The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for a pork roll and pint at Fontwell?

The Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) is an occasional series, in which we report from each of Britain and Ireland's racetracks on the cost of going racing.

Racecourse report: entry, food and pint prices from Fontwell

Fontwell

Date visited: Tuesday December 6, 2022

Was it a big day?

It wasn't a particularly big day. There were seven races on the card, headlined by the 2m5½f handicap chase which attracted ten runners and offered prize-money of over £10,500 to the winner.

However, there was a decent crowd for a Tuesday, with punters sporting their Christmas jumpers and getting into the festive mood.

How much was entry on the gate?

Tickets for the Paddock Grandstand enclosure were available for £22 on the day (£17 in advance), while entry for concessions was £17.

Other than restaurants/hospitality, what were the food and beverage options?

There is plenty on offer for racegoers, ranging from a confectionery stall to a hot food tent providing German sausages and mulled wine.

There were plenty of options in the premier stand with a section selling authentic Italian pizza, while the Piglets Pantry was serving award-winning pies and sausage rolls.

The Bakehouse, situated outside near the winner's enclosure, had plenty of food and drink on offer. From Cornish pasties, priced at £6, to freshly baked baguettes (£5), there was enough to choose from. Bacon rolls and hot dogs were also available.

What's the damage?

Bottle of water:£2.20
Cheapest pint: £5.50 (Carlsberg)
Guinness:£6.20
Champagne:£55 for a bottle of Heidsieck Monopole Silver Top
Pork roll: £7

All drink prices taken from the main racecourse bar, or where there are multiple bars, one chosen at random.

Pork roll: 'It was definitely worth £7'Credit: Liam Headd

What was the pork roll like?

Simply lovely. It was definitely worth £7 and felt like Christmas in a roll. There was plenty of pork, which was complemented by gravy, sage and onion stuffing, and apple sauce. Well worth it.

And the queues?

Every food stall was well staffed and punters did not have to wait long to get their hot or cold snacks. However, only one bar was open and queues for a drink were building prior to racing.

What did the punters say?

I got a ticket through Rewards4Racing. I moved to Littlehampton a few years ago and it's my local track now, but I haven't been for a while. It's disappointing there's only one bar open, but it's good that every section is open to the same ticket and it has a nice feel to the place.
Ralph Smart, Littlehampton

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