REDCAR - Hospitality - CROWS NEST RESTAURANT
Crow’s Nest Restaurant - Hospitality – Redcar Racecourse
At £94.50 per person, the Crow’s Nest package at Redcar offers an elevated dining and viewing experience that makes a raceday feel truly special. Situated on the second floor of the Petch Stand, the restaurant delivers sweeping views across the track, allowing you to enjoy every stride without leaving your table. From the moment we arrived, the attentive, friendly, and welcoming staff set the tone, escorting us to our trackside-view table and going above and beyond throughout the day.
The three-course menu was both varied and enticing, with something to suit every palate. Starters included:
• Soup of the day with chunky bread and butter (VT) — a comforting option for those seeking something warming to start.
• Chorizo scotch egg with panko asparagus and Parma ham spear, Dijon mayo, and a micro herb salad — a creative twist on a classic pub favourite.
• Cocktail of Atlantic prawns in a seafood sauce (MWG) — fresh, generously portioned, and presented in timeless style.
• Heirloom tomato galette with pickled shallot rings, salted cashew nut butter, and basil gel (VT) — vibrant and packed with flavour.
Each starter came with a bread roll and butter (VT). We opted for the chorizo scotch egg, which delivered a rich, meaty kick balanced by the freshness of the salad, and the prawn cocktail, which was served with a neat, classic presentation and a tangy seafood sauce.
Moving to the main courses, the options were equally appealing:
• Braised salt beef with lyonnaise potatoes, poached orange carrot, and a horseradish dumpling — tender and well-seasoned.
• Fruits de mer — a cold platter showcasing a generous variety of locally sourced fish and seafood.
• Breast of chicken with roast garlic and olive oil mashed potatoes, celeriac purée, and chorizo cream — a standout dish for its depth of flavour and perfect cooking.
• Slow-roast loin of pork with buttered leeks, caramelised red onion, king oyster mushroom, braised lentils, and red wine dressing — beautifully cooked with a well-balanced richness.
We tried the chicken, which was tender with a deliciously smooth mash, the braised beef, which melted in the mouth, and the pork, which was cooked to perfection. The fruits de mer platter impressed with its freshness and variety — a real celebration of local produce.
For dessert, the choices included:
• Caramelised white chocolate parfait — creamy, indulgent, and superbly executed.
• Blackberry Eton mess — fruity, light, and beautifully presented.
• Lemon meringue cheesecake — a zesty twist on a classic.
• Sticky toffee pudding — rich and comforting.
• Cheeseboard — Brie, Stilton, and Cheddar were served when we requested them, with staff going above and beyond to accommodate.
We opted for the parfait, which was exceptional, and the cheeseboard, which offered generous portions of well-chosen cheeses. A selection of teas and coffees was available to finish, with service running until 3:30pm on this raceday.
The bar offered a full range of drinks, with Guinness noticeably improved from our last visit — poured in a proper glass, served at the right temperature, and finished with a satisfying head. At £7.20 a pint, it was worth every sip. Tote betting services were handily positioned between the tables, meaning you could place a bet without missing the action.
Beyond the dining, we were privileged to present the Best Turned Out award in race three and to hand over prizes to the winning connections of the feature race — a real highlight of the day. We also had the joy of judging the carnival fancy dress competition, where the creativity from both children and adults was outstanding.
The view from the Crow’s Nest is one of Redcar’s big selling points. With a brilliant perspective over the racecourse’s unique oval shape, it’s the perfect spot to take in the racing in comfort. The parade ring, just a short walk away, is also excellent — a well-manicured lawn, tiered viewing, and plenty of space to appreciate the horses before they head to post.
In conclusion, the Crow’s Nest package at Redcar delivered on every front — a stunning trackside view, a beautifully curated three-course menu with something for everyone, drinks served with care, and staff who made the experience truly memorable. The combination of fine dining, unbeatable vantage points, and the chance to get involved in the day’s presentations made this much more than just a hospitality package — it was a raceday to remember.
