Four-course dining
The Fairwood Brasserie at Chelmsford City
Ground-floor dining by the final furlong, with a four-course buffet and private home-straight terrace. The 2026 offer also listed Grandstand and Parade Ring viewing, a reserved table and Tote betting.
Photo: Justindeeny, CC BY 4.0, cropped
Who it suits
- Dining with a view and reserved table.
- Visitors who want a hosted meal rather than separate concessions.
- Groups and families seeking a buffet and terrace.
Ticket prices
| Event/package | Advance / listed price |
|---|---|
| Dining-page starting priceAdvance hospitality from-price | from £75 |
| Queen Charlotte Stakes 2026Members price £70; fixture later cancelled | from £85 |
These are advance package from-prices on the official dining and fixture pages. Chelmsford cancelled August and September 2026 fixtures and paused ticket sales; no future fixture rate is available.
Where your ticket takes you
- The package includes general admission and entry to the named restaurant for that fixture.
- Fairwood lists its private home-straight terrace; the Club event page includes Grandstand and Parade Ring viewing.
- Club packages also list Sports Bar, Grill Kitchen and Home Straight Terrace access.
- The room is a separate booking and is not included with ordinary grounds admission.
Not included
- Admission to the other restaurant, which is a separate package.
- Child concessions for hospitality.
- Guaranteed availability at every fixture; the FAQ says packages vary by event.
The view
Home Straight and private terrace. The 2026 offer also listed Grandstand and Parade Ring viewing, a reserved table and Tote betting.
Food and drink
Unlimited four-course buffet and seasonal carvery
Four-course buffet
The racecourse advertises an unlimited four-course buffet; its feature-day listing calls this a gourmet carvery.
Seasonal menus
Its dining page says the winter offer centres on carvery, while summer menus include cold meats and seafood.
Table service
The 2026 package listed table service for drinks and betting. Give dietary requirements when booking.
Facilities
Reserved table
The official event pages list a table for the duration of the day. Club tables are limited to eight; contact the office about larger groups.
Meal service
Restaurants open with gates. Club asks guests to reach their main course by race four; Fairwood’s buffet usually runs for about two to three hours from within the first hour.
Betting and racecard
Both offers include a racecard and Tote betting; courier betting is available at the table.
Parking and payment
The 2026 packages list free car parking. The FAQ says both restaurants accept cash and card.
Dress code
The racecourse does not publish a separate Fairwood dress code. Its general advice depends on the event; the Club Restaurant’s jacket-and-tie rule applies to that separate room. Neat, comfortable clothing and a coat for the terrace are practical.
Getting in
Enter through the main Ticket Office and keep the hospitality ticket ready to scan. Restaurant doors open with the gates. The FAQ says Club service begins during the first hour and guests should be on their main course by race four; Fairwood buffet starts in that first hour and lasts about two to three hours. The Queen Charlotte Stakes hospitality gate time was 11.30am, but that fixture was cancelled. Bags are limited to A4 and may be searched; outside food and alcohol are prohibited.
Accessibility
The racecourse says the Ticket Office is level-floored, then the route into the central course uses a pedestrian tunnel and an approximately 130-metre sloped path. Ramps or lifts reach areas above ground level. A complimentary buggy runs from the Ticket Office to the Grandstand for visitors with mobility difficulties, but it does not collect from cars, carry wheelchairs or children, and can pause at busy times. Accessible toilets are on each Grandstand level and at the Pavilion and Ticket Office. The limited 2-for-1 personal-assistant scheme is for general admission only, not hospitality. Contact the racecourse about the exact route to a booked room; Blue Badge spaces are near the entrance and subject to availability.
Children and families
Children are welcome with a valid Fairwood booking. The FAQ says children aged two and older require a full-price hospitality ticket; under-twos are free if the venue is told beforehand so a highchair can be arranged.
Tips
- Send dietary requirements with the booking; the Club page says same-day requests cannot be fulfilled.
- Arrive within the first hour of opening to make full use of the dining service window.
- Check that Parade Ring access is in the package for the selected fixture.
- Ask about table size and highchairs before booking.
Questions people ask
Does Fairwood include admission?
Yes. The page lists admission, meal, parking, racecard and courier betting as part of its package.
What food is served?
The racecourse advertises an unlimited four-course buffet, with winter carvery and summer cold meats and seafood.
What did Fairwood cost in 2026?
The dining page showed from £75 and the Queen Charlotte Stakes listing from £85 (members £70). That event was cancelled.
Can children attend?
Yes with a valid booking; under-twos are free if advised in advance, while children aged two or older need a full-price ticket.
Are tickets currently on sale?
No. The racecourse update of 16 September 2026 says fixture delivery is on hold and ticket sales for all other events are paused.
Can I bring food or alcohol?
Outside food and alcohol are prohibited. A small sealed bottle of water is allowed; a dietary requirement must be arranged with the racecourse.
Other enclosures at Chelmsford City
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Sources
Checked on 3 October 2026 against:
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