Royal Ascot - Panoramic Restaurant

As the name suggests, the Panoramic Restaurant’s view over the racecourse and Great Windsor Park is one of its finest features. However, it’s not the only highlight of a day there. The five-course lunch that’s served during the racing wouldn’t seem out of place in a top London restaurant, while the private balcony, located just under the parasol roof at the apex of the Grandstand, provides the ultimate vantage point over the action below. Guests can head outside to watch the races before dipping back into the restaurant to enjoy hospitality throughout the day, from breakfast canapés and Champagne to afternoon tea with strawberries and cream, all delivered with grace and efficiency by friendly staff. Tables seat 10, though they can be divided up or shared by smaller groups. As you’d expect, the facility is governed by the Royal Enclosure dress code.

Dates and prices for 2012
-19 and 20 June £1,070
-21 June £1,638
-22 June £1,134
-23 June £830

Inside, we learned just how appropriate it is that Ascot calls its hospitality facilities restaurants. Having picked our own time for lunch (an early one so as to not miss the Royal Procession) we could start making menu choices – not an easy task with so many treats on offer. In the end, we tried to cover everything between us and can honestly say there were no disappointments, though the scallops with space dust and slow-cooked roast lamb were particular highlights. Perfectly matched wines flowed freely and we loved watching the races from our balcony. All in all, an effortlessly relaxed day, enhanced by top-notch service and lovely surrounds.