Albert and Michel Roux Jnr to open fine dining restaurant during Cheltenham Festival
Albert and Michel Roux Jnr are set to open a temporary restaurant at Cheltenham racecourse during the Cheltenham Festival.
The restaurant, to be called Fairlawne, will offer race-goers the chance to combine fine dining alongside horseracing during the festival, which takes place on 11-14 March 2014.
Albert and Michel Roux Jnr will produce a menu specially designed and served exclusively at Fairlawne, which will have views of the racecourse and the famous backdrop of Cleeve Hill.
The restaurant has been called Fairlawne after Fairlawne Estate in Sussex, where Albert Roux was head chef in the early part of his career.
It was the home of Sir Peter Cazalet, a racehorse trainer who trained horses for the Queen Mother and who was a supporter of Albert's, especially in setting up Le Gavroche in London, his signature restaurant and the first restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars in the UK.
Albert Roux said: "I am delighted to be part of the hospitality at next year's Cheltenham Festival. Since working at Fairlawne many years ago I have always been aware of horseracing in the UK and the unique sport that captures the attention of so many people."
Ian Renton, regional director of Cheltenham Racecourse added: "I am really proud to launch Fairlawne. Cheltenham and its owner, The Jockey Club, pride itself on providing the very best in customer experience and with the introduction of Fairlawne this is another element which makes The Cheltenham Festival such a special event.
"I'm sure that the partnership will be hugely successful and that the restaurant will be fully booked on all four of the racedays. To join such amazing racing with such delicious food is a really exclusive package for race-goers."
Cheltenham Racecourse is owned by The Jockey Club and Fairlawne is one of just a handful of restaurants that form "The Jockey Club Fine Dining" offer.
The Fairlawne Package includes a four-course menu, alongside a welcome reception with canapés and afternoon tea.
Tuesday 11 March, Champion Day - £525
Wednesday 12 March, Ladies Day - £560
Thursday 13 March, St Patrick's Day - £525
Friday 14 March, Gold Cup Day - £595
The involvement of the Roux family follows Compass Group's £300m catering contract extension deal with the Jockey Club Racecourses in July this year.
The six-year food and beverage deal, which follows a previous 10-year contract, will now see the agreement continue until at least 2025 and involve all 15 Jockey Club Racecourses nationwide, including major sites Aintree, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs and Newmarket.
The offer will be provided on both race days and non-racing related events put on by the venues each year, and forms part of Jockey Club's overall development plan, which includes a £45m update to Cheltenham Racecourse.
