Newcastle Racecourse has invested in a new lead for its catering team with the appointment of a Head of Food and Beverage.
With over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Tony Sagar joins the Gosforth Park team in the newly created role where he will have responsibility for a team of 15, rising to 500 during Ladies Day – one of Newcastle Racecourse’s most popular racedays.
The appointment comes at a time of significant investment at the racecourse, following a £120k refurbishment of the racecourse’s on-site gastro-pub Border Minstrel, an increased race fixtures plan and the introduction of a new all-weather track alongside the existing turf jump track.
Tony, from Gosforth, began his career in the hotel and restaurant industries with Swallow Hotels and S&N, and moved into entertainment venues with SMG Europe, most recently working at senior executive level across arenas at Manchester, Leeds, Belfast and Newcastle
In a role that will see him control catering for all on-site food and beverage outlets including the racecourse, Border Minstrel and Parklands Golf complex, Tony will lead in delivering a quality customer experience across all retail and hospitality areas.
Tony said: “I’m delighted to join the racecourse at a pivotal time when significant investment is taking place. It’s fantastic to see the transformation of Gosforth Park take shape and I’m looking forward to applying my experience and knowledge to help raise the bar and deliver a quality customer experience for all race goers.
“With a bright future ahead this substantial investment will embrace the racecourse’s heritage, creating a world class sporting venue for all horsemen, racegoers and visitors who come to Newcastle Racecourse for years to come.”
David Williamson, executive director at Newcastle Racecourse, said: “Tony has a wealth of experience in the catering, entertainment and hospitality sectors and I’m delighted to welcome him to the team. His new role will help to ensure that we have strategies in place to strengthen our catering and dining experience for visitors to the racecourse.”
For more information on racedays and events at Newcastle Racecourse call 0191 236 2020 or go to www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk.