The horses aren't the only ones who need fuelling up before The Cheltenham Festival! Start your race day (or week) off right with our recommendations for a hearty breakfast or blissful brunch in Cheltenham.
Races breakfasts in and around Cheltenham Racecourse
Want to be ready at the stands as early as possible? Cheltenham Racecourse has a variety of food and drink options right on site, from coffee shops and food trucks to The Mandarin, the Racecourse's very own gastro pub.
The sports bar at Cheltenham's Prince of Wales Stadium will be serving up their usual race-themed breakfast buffet. Less than 15 minutes' walk from the racecourse, it makes a convenient stop off – and they also have the closest parking to the event (early booking is recommended).
Less than one mile from the action, Webbs Cheltenham on Evesham Road will be hosting The Festival Breakfast Club offering a full breakfast in their restaurant on race days, as well as an on-the-go breakfast outside and horsebox seating. Guests can also make use of the alfresco bar, gazebo and outdoor seating area.
The Grade I-listed Regency Pittville Pump Room will also be serving breakfast during the Cheltenham Festival week, as well as pre-race drinks at The Shamrock Bar. Conveniently located just 10 minutes' walk from the racecourse, this iconic Cheltenham landmark offers exclusive room hire during The Festival, making it the perfect setting for corporate breakfasts or private gatherings.
Ideally situated between Cheltenham Racecourse and the town centre, stylish hotel No. 38 The Park is open to non-residents for delicious locally sourced breakfasts, with extended hours on race days. Tuck into a traditional full English (with vegan and vegetarian versions available), American pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, or Eggs Florentine.
Or finally, the Robins Nest Bar at Cheltenham Town FC, a 20-minute walk from the course, are offering an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast from 8am–11.30am, with car parking for the day also available and ITV Racing on TV so you can pick up some last-minute tips.
Breakfast in Cheltenham Town Centre
Cheltenham's town centre is a hive of activity during the Cheltenham Festival, with streets brimming with restaurants, cafés and bakeries serving up the most important meal of the day.
Along the High Street, you will find staples like The Cornish Bakery, Black and Gold and Costa Coffee for grab-and-go coffee and snacks. Or diners can head to one of John Lewis' two eateries, Huffkins Cafe and The Place to Eat.
This year Cheltenham Town Hall opens up for breakfast during Race Week. Treat yourself to a Full English buffet breakfast, unlimited juices, tea and coffee, plus a pint or a glass of fizz and pre-race analysis on the big screen all for just £20.
Recent addition to Cheltenham's culinary scene, the Coalhouse will be putting a smoky twist on breakfast this Festival season. A specially curated menu is available from 9am–12pm, including a smoked Full English, pork belly Benedict and truffle egg toast.
Head to Tailors on Cambray Place for a special racing fry-up or breakfast baps with a choice of one to three fillings in a contemporary pub setting. Chic Italian eatery Settebello Cheltenham will be offering pre-race breakfasts in their restaurant and Sotto bar from 9.30am. And The George hotel on St George's Road starts the day with good coffee, hearty dishes and a relaxed atmosphere to get you inspired for an exciting day of racing.
Regent Street is the epicentre of the independent food scene in Cheltenham. Here you'll find WoodKraft, owned by MasterChef Champion Simon Wood. Alongside traditional savoury breakfast dishes, their French toast bites and tiramisu-topped pancakes will satisfy any sweet tooth.
If you're in need a caffeine fix, you can also find independent coffee shops Society Café on Regent Street, as well as Guilt Trip, who also serve freshly baked donuts.
Breakfast in The Brewery Quarter
Head towards The Brewery Quarter on the Lower High Street where you'll find some well-known names you can rely upon to fill you up before a busy day at the track.
Social darts bar Flight Club is open from 9am–12pm for Race Day breakfasts, with a choice of a Full English (for meat eaters and vegetarians) or delicious filled rolls served with hash browns, alongside a pre-race Guinness, prosecco, Bloody Mary or Salted Caramel Espresso Martini.
Creative cocktail bar The Alchemist is also putting their own spin on Race Day Brunch, with a breakfast dish and a pint for £15 – or you can upgrade to a breakfast cocktail or glass of Champagne for an extra £5.
You can also enjoy breakfast overlooking the town at Cosy Club, hearty breakfasts and craft beers at the Brewhouse & Kitchen, or botanical-inspired dishes and décor at The Botanist.
Breakfast on Cheltenham Promenade & Montpellier
Veer off the High Street and head down The Promenade towards Imperial Gardens for breakfast feasts which come with a park view.
Overlooking Imperial Gardens, No. 131 The Terrace is an upmarket eatery with indulgent breakfast options – though book in advance as it's a popular spot. They also offer private dining rooms offering an exclusive space for your Race Week breakfasts.
Brasserie Blanc, a gorgeous Regency ballroom that's been transformed into a delightful dining room, will be serving pre-racing breakfasts on Tuesday–Friday, including full English options and continental options. And neighbouring Victoria's at The Queen's Hotel will be offering cooked breakfasts in luxury surroundings, with a choice of a full English or lighter pancakes, omelettes or porridge.
Across the other side of the gardens, Sef Steakhouse will serve up Festival breakfasts from 9am–12.30pm, including a meat-lover's take on a traditional English breakfast where steak takes centre stage.
A short walk from the gardens in Montpellier, The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie is a stunning Grade I-listed building, offering sophisticated morning dining. Montpellier is also home to the Chaplais Kitchen café bistro, with intimate outdoor seating (providing it's not too cold), espresso bar For The Saints serving cakes, bakes and brownies, and artisanal café Clementine.
You'll also find lovely local gem Lazy Graze tucked away in the Montpellier Courtyard, who have gluten- and dairy-free alternatives as well as classic breakfast dishes, all served until 11.45am during the races.
Breakfast on Bath Road and The Suffolks
If you're happy to venture a bit further out of town, Cheltenham's Bath Road and The Suffolk districts have a great many breakfast spots for a quieter start to the day.
Moran's Eating House on Bath Road has been a Cheltenham fixture for almost 50 years, with breakfast dishes available until 11.45am. The Curious Café is another local favourite so make sure to book in advance, with its Blacksmiths breakfast – a belly-busting Full English with an optional 4oz rump steak – guaranteed to keep you going all day.
Also on Bath Road is Fioro Lounge, a stylish eatery offering all-day dining with a good range of vegan and gluten-free breakfast dishes. The Brown Jug and Five Alls pubs will both be serving up breakfast and beers from 9am during The Festival too.
Meanwhile, in The Suffolks you'll find Baker & Graze (not to be confused with the Lazy Graze) and their award-winning sourdough, and Boho Bistro for delicious mini waffles and pancakes. The Suffolk Arms will also be serving their epic pre-races breakfasts from 9am–11.30am throughout Race Week.
Or The Beehive offers a choice of a Full Irish (with white pudding and soda bread) breakfast as well as the usual Full English, plus a veggie option and the chance to build your own sandwich. You can also get a complimentary bus ride to and from Cheltenham Racecourse with their £25 breakfast deal.
A short stroll from The Suffolks, The Tivoli offers a stylish yet relaxed setting to kick off your Festival day. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, great coffee and an easy-going atmosphere perfect for soaking up the pre-race buzz.”
For more food inspiration, visit our guides to Cheltenham restaurants, Cheltenham cafes, pubs and bars in Cheltenham. Visitors may also find our map of Cheltenham handy.
