Racecourse refurb is sure-fire winner
Hamilton Park invests heavily in a new look
I’ve never put a bet on a horse race in my life. I’ve never even taken in a meeting.
So when I was invited to check out the renovations being carried out at Hamilton Park Racecourse in a bid to make it one of the county’s premier “night out venues”, I was sceptical.
I’ll be honest, I assumed the racecourse was exclusively for those who liked a flutter on the “gee-gees” with a pint. I’m happy to report I was proven completely and utterly wrong.
I met with Hamilton Park’s chief executive Vivien Currie and was issued with a hard hat and high-vis vest for a tour of the grandstand.
Vivien explained: “The Conservatory Cafe very much used to be a ‘grab and go’ facility, where people could nip in for a quick meal or snack. However, it is being totally transformed into an area where people can relax and spend a bit of time. The bar is being moved and will offer service both from inside and outside, while there will be a new Tote service point.
“The whole area will have completely fresh decor and contemporary artwork inspired by the course. There will also be a 75in TV and several flatscreens throughout, so no one misses the action.
“We considered putting booths in, but opted for traditional tables and chairs which can be moved for flexibility, meaning the area will be completely multi-functional and suitable for receptions and events.”
Vivien tells me they’re hoping to compete with restaurants and bars in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and hearing about the plans certainly piqued my interest for making a return visit.
She added: “At Duke’s Bar and Restaurant, we were finding that the restaurant area was exceptionally busy at times and guests were a getting a bit cramped. So we are redesigning the space to extend the restaurant so we can accommodate more people comfortably.
“We are completely transforming the area, with the type of decor that you would find in bars in the likes of Glasgow or Edinburgh. That’s what people expect nowadays, and we are really working hard to keep up with what else is out there.”
Vivien concludes: “We are creating so much for the social race-goer. It will have the feel of a boutique hotel, and that’s the standard we are aiming at.
“The staff here are very excited to see the finished look. Over the years, we have become a 365-daya-year business, but the facilities haven’t always lent themselves very well to that. But following the investment and a lot of hard work, I am confident we will be able to cater for that a lot more easily.”
We are completely transforming the area with the type of decor you would find in bars in Glasgow or Edinburgh