A room with a (lakeside) view and plenty of liquid refreshment

Keen to sample all that Badminton has to offer, bloggers Ellie Hughes and Emma Sewell dropped into the new lakeside bar – The Outside Chance – to check out this year's must-visit watering hole.
It is being run by events organiser Freddie Tulloch and Howard Spooner, who owns The Outside Chance pub near Marlborough and the Chelsea nightclub, Crazy Larrys. Both boys are passionate about making this work for the horse trials and have been working in collaboration with Badminton director Hugh Thomas.

“There is something for everyone,” said Freddie. And he is not wrong. The bar, complete with plasma screens, a cocktail bar, DJs and a generous sized outdoor area, serves food and drink of varying descriptions all day. When we arrived it was a hive of activity with young and old enjoying the thrills and spills that The Lake (fences 12 a, b, c and d) had to offer.

“We have been really pleased with the support that we have had from people over the weekend. We presented the idea to Hugh [Thomas] and he has been great,” said Freddie.
Howard acquired his Marlborough pub on the back of a 100-1 bet which enabled him to make the purchase. Hence the name – The Outside Chance.
Tonight The Outside Chance will play host to the much anticipated “Mane Event”, which kicks off at 6pm. Ticket holders (tickets cost £20 in advance) will be able to enjoy all the urban trimmings but in the fabulous surroundings of Badminton. We will certainly be dropping in for a drink and dance.