For centuries Royal Ascot has been a highlight of the British social calendar, a chance to spend an event like no other with family and friends. Sodexo has worked at Royal Ascot for 20 years and every year the whole team push the boundaries of fine dining to deliver the best in hospitality, whether it be in one of the many restaurants, private boxes or a bespoke experience. As the official catering and hospitality partner, Sodexo has been providing race day and non-race day catering services, serving around 300,000 visitors over the five-day Royal Ascot meeting.

From collaborations with Michelin- starred chefs such as Phil Howard, Tom Kerridge and Raymond Blanc to introducing new retail food concepts such as Bubbles and Bangers and The Smokehouse, Sodexo consistently enhances the race day experience for the discerning racegoer.

Our focus on customer service

Of course, it’s not all about fine-dining. Race-goers were able to enjoy the great British summer with specially made picnics; dabble in the finest seafood available in our Champagne and oyster bars; or just grab a gourmet burger and watch the horses come in.

One thing that remained constant throughout, however, was our focus on customer service. Everyone we employed for Royal Ascot had undergone intense training to ensure that the customer is king – whether it be the high-flying executive buying Champagne by the magnum in the Royal Enclosure or the race fan buying a pint of lager in the grandstand.

And that’s what makes Royal Ascot such a great event. Not the buzz of the racing or the elegance on show; not the caviar canapés or the glimpse of Her Majesty The Queen; but the combination of everything that creates an unbeatable customer experience. And we’re right at the heart of it.

• Follow the Ascot horse races at www.ascot.co.uk