Mark Sargeant brings his culinary signature to Royal Ascot
Acclaimed chef, Mark Sargeant is bringing his unique take on modern British cuisine to Royal Ascot this year, with a series of signature dishes across the Racecourse’s Grandstand Restaurants.

Sargeant’s much-lauded restaurant, Rocksalt, opened in the coastal town of Folkestonein Kentin June 2011. His first venture since leaving Gordon Ramsay Holdings (where he was awarded a Michelin Star at Claridge s ) celebrates the finest local produce, whether from the farmland of Kentor the sea the restaurant overlooks. Working with key suppliers in the southeast on a daily basis, Sargeant and his team ensure that the highest quality products arrive at Rocksalt’s kitchen.

He has applied the same emphasis on using the best and most flavoursome produce the British Isleshas to offer to his dishes for Royal Ascot. Highlights include “Hot Shells” (Roasted Crevettes, Razor Clams, Mussels, Queen Scallops and Marsh Samphire in a Cream Fish Reduction); Poached Lobster, Crushed Jersey Royal Potato Salad, Pink Grapefruit and Peeled English Asparagus; and Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with a Sea Buckthorn Centre.
 
Top Hat Afternoon Tea inspired by Stephen Jones' Millinery
There is a variety of ways to take tea at Royal Ascot this year, from traditional English treats to an innovative Japanese-inspired Bento Box tea to be served in the Parade Ring Restaurant.“It’ll have all the traditional elements in it, but with a fun eastern spin, like sushi-roll sandwiches” explains Executive Chef Steve Golding, “In our private boxes, the afternoon pastries will be served on the rim of chocolate top hats. I’ve taken inspiration from the millinery by Stephen Jones to ensure they are just right.”The Top Hat Tea includes Fruit Scones and Clotted Cream and Strawberry Preserve, Tiramisu and Pistachio Macaroons, Lemon Drizzle Cake and Chocolate Éclairs.
 
Caviar House Seafood Picnic Box
Premium seafood specialists Caviar House are creating an exclusive picnic for Royal Ascot Racegoers. They will also be serving a spoonful of their finest caviar on top of champagne flutes in the Mill Reef bar as you enter the RoyalEnclosureGardensand will feature in the Royal Enclosure Seafood restaurant.

With over 50 years of experience in the selection of fresh caviar, Caviar House is globally-renowned for its excellent and expansive offering, from fresh Iranian caviar of Sevruga, Osietre and Beluga to the seafood range from fish other than sturgeon. Caviar House will also be serving their superb range of smoked salmon from the Balik Smokery in the Swiss Alps, where the 25 steps used to create the unique flavour are a closely-guarded secret.
 
The VeuveClicquotChampagneGarden
This season, Veuve Clicquot will be returning with its fabulous Champagnebar. Relax in their tranquil garden, challenge your friends to a game of croquet or simply sit back and sip Veuve Clicquot. On Thursday 20^th June the VeuveClicquotGardengoes pink in celebration of their delicious rosé Champagne. In a first, they will be serving an ‘afternoon tea cup’ for those who want a more decadent tipple at teatime.
 
Royal AscotFashion Show
Royal Ascotis synonymous with sartorial elegance and the finest millinery. Straight-off-the catwalk creations by the cream of British design talent are shown at the daily Royal Ascot Fashion Show in the Bessborough Restaurant. Vivienne Westwood, Matthew Williamson and Stephen Jones are among the stellar designers who have shown at Royal Ascot and we are working closely with the British Fashion Council and our partners Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Toni & Guy and Piper Heidsieck, to ensure that this year’s shows are bigger and better than ever. More details to be announced in March.
 
Raising a Glass to the Diamond Jubilee with Windsor & Eton Brewery
79 years after the closure of Windsor’s last brewery, Windsor & Eton Brewery brought brewing back to the royal town. Since opening its doors on 1^st March 2010, and renewing the uniquely British tradition of cask brewing, the company has launched five ales including two to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year. ‘Kohinoor’, named after the central diamond, is an Indies Pale Ale, which will be served at Royal Ascot in casks. No doubt it will be a popular choice in the Silver Ring, where a 1950s street party theme, complete with brass brands and bunting, will get race-goers in celebratory mood.
 
The Furlong Club
New for 2012 the Furlong Club is an area exclusively for Grandstand Admission customers, which overlooks the final furlong. A relaxed sanctuary away from the bustle of the Grandstand Concourse, the Furlong Club will feature elegant sofa-style seating and a private decked terrace giving perfect views of the Royal Procession and racing action. With an extensive bar, TV Screens, betting couriers and daily tipsters it’s the ideal place to spend the day in style.

Numbers are limited. Furlong Club badges are priced at £60pp and must be purchased in addition to a Grandstand Admission ticket.

http://www.ascot.co.uk/?page=royal_ascot