Ascot’s resurgence continued into the latter half of 2024, with the team behind Hamilton’s Middle Eastern-inspired wine bar and bistro, Ach, opening Sarni on Racecourse Road. Described as a New York diner meets European deli, Sarni operates as a sandwich joint during the day and a bar serving wines and small plates at night. Taking over the site previously home to Frigg Cafe, Sarni’s daytime menu feature a selection of deli-style sandwiches filled with house-smoked, cured and chargrilled meats, locally sourced produce, and sliced-to-order cheese from the likes of Fino Foods and Section28 Artisan Cheeses. Once Sarni’s liquor licence is approved, the venue will offer a concise wine list weighing in at around 20 bottles, with the overall selection expected to rotate frequently. There will also be a couple of taps pouring batched cocktails and craft beers, with the possibility of the Sarni dispensing a brew of its own making down the line.
