Approximately two-hundred million pounds.
That’s how much they spent redeveloping Ascot racecourse. There are 265 boxes, 42 private loges and 7 restaurants with 39 separate kitchens.
These are impressive statistics in one of the newest sporting arenas in the world. It is considered a showcase of what can be achieved with modern design and construction technology.
It is an imposing structure and quite a landmark on the Berkshire skyline when you’re in the Ascot area.
I would appreciate it though, if someone someone could explain to me, how you spend this much money, implement this many facilities, claim to do everything possible in order to make your visit as pleasurable as possible, and yet it still takes 25 minutes to get served at the bar?
It must be such a shock to them to realise that people like to drink a pint of cold beer at the races on a hot day. However, my complaints fell on deaf ears.
“Yes, sorry about the wait Sir, it’s just a bit busier than we thought it would be. There’s no queue at the champagne bar though if you’d like to try there”
Well I didn’t like to try there, as I have an aversion to buying bottles of booze for £60 when all I want is a pint. If you go to Ascot any time soon my advice is get pissed before you get there.
No tags
Shamash · July 31, 2006 at 9:16 am
I went to Ascot once. I was little. All I remember is the Queen went past in Orange, it was uncomfortable, everyone wore hats the approximate circumference of a small gas giant (even the men) and drank too much, pretending they were posh while they were at it.
You’re in the South-East Stuff is generally jacked up in price there Example: Waitrose. £2.69 for four nectarines?
Marycub · July 31, 2006 at 9:38 am
It’s Ascot how could they say it’s busier than they expected?! I’ve never been but seeing it on tv it doesn’t seem to be a place of the upper classes anymore more the nouveau riche footballers wives type place. What was it like apart from the 25 minute bar queue?
Léonie · July 31, 2006 at 10:06 am
I’ve never been to Ascot, but if I go I shall be sure to hide beer in my hat. Thanks for the heads up.
Admin comment by Mr Angry · July 31, 2006 at 10:31 am
Shamash – I don’t pretend I’m posh. Noone would believe it.
Marycub – Apart from the queue for the bar and the fact I donated a weeks salary to the bookies it was fine.
Léonie – You’ll need a really really big hat.
BoyOnTop · July 31, 2006 at 11:34 am
If one is on a budget, one gets innebriated with a picnic held behind one’s vehicle before attending Ascot.
Otherwise one pays £5.00 for a bottle of water…
banana · July 31, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Dolly shares your anger. The Queen is livid about it as well.
Admin comment by Mr Angry · July 31, 2006 at 3:10 pm
BoT – The prices weren’t such a problem (claimable from work)… just the queuing!
banana – hello, I think the Queen has people who queue for her lager on her behalf.
Four Dinners · July 31, 2006 at 4:36 pm
I did get pissed before I got there. They wouldn’t let me in. Little Caz was not amused. They seemed upset, according to Little Caz, when I announced loudly I was buying meat for a French restaurant. I don’t remember saying that at all.
US · July 31, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Wasn’t there a massive punch up there a few weeks back?