From a good fry-up to a pint of Guinness, start Cheltenham race week with one of the top breakfasts in the Cotswolds – our guide takes the gamble out of where to go for a winning Full English in and around Cheltenham

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Before you place your bets this Gold Cup week, indulge in a traditional cooked breakfast to set you up for the forthcoming St Patricks Day celebrations or Ladies Day at the races.

Whether its a Full Irish or continental breakfast to the more civilised smoked salmon and scrambled eggs with a glass of champagne – we share our local knowledge of Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds to ensure a lucky start to your day at Cheltenham Racecourse. For breakfast the whole year round, read our guide to the best brunches in Cheltenham.

1. The Ox, Cheltenham

Enjoy the atmosphere of Cheltenham Festival with a hearty race week brunch at The Ox. From porridge and Eggs Benedict, to pancakes or a Full English - there's something on the menu to suit all appetites. Brunch will be served from 9am to 1pm everyday. To book your table, contact The Ox by email info@theoxcheltenham.com or call 01242 234779.

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2. The Montpellier Chapter, Cheltenham

Head to the restored regency villa between 10.30am – 12.00 noon for a racing brunch made with fresh seasonal produce. Including Tea or Coffee, Fresh juice and toast, in addition to a Full English including: Cotswold sausage, back bacon, grilled tomato, flat mushroom, black pudding & your choice of local free range eggs, fried, poached, scrambled or boiled. Other brunch combinations are also available. Racing Brunch £14.50 per person. 01242 527788

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3. Boston Tea Party, Cheltenham

The quirky Boston Tea Party is a popular breakfast venue all year round – and just round the corner from the buses heading to the race course. If you don’t fancy the traditional fry-up, opt for their eggy sourdough bread served with bacon, avocado, tomatoes and tobasco – delicious! 01242 576266

4. The Tavern, Cheltenham

Known for their delicious burgers and Sunday roasts served in a laid-back atmosphere, the Tavern also offer a mean breakfast! Tuck into their full English for £9, or try something a little different – eggs Florentine is £7 or pancakes with blueberry compote and crème fraiche is £6. Breakfast is served from 9am-12pm. 01242 221212

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5. Bills, Cheltenham

Spread across two floors with an outdoor terrace, Bill’s Regent Street location is in the perfect place if you’re catching the bus to the races. The full English, at £7.95,includes Cumberland sausage, fried free range eggs, tomatoes,mushrooms, smoked streaky bacon and toast. Or for something a little more continental, opt for a coffee and Bill’s Bread Basket – that’s a toasted bloomer, mini croissant and pain au chocolat with jams and marmalades for £3.95. 01242 220775

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6. The Beehive, Cheltenham

Ever popular with the racing crowd, The Beehive in Montpellier will be serving up breakfast as usual this race week. In addition to great race day breakfasts there will be mini bus transport to and from the course for patrons every day of Cheltenham Gold Cup Week (Tuesday - Friday). Breakfast and transport is £15. 01242 702270

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7. The Gloucester Old Spot, Knightsbridge

If you’re heading down from the north, this country pub on the outskirts of Cheltenham, is only ten minutes from the racecourse and it's the ideal destination to fill up en route to the festival. The Gold Cup Racing Breakfast includes toast, sausage, egg, bacon, tomato, black pudding, baked beans, mushrooms and hash browns and it is served from 9am. 01242 680321

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8. The Plough, Ford

Well known for their Gold Cup events, The Plough offer a Full English for £8.95 from 9am - 12noon. There will be a marquee waiting for race goers to make sure there’s enough space for everyone to get their eggs and bacon before heading into Cheltenham. 01386 584215

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9. Hotel du Vin, Cheltenham

If you're feeling a little upmarket, join Hotel du Vin for pre-race cocktails and brunch. Amongst the usual cooked breakfasts, pastries and a continental buffet, race goers can enjoy a Bloody Mary or a Bucks Fizz to get them into the festival spirit. Breakfasts cost £19.95 per person, and they are served until 12pm.

10. The Strand, Cheltenham

For an atmospheric race week experience, The Strand will be serving up tasty cooked breakfasts and pints of Guiness between 9am and 12pm, 15-18 March. What's more, the pub is just a short walk from the racecourse - just follow the tweed jackets!

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11. Soho Bar, Montpellier

Throughout Cheltenham race week, Soho will be serving cooked breakfasts from 8am and Guiness will be on draught all day. If you couldn't get tickets to the main event, fear not as all of the action will be shown live and on the big screen in the bar.

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12. No.38, The Park

Lucky Onion hotel No.38 The Park, will be throwing open its doors to hungry race goers this year for pre-festival breakfasts and brunch. The venue is only a ten minute walk from the racecourse so you won't have far to go. Booking is essential so call 01242 822 929 or email reservations@no38thepark.com to reserve your spot.

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13. The County Kitchen, Cheltenham

If you'd like your race week breakfast to be locally sourced then The County Kitchen is the place to go – with the majority of their produce coming direct from local farms and suppliers. Tucked away on Grosvenor Street (just opposite Real Burger), the café is a twenty minute walk from the racecourse and it serves a great house breakfast complete with local old spot sausage and bacon.

14. Monty's Brasserie, Cheltenham

Monty's is known in Cheltenham to serve some of the best cocktails in town. So pop over to this sophisticated, contemporary bar during race week for a delicious brunch, Bloody Marys, Champagne cocktails and draught Guiness. Contact 01242 227678 to book.

P.S. Cheltenham will be packed with race goers for the festival, so don’t forget to book in advance for breakfast!

Don't miss some of Cheltenham's top bars, restaurants, curry houses and Sunday roasts whilst you're here.