Racecourse Association’s annual Showcase & Awards.
It will line up in the Operational Excellence and Food & Beverage categories in recognition of the greatly improved facilities at the Lansdown venue.
The redevelopment of the flat racing course, owned by the UK’s largest racecourse operator Arena Racing Company (ARC), included a new three-storey grandstand and a hospitality stand.
The redevelopment aims to substantially increasing the course’s income from corporate and other events on non-racedays while also boosting attendances at its 22 racing fixtures each year.
Racecourse executive director Jo Hall said: “We are very proud to have been recognised by our peers for the outstanding catering we offer at Bath Racecourse. Since the redevelopment of the venue the team have worked tirelessly to ensure that all our guests enjoy the highest levels of service and that their experience is one to remember.
“The redevelopment has been the catalyst, but we recognise that having wonderful modern facilities is only half of the picture. What we do as a team completes that picture, so we are delighted that we have delivered during 2016.”
The Racecourse Association’s Operational Excellence Award recognises exceptional delivery and behind-the-scenes initiatives that improve the operational performance and customer service at racecourses, while the Food & Beverage Award identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service.
Entries were asked to reflect both the fare itself and its journey from conception to plate, as well as the level of service underpinning the operation.
Racecourse Association chairman Maggie Carver said: “The Showcase & Awards is one of the highlights of the year for racecourses and we have seen the number and standard of submissions increase yet again making 2016 another difficult one for our judging panel.
“It is an amazing achievement to be named as a finalist and inspiring to see such a wide range of racecourses on the lists.
“I am delighted for the team at Bath Racecourse and it is testament to the hard work they put in all year round.”
The racecourse’s new Langridge Grandstand has an exclusive roof garden set under an enormous sail-inspired canopy, offering visitors an unrivalled viewing spot on race days.
The grandstand also features the spacious ground-floor 1811 public bar with viewing steps for up to 400 people as well as a 200-seat trackside restaurant and function room with a balcony, named after Bath’s famous Royal Crescent.
The Kelston Hospitality Stand has nine premium hospitality suites overlooking the finishing line with balconies offering unrivalled trackside views.
Its ground-floor bar, which overlooks the parade ring and finishing post, is named Beckford after William Beckford, the wealthy property mogul of the early 19th century who erected the nearby Beckford Tower in 1827.
The newly refurbished Mornington restaurant, which also overlooks the racing action from a private balcony, is open for racegoers seeking a fine dining experience.
The Racecourse Association’s annual Showcase & Awards takes place at Doncaster Racecourse on November 17.
Pictured: Bath Racecourse general catering manager Sam Knight, right, collects the Special Catering Award for Small Racecourses from an NRCA representative at the National Racecourse Catering Awards
