Cheltenham Festival: Best breakfasts

The horses aren't the only ones that need fuelling before The Cheltenham Festival! Give yourself some welly and start your race day (or week) off right with our recommendations for a hearty breakfast or blissful brunch in Cheltenham.

Breakfast in & around The Cheltenham Racecourse

Want to be ready at the stands as early as possible? Cheltenham Racecourse has a wide range of options for food and drink across the sprawling venue. New for 2024 is The Mandarin Gatropub, offering a cosy Cotswold pub feel right on site, The Mandarin can be booked for sit-down breakfast and lunch sessions for each of The Cheltenham Festival fixtures (Champion Day, Style Wednesday and St Patrick Thursday).

Other options for light breakfast bites without the need to book include Daly's Deli, serving Coffee, paninis, and baguettes. The Cottage Rake Coffee House, and various mobile caterers peppered throughout the venue.    

As well as having the closest parking to Cheltenham Racecourse (bookable in advance) the sports bar at Cheltenham's Prince of Wales Sports Bar will be serving up their usual race-themed breakfast deals come March, meanwhile the Grade I listed Regency Pittville Pump Room's Heritage Café is also set to re-open in time for The Cheltenham Festival, and is only a ten-minute walk from the racecourse. Only a walk from the racecourse you will find Kings Arms Prestbury, where breakfast, including full English options and smaller popular dishes, will be served Tuesday–Friday 9am–11:30am.

Breakfast in the Town Centre

Cheltenham's town centre is a hive of activity during the Cheltenham Festival, and its streets are brimming with delightful restaurants, cafes and bakeries serving up the most important meal of the day. 

Along the main street, you will find high-street staples such as The Cornish Bakery, Black & Gold and Costa Coffee for quick grab-and-go nibbles.

For more leisurely breakfast fare, diners can head to one of John Lewis's two eateries, Huffkins Cafe and The Place to Eat, Tailor's Eating House on Cambray Place for a special racing fry-up in a contemporary pub setting.

For a guaranteed memorable occasion book ahead for a breakfast of champions at The Nook on Five. Served from 8.30am - 11:30am racing fans can enjoy a breakfast feast, a fully English breakfast with unlimited pastries, unlimited coffee and of course, an incredible view over the rooftops of Cheltenham.

Head down Regent Street, the epicentre of the independent food scene in Cheltenham, for high-end eats at a reasonable price. Here you will find WoodKraft owned by Simon Wood, MasterChef Champion, independent coffee shops - The Find and Coffee Dispensary, and speciality donut and coffee shop Guilt Trip for those with a sweet tooth. 

Move on towards The Brewery Quarter on the lower high street for more well-known names you can rely on. Racegoers can fill up (and line their stomachs) with a delicious breakfast, with options including a Full English – both meat and vegetarian at Flight Club. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the town at Cosy Club, kick off the day's activities with a boozy brunch at Hub Box, or head to the Alchemist for theatrical twists on classic breakfast dishes.  

Breakfast on the Promenade & Montpellier

Veer off the High Street and head down the Promenade towards Imperial Gardens for fancy breakfast feasts with a park view. No. 131 The Terrace, an upmarket eaterie with indulgent breakfast options such as smoked Scottish salmon and vegetarian options available. Victoria's, The Queen's Hotel on-site restaurant serving continental and cooked breakfasts in luxury surroundings, and Cheltenham's only rooftop restaurant Nook on Five, for a breakfast of champions with stunning panoramic views across Cheltenham and beyond. Brasserie Blanc, a gorgeous Regency ballroom, that's been transformed into a delightful dining room where breakfasts will be available Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-11.30am including full English options and smaller popular dishes.

Located a short ten-minute walk from the gardens is the Montpellier District. Home to the iconic Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, a stunning grade I listed building, offering sophisticated morning dining. As well as the Montpellier Courtyard, which features lovely local gems such as the Lazy Graze and Gallimore's Kitchen. Continue up the road a bit to find Chaplais Kitchen cafe bistro with intimate outdoor seating providing it's not too cold! While across the way you'll find espresso bar For The Saints serving cakes, bakes and brownies, as well as artisanal café, Clementine.

Breakfast on Bath Road and the Suffolks

If you're willing to venture a bit further out of town, Cheltenham's Bath Road and Suffolk districts have a great many breakfast spots for a quieter start to the day.

On the Bath Road, there's Cheltenham staple Moran's, established in Cheltenham for nearly 40 years. Local favourite Curious Cafe, a delightful breakfast nook that's always jam-packed (so make sure to book in advance). And the new Fioro Lounge, a stylish eaterie offering all-day dining.

Meanwhile, in the Suffolks, you'll find Baker & Graze (not to be confused with the Lazy Graze) and their award-winning sourdough. The Suffolk Arms, 2023's Best Destination Pub in Gloucestershire, and their epic pre-race breakfast, and Boho Bistro, serving delicious mini waffles and pancakes.   

For more food inspiration visit - Cheltenham restaurants, Cheltenham cafes, pubs and bars in Cheltenham.

Visitors you may find our map of Cheltenham handy.