Royal Ascot is one of the most essential summertime events in any discerning Londoner’s social calendar, but there’s more to the annual event than just the races. The dining options at Royal Ascot are just as impressive, including the stunning fifth floor On 5 restaurant, which is the flagship food and beverage experience at The Queen Anne Enclosure.
On 5 is headed up by one of Britain’s most well regarded chefs, Michelin-starred Phil Howard of Elystan Street and previously, The Square. The restaurant boasts panoramic views of the race course from its viewing balcony so that you don’t miss a minute of the action, and there’s a private outdoor terrace too where you can enjoy drinks and nibbles in the sunshine.
The prime location is also great for watching the Royal Procession journey. Tables at On 5 are available for between two-twelve guests and your experience will include a Champagne Bollinger reception, as well as a four-course lunch or a luxurious afternoon tea. If you choose the lunch option, dishes you might come across include fillet of cod with garlic leaf pesto, field mushrooms, parmesan gnocchi and parsley, or perhaps breast of duck with a tarte fine of caramelised endive, crushed turnip and orange (a vegetarian menu is also available).
If you instead choose to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, you can expect to kick-start your experience with a selection of finger sandwiches, with fillings such as cucumber with goats butter and smoked salt. These will be followed by the traditional scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, before finishing up with a tempting selection of sweet treats – think vanilla cream and gooseberry pots and a chocolate macaroon.
To round off your experience in the Queen Anne enclosure, you can enjoy the much-loved post-racing tradition of singing around the bandstand.