Carlisle Racecourse has unveiled its sensational new restaurant and conference facilities ahead of the UK’s most historic race meeting.
The Jockey Club has invested a six-figure sum to transform Swifts Restaurant and The Patterson Suite – situated in the course’s main Grandstand – into a magnificent multi-use venue that provides an exclusive and unrivalled experience for guests.
Boasting a contemporary and stylish design, with all-new state-of-the-art multi-media facilities, the refurbishment has been completed ahead of this month’s famed Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate meeting.
The origins of this meeting, which is held on Wednesday June 26, can be traced back to 1599 and the days of Queen Elizabeth I.
And while Cumbria’s premier racecourse is steeped in history, its new facilities – which are available for weddings, private parties and conferences on non-race days – are unashamedly modern, bright and luxurious.
This VIP area has its own viewing balcony which allows racegoers to watch horses thunder down the home straight in front of the beautiful panoramic backdrop of rural Cumbria.
Molly Dingwall, Carlisle Racecourse’s General manager, said: “The new restaurant facilities are fabulous. We opened them for the first time to racegoers at our last meeting and the feedback we have received is fantastic.
“The fit-out is of the highest standard and we truly believe we have created something to wow both racegoers and those who use the facilities for conferences, business meetings, weddings and private parties.
“We offer a wonderful culinary experience here at the racecourse and, following these improvements to our facilities, we now have one of the best hospitality and conference spaces in Cumbria.
“There is a brilliant summer in prospect at the racecourse. We have our historic Bell and Plate meeting on June 26 – when some of racing’s top stars compete for the world’s oldest sporting trophy – followed by some hugely-popular social events.
“And it goes without saying, we cannot wait to show off our new restaurant facilities to racegoers.”
Carlisle-based Black Box Architects designed the all-new restaurant facilities and the refurbishment was carried out by Lambert Gill.
Racing returns to Carlisle with an evening meeting on Tuesday June 11 and afternoon racing on Monday June 17.
Following the Bell and Plate meeting – which includes Carlisle’s richest flat race The Eternal Stakes – there are two music events. Pop star Sigala takes to stage after racing on Saturday July 6 and then the annual Ladies Night, with a post-racing DJ set by TV star Gok Wan, on Monday August 5.
To find out more about hospitality and dining packages, conferences, weddings and events email carlisleevents@thejockeyclub.co.uk or call (01228) 554700.