York Racecourse

York Racecourse launch new Melrose Club Lounge

13th January 2010

The 2010 season at York will see the launch of a new concept to the Knavesmire, to be called the Melrose Club Lounge.

Located on the second floor of a redeveloped Melrose Stand, the new concept offers County Stand racegoers the use of a luxury lounge with racing views, as well as including an innovative Yorkshire Tapas selection.  Admission to this exclusive area will be limited in number.  It will have track views as well as a conservatory overlooking the Weighing Room.  The intention is to offer a relaxed atmosphere where places can be purchased on a daily basis for those with either County Stand Day or Annual Badges.

Speaking about the new idea, James Brennan, Head of Marketing, explained that the course has a regular dialogue with customers and said, “Racegoers told us that they wanted somewhere comfortable to follow racing, have a bite to eat, and perhaps entertain friends and guests.  They like the high quality and grand scale of the Ebor Restaurant yet don’t want to do it every time they come to York.  They love the buzz on the Champagne Terrace on a summer’s day however we all know that not every day brings sunshine.  From these conversations, the Melrose Club Lounge was born”.

The Melrose Club Lounge will be on the second floor of the Melrose Stand and so is at the heart of the racing action; adjacent to both the Parade Ring and Weighing Room with a view of the Winning Post.  The Melrose Club Lounge will have a dedicated lift, private facilities, fully stocked bar with the opportunity to run a daily account, totepool service, picture windows and viewing balcony across the home straight.

James Brennan continued, “The views of racing will be stunning and we think it will be ideal for someone who wants to guarantee a relaxed afternoon following the equine stars at York, knowing they can get a drink and bite to eat close at hand.”

The Melrose Club Lounge badge includes tasty food in the form of a canapé and light bite selection, styled as Yorkshire Tapas; followed by light afternoon tea.  The choices will vary by day and the range is being developed Andrew Hebdon and David Fearnley who bring over 50 years of expertise and experience to the project and who have recently been joined by award winning chef, Lee Heptinstall.  Treats will include Whitby fish pie, Wensleydale risotto cakes and the invigorating Bloody Mary and tabasco shots.

Commenting on the food, James Brennan observed, “I’ve really enjoyed the tasting sessions, the team have done a great job.  I think this relaxed style of eating will really appeal to some racegoers and we have designed it in the knowledge that many of them want to enjoy an evening after racing in the fabulous restaurants in the County.”                                       

A full range of drinks, including York’s signature Champagne of the Meeting, both by the bottle and the glass, will be available to purchase on the day.  Melrose Club Lounge Badgeholders will be able to operate a credit card account through the day.

For its first year, places in the Melrose Club Lounge can be purchased for a £50 top-up on the full County Stand admission price; for example at the Dante Festival the combined price for the day including admission will be £80, with customers able to take advantage of the County Stand early bird booking discount until May 5th and pay just £78.
 
In conclusion, James Brennan noted, “The investment in facilities at York gives us the opportunity to respond to customer requests and I believe that the Melrose Club Lounge will prove a popular innovation.” 

The new lounge forms part the investment programme this winter at York which includes a £1.8 million improvement scheme on the lower levels of the Melrose Stand by the Parade Ring.  As well as this second floor lounge, there are improvements to the Owners and Trainers Club on the first floor and to tote facilities on the ground floor.  Work is well underway and the project is on course for completion ahead of the start of the three day Dante Festival on Wednesday 12 May 2010.

Please click here for more information.

To advance book or also for further information please call our bookings team on 01904 620911.

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