Levy UK secures Newbury Racecourse contract

Levy UK has been awarded a 10-year contract for an undisclosed value to supply catering and hospitality services to Newbury Racecourse.

The contract, which was previously overseen by in-house catering, will see Levy provide raceday hospitality to up to 20,000 attendees and corporate functions, which range from small meetings to 1,000-person conferences. Levy will also cater breakfast at the Lodge, Newbury Racecourse’s 36-bedroom hotel, located on the grounds of the venue.

Levy and Newbury Racecourse have created a new food and drink brand, Taste Newbury, which will see a new range of sustainable food and beverage options be added to menus. Raceday attendees will also be able to choose from a range of street food, thanks to Levy’s partnership with Kerb, and an improved drinks offering after a collaboration with Peppermint Bars.

Digital menus will also be key to the offering at the racecourse, along with cashless solutions and ordering technology to reduce queuing times.

“As sporting venues across the UK begin to reopen, we are working with Newbury Racecourse to ensure that guests are offered the exciting and memorable visit they have been waiting for during lockdown,” said Jon Davies, managing director at Levy UK and Ireland.

“Newbury Racecourse and Levy share a vision on how best to futureproof the spectator experience and innovate the venue’s catering and hospitality operations. We will build on the important ethos they have placed on food and drink across their business – by improving technology, offering great food and drink choices, building a sustainable approach as well as investing in the local community.”

Julian Thick, chief executive at Newbury Racecourse, added: “Levy has an unparalleled level of expertise and experience in delivering outstanding catering and hospitality at some of the country’s largest and most prestigious venues, and we’re confident and excited that they will have a positive impact here at Newbury Racecourse. We are passionate about ensuring the very best customer experience across every event and are looking forward to working with the Levy team to bring new and exciting high-quality menus and hospitality experiences to all our customers.”