Raise a Goodwood glass (and a Goodwood Cup) to racecourse's 1812 Bar

The 1812 Bar – formerly the Benting Bar – has been named to mark the 200th anniversary of the Goodwood Cup, one of the annual highlights of Glorious Goodwood.

Pictures of past contests adorn the walls and an honours board will list every winner.

Contractors worked hard to finish the revamp in time for last Saturday’s first meeting of the season.

The racecourse’s operations manager, James Crespi, said: “The March Stand, under which the bar is sited, is just over 30 years old and the Benting Bar had not really changed a lot in that time.

“Last year we unveiled a new bar – now the Gordons Bar – in the Gordon Enclosure, so this year we shifted the focus to this area.

“Architect Brian Beardsmore, who’s worked on a huge number of large-scale projects across the estate, was brought in to come up with the design and we’re delighted with how it’s starting to look.”

It’s designed as a bar which can cope with a large volume of customers plus a bistro-style eaterie where there will be table service but where race-goers will also be able to grab quick snacks.

Crespi said: “The bar was previously quite dark, almost cave-like, and offered fairly old-fashioned food choices, but it was still popular. We hope what we’re doing with it will make it even more of a focal point. It’s one of the premier bars we have.”

Racecourse MD Adam Waterworth said: “There is so much history and heritage here and it will be nice to bring a little more of it to life.”