For such a tiny, teensy-weensy town, Ascot really punches above its weight in cultural output, predominantly for one glaringly obvious reason: the racecourse is world class, and Ascot Week is one of the world’s true ‘must-visit’ events. Of course, racing doesn’t happen every day of the week, and not all of the racecourse’s events were created to host Frankie Dettori and Stradivarius, there is life in Ascot throughout the calendar. There are golf-courses, estates, hotels, and of course, plenty of places to eat in Ascot.
Along Ascot high-street, past the hospital and the racecourse, you’ll find a batch of pubs and bars to choose between, these usually offer beers, wines, cocktails, and the opportunity to dance or eat a hearty, traditional meal. Frivolity and jubilation are common emotions in Ascot, which quite often lends itself to a proclivity to drink; in which case, you’ll find plenty of these pubs and bars offer meals that are adept at lining your stomach and lessening the adverse effects of the alcohol. Ham, egg, and chips for one example, or a nice steak and ale pie for another. Ascot Week is as much a celebration of Britain as it is horses, and the food many Ascot restaurants serve is too.
Of course, if you’re of a… more refined appetite, going for dinner in Ascot can be a more luxurious affair, where a Michelin star or a SquareMeal gold award is a very real possibility, or even a reality, there are plenty of options for this form of dining in Ascot. You may need to drive or get a taxi a little bit out of the centre of town, perhaps to a hotel, an estate, or just a country-based restaurant, but meals from renowned chefs with excellent service are readily available – if you’ve the money. Ascot restaurants are to be as celebrated as the racecourse.