Chester Racecourse gets go-ahead for new 'Winning Post' bar

Chester Races has been given the green light to build a permanent bar in its 'Winning Post' enclosure. The 'premium ticket only' section is currently home to a temporary bar, which the racecourse says is too small and often results in racegoers getting wet in bad weather while queuing to be served.

The new permanent structure will increase the number of tills so waiting times are reduced and will adjoin the existing canopy so customers avoid getting wet if it's raining. The race company's plans for the new bar were rubber-stamped by Cheshire West and Chester Council this week.

The planning application states: "The Winning Post enclosure is a popular location for racegoers, being well located beside the race track and close to the finishing line. It is also very well located for easy access to the Parade Ring. The enclosure is a premium ‘ticket only’ location where refreshments are available from the existing light-weight bar structure, constructed in timber and faced in green astro turf.

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"The need for this proposed new bar comes from a number of issues including the existing bar is temporary in appearance and not befitting of this premium enclosure; the gap between the bar and the existing roof canopy structure means that, in bad weather, racegoers will get wet if they are being served or queueing to be served; the existing bar contains very basic equipment such as refrigeration but is not appropriately fitted out for its customer or staff needs; the existing bar is too small to deal with the demand in this enclosure.

"A new bar with serving counter is proposed to replace the existing bar, in almost the exact location but built to adjoin the existing canopy structure. Customers standing under the canopy can be served under cover. The new bar will be managed by up to six colleagues of staff and will include improved storage facilities, allowing for more stock to be located at the point of sale.

"The new bar will improve guest experience by increasing the till positions to six, reducing wait times. It will also allow the service of much requested draft products. There is no demolition. The existing bar will simply be lifted and reused in the future elsewhere."

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