CEO of Chester Race Company, Richard Thomas, who has masterminded some of the most forward thinking moves in the racing industry, is set to bring the best of Manchester to Chester this May. The ‘dream team’ that will be introduced to the luxurious new venue, Parade, this May, includes the chef behind Restaurant MCR, Aiden Byrne, as well as interior designer, Michelle Derbyshire who brought arguably the UK’s most ‘Instagrammable’ bar to Manchester.
Recently awarded the title of the ‘World’s Oldest Horse Racecourse in Operation’, Chester Racecourse has constantly innovated during its 480-year history. However, ‘Parade with Aiden Byrne’ unveils a taste of its menu this week and is set to take Chester to the next level by bringing a fine-dining, city-centre venue to the heart of the racecourse, opening its doors for the first time on Wednesday 8th May for the Boodles May Festival.
‘Parade with Aiden Bryne’ is a totally unique, trackside venue that is being brought to life by the man who was named the youngest chef to ever win a Michelin star, Aiden Byrne. Parade’s offer includes a totally tailored experience from start to finish, and at the heart of it, an award-winning six course menu that starts with bespoke canapé and Champagne and goes on to include the likes of Roasted scallop with white chocolate and truffle risotto and Braised rib of beef served with sweet miso hollandaise and choucroute, finishing with chocolate mousse and violet ice cream. The menu will change every day and Aiden will take the time to personally serve various courses of the six-dish menu to guests.
CEO of Chester Race Company, Richard Thomas, gave both Aiden Byrne and Michelle Derbyshire their first official tour of the building last week, with both set to be handed over the keys to prepare the venue for the imminent opening. Thomas comments: “It was fantastic to be able to show Aiden and Michelle the progress being made on the venue, now in its final stages of development. To mark our 480th anniversary, we wanted to do something really special and Parade is sure to do just that.
“We knew that developing a venue of this calibre required the best in the industry, which was why we turned to Aiden and Michelle in order to bring our ideas to fruition. Our team has been working with them around the clock to ensure that this intimate and private space stands out from the rest, from the mouth-watering menu and sensational interior design, right through to the concierge service that takes customers on a journey that will exceed expectations. With its incredible trackside location, this is set to be one of the most exciting sporting venues in the world.”
Aiden comments, “We wanted to ensure that Parade is a totally immersive experience from start to finish. By being centred at the heart of the track, guests will feel totally absorbed in the action and we wanted to reflect this in the service. We will provide guests with an exceptional restaurant experience and my team and I will be making sure we get to every table, taking the time to run through the menu with them personally .”
“I have selected menus that are set to blow the guests away at Chester Racecourse; from the sublime, such as Roasted turbot with artichokes and mushrooms and Strawberry mousse with apple marigold and wild strawberry sorbet to classics, such as Braised rib of beef and the Manchester Tart.”
Due to be finalised at this end of this week, the interiors concept has been kept under lock and key with much excitement over how the space will finally look. The project has involved a design collaboration with award-winning interior designer Michelle Derbyshire and A Styled Lifestyle, with a ‘luxurious haven on the racecourse’ set to be unveiled. The space will feature a summer garden roof bar and viewing terrace, the perfect position from which to cheer on the runners and riders of the day.
Parade by Aiden Byrne is fully booked on Friday 10th May, with very limited availability on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th May. For more information on this new exclusive race day experience at Chester and to book tickets, please contact Kate Dawson – kdawson@chester-races.com