The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for food and drink at the July course?

In the Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) we report from Britain and Ireland's racetracks on the cost of going racing.

Racecourse report: entry, food and pint prices from Newmarket 

Newmarket (July course)

Date visited: Friday, July 8, 2022

Epictetus: won the opener at Newmarket on FridayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Was it a big day?

Yes. There was a bustling turnout at Newmarket racecourse as it hosted the second day of the Moet & Chandon July festival.

The highlights on the track came from the fillies with the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes and the Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes.

How much was entry on the gate?

All three enclosures were open. The Premier enclosure cost £48, Grandstand & Paddock entry was £34 while the Garden enclosure was £16.

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

A large variety of food and drink options is exactly what was needed for a warm day with temperatures pushing 27C; American-style burgers, Chinese noodles, nachos and the traditional British fish and chips were just some of the options available in addition to ice cream and crepes to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

There were plenty of bars including watering holes named after the greats in the Premier enclosure such as the Chief Singer and the always busy Sweet Solera.

All outlets were card only as per Jockey Club policy.

What’s the damage?

Bottle of water: £2.20
Cheapest pint: £6.50 (Carling)
Guinness: £6.75
Champagne: £95
Burger: £8-£10

What were the crepes like?

For a slightly smaller lunch, the crepes on offer at one of the food stalls were the perfect fix thanks to some very generous filling options and even more generous portions! The service was very quick and there was enough time to have a quick chat with the employees while they cooked your order right in front of you.

And the queues?

Minimal as there was plenty of staff on, although it was a bit slower on Thursday's ladies' day. That is to be expected as it is traditionally the busiest day of the year at the track.

What did the punters say?

There were so many options but in the end I had the Classic Philly Cheese Steak from the Smoke Shack which was £8 and very tasty too with the mustard. The ladies on the stall were very friendly too.
Rosie Nicholls, London

The Classic Philly Cheese Steak from the Smoke Shack

Read more from the Racecourse Prices Index . . . 

The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for a pie and a pint at Uttoxeter?

The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for food and drink at Newcastle?

The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for food and drink at Salisbury?

In full and ranked: where's the most expensive pint at British and Irish racecourses?

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