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

The Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) is a new and 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 York

York

Date visited: Sunday, May 22, 2022

Was it a big day?

Not by the highest standards of a track known as the Ascot of the north (by those unaware that Ascot is actually the York of the south). However, £200,000 in prize-money and all seven races live on ITV4 the track was scarcely slumming it.

How much was entry on the gate?

£30 for the County Stand, £15 for Grandstand & Paddock and the Clocktower Enclosure.

Plenty of food and drink options available at YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker

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

There are numerous stands and kiosks, with food ranging from the standard fish and chips or burgers to locally made pork pies, hog roast, Whitby scampi and ice cream (the value-seekers' choice at £2.80 a cone). Hot sandwiches or loaded fries were £8 from the 'Eat Between Our Races' (think of the initials) bistro.

Even on a quiet day there were plenty of coffee outlets and bars, with 20 till points in the Roberto Village 'superbar' alone. Nobody with money in their pockets ever goes hungry or thirsty at York.

What's the damage?

Bottle of water: £2.40
Cheapest pint: Amstel/John Smith's Extra Smooth £5.50
Guinness: £6.50
Champagne: £38.50 for a bottle of house champagne (though if you backed a couple of winners you could upgrade with a jeroboam of Moet & Chandon for £450)
Burger: £8.50 for a beef burger with tomato, lettuce and mayonnaise

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

Sunday racegoers waiting for coffeeCredit: David Carr

What was the burger like?

Created by Ged Bell, whose shop is barely a five-furlong dash from the Knavesmire, the burger had the delicious taste and succulence worthy of an award-winning butcher.

And the queues?

Not much of an issue – a 3.30pm start clearly meant most had eaten before arriving.

What did the punters say?

"I had pie, mash and peas for £7.50 and it was really good. It's the first time I've been racing at York but I go to the football at Leeds a lot and it's better than that for quality and value"
Dave Raikes, York

The Racecourse Prices Index . . .

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