Waiters Race Returns to Brighton Racecourse for Charity

Local hospitality workers compete for charity

Waiters and bartenders from five Brighton restaurants and bars took part in a charity race at Brighton Racecourse on Thursday 15 October. The one furlong dash marked the first race of the season finale and featured runners from Cecconi's at Brighton Beach Club, Legends, Clementine & Co, Nostos and Chalk restaurant at Wiston Wine Estate.

Participants had to balance a tray of wine whilst running, with time penalties applied for any spillages. The race was organised by BITE Sussex with support from The Argus, and profits from losing bets placed by racegoers went to Justlife, a Brighton-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and severe social exclusion.

Victory for Clementine & Co

Lukas Ridstrom from Clementine & Co on Duke Street claimed victory, proving to be both the quickest runner and most steady-handed. He said: "Working with BITE Sussex and everyone involved is always fun and exciting especially when we all come together for a good cause. At Clementine & Co we work closely with local charities and have supported Justlife before with one our monthly charity cocktail promotions so participating in the Waiters Race is a win for them and also our independent cocktail bar in Duke Street."

Kyriakos Baxevanis, owner of Nostos restaurant and chair of the School of Business and Law Advisory Board at the University of Brighton, also took part. He said: "It was great fun representing Nostos and supporting Justlife. Thank you to BITE Sussex and The Argus for organising the race, championing local hospitality and bringing us together to raise money for a good cause."

Community spirit celebrated

Fran Anderson from the Justlife Foundation praised the event, saying: "A waiters race at Brighton Racecourse has to be one of the most gloriously bonkers fundraisers we've ever been involved in, and I absolutely loved it. The links between hospitality and homelessness are all too real, so seeing Brighton's brilliant hospitality industry get behind Justlife means the world to us."

Shapla Begum of Brighton Racecourse added: "The Waiters Race was a brilliant celebration of Brighton's hospitality community, bringing people together for a bit of friendly competition, plenty of laughs and a great cause. It's what Brighton does best, community spirit with a sense of fun!"

The event was the first Waiters Race in Brighton for several years. BITE Sussex will next host the Sussex Young Chef of the Year competition, with final rounds at The Sussex Peasant market and Soho House in early 2027.

Source: read the full story