With less than a week to go, Sodexo Live! the official catering supplier to Ascot Racecourse, has unveiled its vision for Royal Ascot 2026 - bringing together an exceptional lineup of Michelin starred chefs with a more experience-led approach to hospitality.
As one of the highlights of the British social calendar, Royal Ascot is synonymous with world-class racing and premium dining. For 2026, Sodexo Live! is evolving that proposition further: pairing culinary excellence with an even sharper focus on service, atmosphere and the human moments that define great hospitality.
Now in its 28th year of partnership with Ascot Racecourse, Sodexo Live! will once again mobilise more than 5,000 experience makers across the five-day meeting. Together, they will deliver a seamless operation at scale - underpinned by a philosophy that exceptional food must be matched by equally exceptional service.
Among the highlights for 2026 are the Royal Ascot debuts of acclaimed British chef Steve Smith and the return of Angela Hartnett OBE, who joins the line up for the first time since 2014. She appears alongside returning culinary heavyweights Raymond Blanc OBE, Simon Rogan MBE, Tom Shepherd, Benoit Blin and Yannick Alléno, who bring a remarkable combined career total of 32 Michelin stars and together reinforcing Royal Ascot’s position as one of the most prestigious culinary stages in the UK.
While the presence of Michelin chefs remains a cornerstone, the 2026 approach goes further. Sodexo Live! continues to place equal emphasis on how these experiences are delivered - from front of house service to the overall guest journey, ensuring consistency and quality at every touchpoint.
Across the racecourse, guests can expect a carefully curated mix of dining concepts - from fine dining restaurants led by renowned chefs to more informal, high quality food experiences. Each has been designed to feel distinct yet connected, elevating the overall atmosphere of the event rather than operating in isolation.
The retail and restaurant experiences for 2026 include:
- The Queen Anne Kitchen by 7 Bone - Returning for a second year, serving up bold and indulgent smashed burgers in the Queen Anne Enclosure.
- Wright Brothers - Bringing their famed seafood experience to The Smokehouse in the Royal Enclosure, Wright Brothers will offer luxurious lobster, oysters, a show-stopping fruits de mer, and more - all made with responsibly sourced seafood from their UK-based supply network.
- Fame and Glory - A fresh take on street food, offering shawarma wraps with a choice of marinated chicken, halloumi, or plant-based fillings.
- 1768 Brasserie by James Tanner - An elevated dining experience curated by Ascot regular and much-loved TV chef James Tanner.
- Afternoon Tea by Benoit Blin - This year sees the return of renowned pâtissier Benoit Blin, guests can enjoy his exquisite afternoon tea in the Bandstand Kitchen.
Additionally, Beaverbrook balloons will be in the Lavender Courtyard for the second year, providing stunning backdrops for photo opportunities.
Talent spotlight: developing the next generation alongside the best in the business
The commitment Sodexo Live! has to nurturing future culinary talent continues, with Royal Ascot 2026 offering career shaping opportunities for student chefs and early-career professionals to work alongside some of the industry’s most respected names.
Selected team members from across Sodexo Live! UK & Ireland will take part in immersive placements, gaining hands on experience in this high-performance environment. Working within these elite kitchens offers a rare opportunity to learn not only technical excellence, but the discipline, teamwork and attention to detail required at the highest level.
This year, the programme also places greater emphasis on service and leadership development - recognising that outstanding hospitality is built on people, relationships and the ability to deliver consistently under pressure.