News

Down Royal on track for culinary revival with appointment of new catering partner

Down Royal Racecourse has appointed Belfast-based French Village as its new catering partner in a move which will significantly enhance and expand the culinary offering to racegoers.

French Village delights can be enjoyed by all at the Races – from small plates and snacks in the Dark Horse Wine Bar to three course meals in the hospitality suites and boxes.

Mike Todd, General Manager at Down Royal Racecourse, said:

“It is our ambition to create a first class entertainment experience for everybody who visits Down Royal – whether they be racing enthusiasts, on a corporate day out or even first time racegoers

“The culinary offering is a key component to the overall enjoyment of the day and we are delighted to have French Village on board to take that to the next level.”

Down Royal Racecourse now joins an extensive network of hotels, cafes, restaurants and other food retailers across the Belfast area to which French Village supplies catering.

Ashley French, Managing Director at French Village, said:

“The Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 also marks 35 years since French Village first opened its doors. The company has gone from strength to strength, so to now add a client such as Down Royal to our portfolio is a huge accomplishment for our team at French Village.

“Here at French Village supporting local suppliers is central to our company ethos and this will be reflected in our catering offering at the prestigious Down Royal Racecourse.”

The Northern Ireland Festival of Racing which falls on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November, will see thousands of racegoers pass through the turnstiles each day.

Ashley explained the impressive menu which will be enjoyed by racegoers at the Festival:

“Our menus across the two days of the Festival range from dishes such as Ewing’s smoked salmon to slow cooked Irish sirloin and of course, French Village buttermilk panna cotta.”

“We are excited to be a part of the Festival of Racing and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with Down Royal at the flagship November meeting.”

For more information about the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing, or to book tickets, please visit www.downroyal.com