Royal Ascot Tips Its Hat to Afternoon Tea in Celebration of Stephen Jones and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Celebrated milliner Stephen Jones has a long standing affiliation with Ascot, and this year we’ve created an exceptional afternoon tea inspired by his stunning designs. Throughout the week of Royal Ascot, afternoon tea will be served in the Royal Enclosure on a chocolate top hat developed by our Executive Head Chef, Steve Golding.

Furthermore, Jones has collaborated with top pastry chef, Simon Jenkins, to create a Diamond Jubilee and Royal Ascot inspired afternoon tea to be served throughout the month of June at Coworth Park, the Dorchester Collection’s luxury country house hotel and spa that is perfectly positioned within 15 minutes of Ascot Racecourse. Sweet treats illustrating British associated icons - such as the Queen’s Crown, a top hat, jockey’s cap and a ladies’ floral hat in Jubilee colours – will be served alongside a glass of champagne and the new, Coworth Park Royal Blend of tea that combines lavender picked from the grounds and a delicate blend of Ceylon, Assam and Darjeeling.

Stephen Jones will also be hosting the annual Coworth Park Hat Salon on Monday 14 May 2012. Bringing his boutique to Coworth Park he will be on hand to offer advice on the best way to choose and wear a hat and the latest 2012 millinery trends.

To book tickets for Royal Ascot, call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk.

For more information on rooms and events at Coworth Park, call 01344 630544 or visit www.coworthpark.com

Introducing Great British Food at Royal Ascot 2012



Mark Sargeant's
poached Lobster 

Last Friday we hosted an event in London for press to sample the menu devised exclusively for Royal Ascot 2012. Designed to offer racegoers and food connoisseurs alike, the opportunity to indulge in an array of exquisite menus, each specially created for the Royal Meeting.

A particular highlight is the involvement of Folkestone eaterie, Rocksalt. Mark Sargeant has created a series of signature dishes to celebrate great British food at Royal Ascot. A true match of excellence, the partnership of these world class establishments will combine the thrilling atmosphere of the racing with imaginative food complemented with the elegant surroundings.
 

Afternoon Tea

The invited press were able to glimpse over all the dishes on offer throughout the week and sample tasters including carpaccio of Scottish beef, seared foie gras with asparagus gelée and black truffle juice topped off with a wild raspberry and white chocolate daiquiri.

Wine expert Edward Clarke, from Bibendum and Steve Golding, our Executive Head Chef, were on hand to talk through the food on display and the canapé style miniature dishes served.



Japanese-style Bento Box
Tea

Steve Golding enthuses the Afternoon Tea’s are his personal “highlight” this year. Explaining “…In the Parade Ring restaurant we’ll be serving a Japanese-style Bento Box Tea. It’ll have the traditional elements in it but with a fun Eastern spin. In our private boxes, the pastries will be served on the rim of chocolate top hats. It’s a quirky nod to the tradition of hats at Ascot and our relationship with the master of millinery, Stephen Jones.”

Edward Clarke, sights his favourite wine pairing to be the Sancerre Domaine de la Chezatte 2010, Loire, from France, matched with Mark Sargeant’s poached Lobster, with crushed jersey royal potato salad, pink grapefruit and peeled English asparagus.

Picnic in a Box

Also on display were the immaculately packaged ‘Picnics in a Box’, perfect for alfresco dinning; highlights of which include the celebratory ‘Diamond Jubilee Picnic’ featuring all the classics, an ‘Afternoon Tea for Two’ picnic box with sweet treats ideal for sharing and a decadent seafood picnic box from Caviar House.



Fine dining packages range from £270 inc VAT per person. To find out more information or to make a booking please visit our online booking kiosk at www.royalascothospitality.co.uk, call the Hospitality Team on 0844 346 0346 or email: hospitality@ascot.co.uk.

Picnics in a Box from £39.50 inc VAT per person and can be purchased in advance of the Royal Meeting by calling the Royal Ascot picnic booking line on 0844 346 3622.