Waiters sprint for glory at Brighton Racecourse

Waiters and bartenders took to the track for a charity Waiter’s Race on Thursday 15 October.

The first race of the season finale at Brighton Racecourse saw runners from Cecconi’s at Brighton Beach Club, Legends, Clementine & Co, Nostos and Chalk restaurant at Wiston Wine Estate go head-to-head in a one furlong dash to the finishing post.

Organised by BITE Sussex and supported by The Argus, as well as being the fastest, waiters also had to balance a tray of wine on one hand with time penalties for spillages.

Although close to a photo-finish, the ultimate winner was Lukas Ridstrom from Clementine & Co who proved to be not only quickest on his feet but also to have the steadiest hand.

“Working with BITE Sussex and everyone involved is always fun and exciting especially when we all come together for a good cause,” said Lukas.

“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.”

To support Justlife – a Brighton-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and severe social exclusion – racegoers could place a bet on the runners with losing bets donated to the charity.

“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,” said Fran Anderson from the Justlife Foundation.

“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. A huge thanks to Bite Sussex and everyone who took part”.

Although there could only be one winner, participating runners were gracious in defeat.

“It was great fun representing Nostos and supporting Justlife,” said racer Kyriakos Baxevanis owner of Nostos restaurant and chair of the School of Business and Law Advisory Board at the University of Brighton.

“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.”

It had been a number of years since the last Waiters Race in Brighton and the racecourse team were more than happy to play host again.

"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,” said Shapla Begum of Brighton Racecourse.

“It’s what Brighton does best – community spirit with a sense of fun!”

The next BITE Sussex event is the Sussex Young Chef of the Year competition with final rounds to be hosted at The Sussex Peasant market and Soho House in early 2027.