Ascot (by way of London)
‘Hats off’ to the Berkshire countryside…
An hour from London, the Berkshire countryside is peppered with impressive country manors, rolling hills, and many charming local delights. Still, the county’s greatest draw come summer is Ascot Racecourse, with the Royal Meeting each June bringing crowds from all corners of the globe.
A topper and tails/head-turning outfit complete with extravagant hat would be welcome suitcase additions for a trip to Ascot, while some chic, smart ensemble is just the ticket for your onward journey to London. Discover further recommendations vis-à-vis where to eat, stay, and pamper yourself with our Mini Guide to Ascot (by way of London).
Credit: Ascot Racecourse
Credit: Clodagh McKenna Herbert
EXPERT TIPS
Clodagh McKenna Herbert
Clodagh McKenna Herbert is a chef and author. Together with her husband Harry (Chairman of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing), she runs their sustainable farm Broadspear in Hampshire. Here, Clodagh shares her expert tips for being race-day ready.
RACE-DAY ESSENTIALS: Shoe cushion pads are a must; you are on your feet all day. I also add a dusting of talcum powder to my feet, this helps prevent blisters. Then in my bag I bring lip balm, translucent powder (as it gets hot, and you will glow!), cash for betting, lipstick, and sunglasses.
DRESS CODE: I always wear a dress with some sort of sleeve, below the knee and a hat. But it has to be comfortable otherwise you just don’t enjoy the day. I find it really fun to wear vintage and go quite glamourous. Renting a hat is always the best option!
BEAUTY PREP: In the morning, I use Trinny’s exfoliator, then I tone with Santa Maria Novella rose water, I pop on Nip + Fab jelly eye patches (they are brilliant) for 30 minutes. Next up is a vitamin C oil, and when that dries Bamford moisturizer. Makeup glides on perfectly when your skin is clean and hydrated.
THE FILM TO WATCH AHEAD OF TIME: My Fair Lady, the Ascot scene is heavenly!
THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL: The train if you can, as the traffic is always so terrible.
MEMORABLE MEALS:
London: The River Cafe is a favorite of mine, also Orasay in Notting Hill, or The Devonshire in Soho.
Ascot: Bluebells.
THE DRINK TO ORDER: Pimms, rosé wine, or Champagne!
BAR OF CHOICE:
London: Margherita at The Connaught Hotel Bar, Martini at Dukes Hotel, or the Champagne Bar at Claridge’s.
Ascot: The Bar at Coworth Park.
The county’s greatest draw come summer is Ascot Racecourse.
STAY
Town or country? We’ve cherry-picked a smart selection of country-house hotels and elegant city addresses to help you in your deliberations…
SAVOR
Inventive dishes and seasonally led menus are par for the course in these parts. Tuck into our choice of the best…
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thefatduck.co.uk thefatduck.co.uk
Address: High Street, Bray, Berkshire, SL6 2AQ
Heston Blumenthal’s famed restaurant opened in 1995 and received its first Michelin Star in 1999. A few years later, in 2002, its second star followed. Deemed a ‘feast for the senses’, dining at The Fat Duck is a truly theatrical culinary experience. -
thehandandflowers.co.uk
Address: 126 West Street, Marlow, SL7 2BP
Phone: +44(0)1628482277A smart pub with rooms in Marlow, Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers dishes up elevated pub grub classics. Holding two Michelin stars, the restaurant spotlights fresh, seasonal ingredients from independent butchers, fishmongers, and vegetable suppliers. Tuck into the house menu, priced at £175pp, available for lunch and dinner, or avail of The Shed, a private dining room seating up to ten, for a more intimate experience.
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www.dorchestercollection.com
Address: Blacknest Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7SE
Phone: +44(0)1344876600It’s hard to beat a good story, or a great meal. Woven by Adam Smith delivers both through a dining experience described as ‘storytelling on a plate’. Chef Adam Smith’s food knowledge and ‘personal history’ as well as the restaurant’s surroundings influence the Michelin-starred dishes here. Side note: the charming interiors by Martin Hulbert Design are equally toothsome.
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heckfieldplace.com
Address: Heckfield Place, Hampshire, RG27 0LD
Phone: +44(0)1189326868Holding a green Michelin star, mindful Marle is influenced by the seasons, with menus determined by the availability of products from the estate and Fern Verrow farm. Marle’s dining room is a beautiful combination of natural materials – think marble, slate, and wood – which dance with the surrounding environment. Try the seven-course Earth Menu, priced at £75, which is ‘shaped by the often overlooked and unloved bits of ingredients’; available Mondays and Thursdays at 6.30pm.
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clivedenhouse.co.uk
Address: Cliveden House & Spa, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF
Phone: +44(0)1628668561Come for dinner and tuck into a seven-course tasting menu guided by the seasons, or pay an afternoon visit and enjoy Sunday lunch or high tea. Located in what was originally the Drawing Room of the grand house, the Dining Room’s surrounds are suitably sumptuous. Note the nineteenth-century Parterre visible from your table.
