An entrepreneur from Marlborough has been invited to open his own unique bar bringing a taste of Spain to the Royal Ascot 2024.

Father-of-two Jose Sol was brought up in Madrid but now lives in Marlborough and has spent almost a decade serving up the finest Iberian ham at the major racing event.

But now Jose is starting a new venture, opening up his very own ham bar in Ascot's Old Paddock.

The Jamón Bar by Jose Sol is a new concept created specifically for Royal Ascot 2024, and to make the ham bar more authentic, Sol has commissioned Montesinos Cabinetry, one of the most traditional cabinetmakers in Spain to design and build the bar.
Jose Sol has been declared a Spanish ham master Jose Sol has been declared a Spanish ham master (Image: Jose Sol)

“It’s a dream come true to be opening my own Jamon Bar at Royal Ascot," said Wiltshire local Jose.

"When I got the call from the organisers’ I had to pinch myself. I think it’s thanks to the success of my hard work over the years.

“Iberian ham is my way of life, it is my passion and I am very happy to see the achievements little by little we have achieved."

100 per cent acorn-fed Iberian ham has become a popular trend at high society parties and is often sought after by luxury restaurants thanks to its roots in traditional Spanish gastronomy and its delicious taste and texture.

 Jose's bar will feature an open kitchen and hanging hams to make visitors feel like they are in Spain.

Jose Sol served up his famous ham at the final of the Wembley ChampionshipsJose Sol served up his famous ham at the Wembley final of the Champions League (Image: Jose Sol)

“We have been taking ham to the most exclusive events like the Chelsea Flower Show, Old Trafford, and the Royal Albert Hall, working with some of the best chefs in the UK," Jose explained.

"Our portfolio of private events has taken us all over the world, meeting Hollywood stars such as Brad Pitt, Quentin Tarantino, and Leonardo Di Caprio. 

“We just recently served our hams at the legendary Wembley Stadium during the Champions League final, so between events and training workshops, we have a full agenda until the end of the year."

But despite the busy calendar and running a bar at the Royal Ascot, Jose is continuing full steam ahead with even more exciting plans for the future.

The Marlborough entrepreneur says he hopes to open an online store called “La Tienda by Jose Sol” in the near future which will feature products that until now were difficult to find in the UK, including the best wines to pair with his ham.