Another Year, Another Ascot Triumph For Smart Group
Each year, Smart Hospitality triumph at Royal Ascot and 2019 was no different. Once again, from the 18th-22nd June, we supplied exquisite hospitality for both The Villiers Club and The Village Restaurant, located opposite the main grandstand within The Village Enclosure. Here’s a round-up of what was on offer in each location:
The Royal Ascot Village
As guests entered the picturesque Royal Ascot Village, staff were waiting attentively with Plymouth Fruit Cup cocktails to kick off the reception. A sprinkle of Ascot theatre and entertainment surrounded mingling guests, including a jazz band and eccentric roving performers. Friendly staff circulated with more reception drinks, while over at the beautifully decorated central bar, guests could order complimentary beer, wine, selected spirits and soft drinks.
Once lunch was announced, guests entered into the indoor dining area, stunningly decorated with large hot air balloons and bi-planes hanging from the ceiling, antique globes and striking plants.
A delicious four-course lunch, was then served, which included a starter and main at the table and then buffet-style desserts and cheese, curated by Smart Hospitality. Just some of the delicious dishes included bourbon braised Irish feather blade of beef with fennel, apple and dill slaw, miso dressing and sesame charred asparagus for main and Guinness cake with cassis curd, fresh blackberries and dill for dessert. After lunch, guests wandered over to the private viewing area, offering unrivalled views adjacent to the winning post, just in time for the races to start at 2:30pm.
At 3:30pm, afternoon tea was served in the dining area with a ‘different flavours of the world’ twist. Just some of the delicious treats included matcha and cherry domes, salted caramel canalés, cardamom and lemon basbousas and tikka sausage rolls. Guests could then continue watching the races or relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the complimentary bar.
The Villiers Club
Over at The Villiers Club, guests were given a warm welcome with delicious complimentary cocktails. A jazz band in the dining and bar area, and acoustic sessions outside, created a fun and vibrant atmosphere while guests mingled and placed bets from the betting booths, enjoying unlimited wine and beer.
A delicious lunch, curated by Smart Hospitality, was then served. Just some of the dishes on offer were fillet of English beef with a thai glaze, green mango, rice noodles, crisp vegetables, lime and lemongrass dressing and grilled Cotswold white chicken Caesar with grilled gem lettuce, soft boiled egg, parmesan and ciabatta croutes. Jude’s ice cream pots and a fresh fruit selection were then circulated before guests headed up to their private viewing area alongside the racecourse. The clock stroke two and guests watched the Royal Procession from the prime spot, where a close-up glimpse of the Queen was guaranteed.
Traditional afternoon tea was then served from buffet stations at 3:30pm, offering guests both sweet and savoury treats. As the races came to an end and the evening celebrations began, a tasty evening BBQ was served, including a build-your-own burger station. Live music, including upbeat DJ sets, then took guests through to the evening where they partied until sunset.
This year at Royal Ascot has been made particularly exciting after our newly-appointed Creative Director, Paul “Ruge” Ruggiero, joined the team a few months back. Ruge worked tirelessly for the last few months to offer his support on everything creative, from mood boards and pitch tastings in the early planning stages, to staff uniform and food station styling. As you can see from the images, his creative and unique style were visually stunning!
With both of the restaurants situated opposite the main grandstand, and delicious hospitality and catering from Smart Hospitality, we truly do provide the perfect base for an exquisite day of hospitality.