Going for Gold at Southwell Racecourse
Horse racing has always, to me been something of an experience or a day out, given I know nothing about betting and my previous visits to a racecourse have usually centered around ‘Ladies Days’, an occasion to get dressed up, have a few drinks with friends whilst pretending I know what I’m doing…
This time, I was invited to experience Golden Hospitality at Southwell Racecourse- one I had never visited before, even though it was practically on my doorstep. Southwell Racecourse, a dual-purpose venue in Nottinghamshire, is known for being one of the busiest racecourses in the UK, hosting both flat and Jump racing. It’s all-weather track with a Tapeta surface, allows for year-round flat racing and this is obviously the main entertainment of which everything surrounds, so I went with an open mind and an empty belly, ready to see what my day entailed.
My first impression was positive, as we had ample free parking space and the racecourse was in a lovely rural Nottinghamshire location, with field views and a warm welcome at the entry gate.
We were directed by the friendly steward to the suite, where we were seated by the window overlooking the track– best view of the house! Our table was already reserved in my name, with a personalised envelope containing our fixtures list, VIP passes and information – nothing says VIP like personalisation.
We kicked off with a glass each of fizz and scoured the set menu- both being vegetarians, we were pleased to see a substantial main course of butternut squash pie with roast potatoes and vegetables, which arrived after a piping hot bowl of vegetable soup and bread and butter, finished off with sticky toffee pudding and ice cream- all delicious and sensibly we spread out each course, by dotting a race or two in -between, which made the day flow nicer and allowed us to let each course digest, by standing up and walking outside to observe each race.
Being beginners, we had no idea when it came to the betting side of things, so it was great to have the option to purchase the ‘Lucky Pick’ bet which self -promotes as being ‘the easy way to bet’ and that was good enough for us.
Mark one of the Managers came over to say hello and offered us a tour of the facilities, which we accepted and it was a real eye opener to learn that the racecourse has so many fantastic event spaces and some of them impressively large in capacity at that. There was more than one food outlet, a stunning intimate bar lounge area for VIP’s which can also be hired, designed and decorated with a dram bar feel- think tartan, antler lighting and heavy drapes and fabrics.
We also visited the parade ring prior to one race to gain the full experience, where Mark offered me the opportunity to present an award to one of the winning jockey’s – Marco on stage- what a great experience to finish off a wonderful day and what’s more I went away a winner!
Not only does Southwell Racecourse offer various hospitality packages and themed night’s, they also offer venue hire for weddings, private parties, events and even have hotel rooms they are hoping to roll out in the near future. For the full fixture list and more details go to – https://www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk/