Credit: Marle
Credit: Woven by Adam Smith, Mark Bolton
Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot Racecourse is home to one of the world’s most prestigious race meetings.
EXPLORE
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Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot Racecourse is home to one of the world's most prestigious race meetings, Royal Ascot. Taking place from 18-22 June this year, it’s a key event to mark in the social calendar.
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For further equine pursuits, book a polo experience at Coworth Park. Regardless of level, the Guards Polo Academy can cater to all, from individual polo lessons (available between April and September) to bespoke polo days.
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Pay a visit to the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle. A 15-minute drive from Ascot Racecourse, the castle is open throughout the year.
Credit: Guards Polo Academy, Coworth Park
Credit: Lock & Co Hatters
SHOP
Lock & Co Hatters
The ‘Home of Hats’ since 1676, Lock & Co Hatters is considered the oldest hat shop in the world. Stop by and shop a selection of women’s and men’s hats, from traditional top hats to more modern designs. Shop assistants are on hand to help with hat sizing and selecting styles that best suit you.
Emilia Wickstead
Emilia’s ladylike designs are perfect for Royal Ascot. Step inside their flagship store, which is also home to their dedicated bespoke salon, and peruse pretty prints and punchy tailoring. Style note: they also carry footwear to match certain dresses for a head-to-toe Emilia Wickstead moment.
WELLNESS TIP
The Bothy
Head through the secret door of the walled garden at Heckfield Place to reach The Bothy, which rests amidst 400 acres of William Walker Wildsmith's woodland. Disconnect and leave your phone at reception (as per The Bothy’s request), before reconnecting with nature. Open daily Monday to Sunday from 7am to 8pm, treatments are available between 9.30am and 6.30pm. Spa Access is only available to hotel guests and friends of Heckfield Place.
Credit: The Bothy
PACKING LIST
Royal Ascot week has been sending men and women alike into a fashion frenzy for more than 300 years. Celebrity stylist and hardened Ascot attendee Sarah Kate Byrne shares her tips on how to dress the part, both sartorially and practically.
Each day of the Royal meeting attracts a different crowd - Tuesday is for members only; Thursday's Ladies Day brings the fashion crowd to the fore while Saturday is the day when everyone lets their hair down. Millinery is Royal Ascot's crowning glory and the hats, be they silk top hats for the chaps or exquisite confections for the ladies, rival the sleek thoroughbreds for attention.
Jumpsuits, trouser suits, and dresses all vie for pole position in the style stakes. Here are my fashion picks that will act as the perfect canvas to showcase a standout hat. – Sarah Kate Byrne
This jumpsuit paired with The Downton.
This red dress with this punchy rose headband.
This Edeline Lee dress paired with Giulia Mio Millinery's "Iris" cocktail hat.
The Deck's tuxedo jacket and this made-to-order piece.
•For more millinery inspiration venture to chapeau.london at 9 Mount Street, London, W1K 3NG and Fenwick's Millinery Popup at 7, Carlos Place, London, W1K 3AR for a dazzling offering of beautifully crafted hats in every shade of the rainbow.
•Exquisite jewelry has the power to pull a look together and make it a knockout. I favor statement earrings in a neutral tone such as Annoushka's Mother of Pearl Kite drops.
•Footwear: a day at the races will be a long one so comfortable footwear is key. That said, style must be forefront too. Emmy London's designs offer style and comfort. A firm favorite is the block heel Josie in a pastel tone.
•Handbags: one with a strap or wristlet is a must so you can juggle your glass of champagne, race card, and phone. British brand Tusting craft the most stunning bags which are surprisingly commodious despite their neat size.
•Menswear: Edwardian tailoring leaves modern imitations standing. Sarah has an archive of vintage men’s morning suits and silk top hats at her disposal, to rent or buy and can arrange an at home fitting to suit.
Less glamorous tips but worth their weight in gold…
•Talc your feet and your shoes before you leave.
•An easy heel hack for grass events like Royal Ascot is to stash a pair of @clean_heels in your bag
•Pop some Compeed in your handbag.
Royal Ascot week has been sending men and women alike into a fashion frenzy for more than 300 years.
ON OUR RADAR
Royal Ascot offers ticket enhancement packages to help make your experience at the Royal Meeting even more memorable. From access to VIP areas to pre-bookable lunches, a variety of add ons are available for purchase. Discover here.
IMMERSE YOURSELF
PLAYLIST: Listen to our Off to the Races playlist, available on Spotify.
READ: Cecil Beaton: The Royal Portraits.
READ
WATCH: My Fair Lady, Seabiscuit.
Mini Guide curated by Gilly Hopper
PLANNING SERVICES
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