From a hearty fry-up to a pint of Guinness, start Cheltenham Race Week with one of these top local breakfasts. Our guide takes the gamble out of where to go for a winning way to start the day
The Ox, Cambray Place
One of our favourite restaurants in Cheltenham, The Ox is well known for serving melt-in-mouth steaks, and during race week, a delicious breakfast too! Dishes include a traditional full English, steak and eggs or a decadent Champion’s Brunch. To book your table, visit the website or call 01242 234779. To note: the racing brunch will be served from 9am-1pm on from Tuesday to Friday.
The Tavern, Royal Well Place
Known for their delicious, locally-sourced fare (our mouths are watering just thinking about the French Dip & fries) served among rustic, laidback interiors, The Tavern will also be serving a hearty breakfast during Cheltenham Race Week from 8am to noon - a fry-up will cost you £15.95 alongside a hot drink. Can’t make it to the racecourse? Watch the races from the Tavern’s big screen.
Woodkraft, Regent Street
Start the day in style with a signature Woodkraft breakfast, served alongside a pint of Guinness or glass of Prosecco. Pancakes and breakfast baps will also be on offer from 8am-1pm. After something satisfying – and downright delicious – to soak up the pints or glasses of fizz at the racecourse? Chef Simon Wood and co will be serving steak served with garlic butter and burgers in the evening.
Hotel du Vin, Parabola Road
If you’re feeling a little fancy, join Hotel du Vin for pre-race cocktails and brunch. Among the usual cooked breakfasts, pastries and a continental buffet, racegoers can enjoy a Bloody Mary or a Bucks Fizz to get them into the festival spirit. There will even be copies of the Racing Post to hand! Breakfasts will be served throughout Race Week.
The Beehive, Montpellier Villas
Ever popular with the racing crowd, The Beehive will be serving up cooked breakfasts as usual from Tuesday March 12 – Friday March 15. Opt for the full English, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, veggie breakfast or steak ‘n’ eggs alongside free tea and coffee. In addition, this charming Cheltenham local have also organised transport to and from the racecourse for patrons. Booking is highly advised, call 01242 702270.
The Strand, High Street
The Strand will be serving up a menu of delicious fried breakfasts, alongside Guinness and plenty of local ales, from 9am-12pm on Tuesday through to Friday. What’s more, the pub is just a short walk from the racecourse – just follow the tweed jackets. For those staying in town, the Strand will be showing all the action live.
Fire Station, St James Square
One of our favourite brunches to enjoy in Cheltenham, you’re guaranteed a tasty way to start the day at the Fire Station. From the Tuesday through to the Friday of The Festival, doors will be open from 9am for race goers to enjoy a delicious breakfast among the restaurant’s gorgeous interiors. Think breakfast muffins, Full English, Eggs Benedict and their Avocado Smash.
Malmaison, Bayshill Road
Head to the stunning regency villa between 10am and 1pm on selected dates for a delicious racing brunch made with fresh seasonal produce. Enjoy a choice of tea and coffee, fresh fruit juice and toast alongside a menu full of breakfast favourites including the Mal omelette or the Big Mal Breakfast. Booking is advised.
Bottle of Sauce, Ambrose Street
We are thrilled when The Bottle of Sauce bought back their brunches, and racegoers get to try the Boss Man and Might Veggie during the Cheltenham Festival. On March 13 and 14, BOS will be hosting a ‘Hedge Your Bets’ brekkie & tips morning with BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Faye Hatcher and Racing Post’s James Stevens – a great education into the day ahead.
Served in the grandeur of Pittville Pump and the surrounding parkland, enjoy sausage, bacon, eggs, baked beans and all the trimmings before making the short walk up to the racecourse. The Race Week Breakfast 2019 costs £11.25 when booked in advance, and is served from March 12-15.
Bierkeller, Bath Road
Raucous, loud and plenty of fun, if you want to start the party early on race day then breakfast at the Bierkeller is for you. A fry-up with a Haus pint is just under a tenner – and the races will be shown live throughout the afternoon Tuesday through to Friday.
From morning to night, the Brewery Quarter is going to be busy with racegoers wanting to have a good time and, luckily, there’s plenty of festivities to enjoy. Babel, Botanist and Brewhouse & Kitchen are just some of the places serving breakfast – including the Botanist’s bottomless Proscecco or beer brunch for £25pp.
Henry’s Tea Room, High Street
Tucked away off the High Street, Henry’s is a charming tea room well-known for its light lunches, cakes and afternoon teas. During Race Week, from 9.30am until the first race, BYOB and tuck into a breakfast fit for a king. The Racing Breakfast consists of a ham & cheese croissant, smoked salmon & cream cheese bagel, mini pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt, fruit compote, as well as hot drinks and orange juice. Call 01242 577921 to book a table.
Sup & Chow, Bath Road
A hearty fried breakfast is on the menu at the Sup & Chow on Bath Road, and you can enjoy your sausage, bacon and eggs alongside a pint of Guinness or a glass of bubbly. Open from 8.30am – make your booking on 01242 521736. For those staying in town for race day, the much-loved local will be showing all the action on the big screen.
A little further afield...
The Plough, Ford
There are many reasons why The Plough at Ford scooped Best Cotswold Pub at the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards 2017, and their fantastic reputation for Race Week celebrations is just one of them. During the four days of racing, enjoy a delicious breakfast and Donnington ale before making your way to Cheltenham or enjoying it from the pub’s large flatscreen TV. Advance booking is advised – 01386 584215.
Make sure to book your breakfast! These places will get very busy during Cheltenham Race Week.
