Paddock Bar, Silverstone  

The many of you who aren't petrolheads will, nevertheless, have heard of the Silverstone racing circuit, but only true gearheads will be aware of, and have drunk in, the Paddock Bar. Once merely a Portakabin with a bar, the Paddock Bar has been expanded and remodelled as part of the general overhaul of the circuit over the last few years, as the BRDC tries to keep Bernie happy and in turn let them host the British GP. Not to be confused with the myriad of corporate hospitality opportunities available in the buildings around the paddock, the bar is resolutely downmarket - catering for the motor racing hoi polloi (the true fans) and a surprising number of Nomex-clad drivers. As drinking experiences go it doesn't offer much - seemingly a cross between a station waiting room and a working men's club. Nothing but gas-powered or bottled beer (and a smattering of wines and spirits) is on offer and the service can be slow, even when it's not busy. Its most welcome attribute is the shelter it can provide from the capricious Silverstone climate, but if proof were ever needed that drinking and driving don't mix - then the Paddock Bar could well be exhibit A.

reviewed:
16/9/2007

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