With less than a week to go until Royal Ascot returns, Sodexo Live!, the official catering partner to Ascot Racecourse, has unveiled an ambitious vision for 2026 – bringing together an exceptional roster of Michelin-starred chefs alongside a renewed emphasis on service, atmosphere and guest experience.
As one of the defining fixtures of the British social calendar, Royal Ascot has long been synonymous with elite racing and premium dining. This year, however, Sodexo Live! is evolving that proposition further, placing as much importance on how hospitality is delivered as on what appears on the plate.
Now in its 28th year of partnership with Ascot Racecourse, Sodexo Live! will mobilise more than 5,000 staff across the five-day event, delivering a large-scale operation rooted in precision, consistency and attention to detail. Central to this approach is a philosophy that exceptional food must be matched by equally exceptional service at every touchpoint.
A standout feature of the 2026 programme is the calibre of culinary talent on show. Acclaimed British chef Steve Smith will make his Royal Ascot debut, while Angela Hartnett OBE returns to the line-up for the first time since 2014. They join an established roster including Raymond Blanc OBE, Simon Rogan MBE, Tom Shepherd, Benoit Blin and Yannick Alléno – chefs who collectively hold an extraordinary 32 Michelin stars. The combined presence reinforces Royal Ascot’s status as one of the most prestigious culinary stages in the UK.
While Michelin-starred dining remains a cornerstone of the event, Sodexo Live!’s focus for 2026 extends well beyond fine dining. The programme introduces a more holistic, experience-led approach, ensuring that front-of-house service, ambience and the overall guest journey are as carefully curated as the menus themselves.
Across the racecourse, visitors will encounter a diverse range of food and drink concepts designed to feel both distinct and interconnected. Highlights include the return of The Queen Anne Kitchen by 7 Bone, serving indulgent smashed burgers, and Wright Brothers’ seafood offering in the Royal Enclosure, featuring responsibly sourced oysters, lobster and fruits de mer. New concepts such as Fame and Glory will bring a contemporary street food edge, while 1768 Brasserie by James Tanner offers a refined dining experience from a familiar Ascot name. Meanwhile, Benoit Blin returns with his celebrated afternoon tea in the Bandstand Kitchen.
Beyond the food, experiential elements continue to play a key role, with the return of Beaverbrook balloons in the Lavender Courtyard, offering visually striking moments for guests and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event.
Alongside its culinary ambitions, Sodexo Live! is also investing in the next generation of hospitality talent. Royal Ascot 2026 will provide hands-on opportunities for student chefs and early-career professionals to work alongside some of the industry’s most respected figures. Participants will gain invaluable experience in high-performance kitchens, while also developing skills in leadership, teamwork and service delivery under pressure.
Claire Morris, CEO of Sodexo Live! UK & Ireland, said: “Royal Ascot continues to set the benchmark for premium hospitality, providing a unique platform where world-class chefs and world-class service come together. In 2026, we’re proud to welcome another exceptional Michelin-starred line-up, including Angela Hartnett, whose culinary approach perfectly complements the prestige of Royal Ascot.
“Our role is to keep evolving the race day experience. This year, we’re laser-focused on what exists beyond the food — the service, the energy and the people that bring it all together to ensure that every guest interaction matches the quality of what’s on the plate.”
Jonathan Parker, Managing Director of 1711 by Ascot, added: “Dining at Royal Ascot continues to set the global benchmark, and this year’s line-up brings together some of the most celebrated and respected chefs working in Britain today.
“Collectively, our Chefs in Residence hold an extraordinary 32 Michelin stars, making Royal Ascot the most Michelin-starred sporting event in the world. Every detail has been carefully considered to deliver a truly world-class experience.”
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At Ascot Racecourse, Sodexo Live! operates under the 1711 by Ascot partnership, delivering catering and hospitality across a range of enclosures, restaurants and private boxes. The partnership also extends beyond Ascot, supporting events including the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Globally, Sodexo Live! works across a portfolio of high-profile venues and events, from UK partnerships with Hampden Park and Premier League clubs to international fixtures such as Roland Garros, the Tour de France and the Miami Grand Prix.
With more than 285,000 guests expected through the gates, Royal Ascot 2026 is set to deliver not only world-class racing and dining, but a refined, experience-driven approach that reflects the evolving expectations of modern hospitality.
