Berkshire: Tom Kerridge to head up On 5 at Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse has announced that Michelin Star chef Tom Kerridge will headline its new, multi-million pound restaurant, On 5, during Royal Ascot 2014.

On 5 is set to be unveiled next month in its iconic Grandstand and will allow guests during the Royal Meeting to enjoy an unparalleled view across the racecourse alongside Kerridge’s modern take on British classics, with a sumptuous five-course luncheon and afternoon tea.

Unique in style, On 5 will celebrate the human stories of craft and dedication behind the raw power of the thoroughbred racehorse. The innovative design of the new restaurant is based on five craftsmen: the farrier, the trainer, the groom, the saddler and the jockey - affording guests an insight into some of the most important people involved in bringing every race horse to the track.

Aside from the exquisite cuisine and inspired interior, On 5 offers guests the opportunity to enjoy outside space and gain a closer view of the racecourse.

Kerridge’s On 5 Royal Ascot menu will include Montgomery leek, potato croquette and summer truffle mayonnaise; poached lobster and late season English asparagus salad, pickled cucumber and borage; treacle cured fillet of Lancashire beef with hand and flowers chips and bearnaise sauce; and lemon cream, lemon verbena, pistachios and meringues.

Juliet Slot, commercial director of Ascot Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom Kerridge back to Royal Ascot following the success of his wonderful menu at the Panoramic restaurant during Royal Ascot last year. On 5 is an exciting new addition to the fine dining available at Ascot Racecourse and reflects our commitment to delivering a best-in-class racing and culinary experience. With its exquisite cuisine and unique interior, we’re looking forward to welcoming up to 190 guests daily to On 5 throughout the Royal Meeting where they can expect world-class racing, style, pageantry and Michelin-starred cuisine combined.”

Kerridge said: “I am thrilled to be hosting Ascot’s new restaurant On 5 during Royal Ascot this year. It’s a stunning facility that suits the history and elegance of the racecourse. I had a lot of fun hosting a restaurant during Royal Ascot last year and look forward to returning with some new ideas to help make this year’s event one to remember.”

35,000 guests are expected to enjoy Fine Dining at Royal Ascot in 2014, having been attracted by the combination of internationally-revered chefs, innovative menus, spectacular restaurants and, of course, the backdrop of the Royal Procession and the world’s finest flat racing.

2014 is the second successive year Kerridge will serve his innovative, quintessentially British menu at Royal Ascot, which takes place from June 17-21.

On 5 will open its doors to guests on May 10 at the Victoria Cup Day meeting and will be the main fine dining restaurant at the racecourse across all Ascot race days moving forward.