With the Cheltenham Festival 2026 just over a week away, the excitement is building not only among racegoers but also across the town’s vibrant hospitality scene. This iconic event, running from March 10-13, draws over 220,000 visitors to the racecourse, prompting many pubs and restaurants throughout Cheltenham to stretch their opening hours and enhance their offerings.
Several popular pubs will open bright and early at 9am to serve hearty breakfasts and refreshing pints to guests heading to the races. Meanwhile, live music performances will keep the festive atmosphere alive into the evenings.
At The Five Alls on Bath Road, usually opening at midday, deputy manager Josh shared his enthusiasm: “We’re really looking forward to it. It’s fantastic to welcome everyone and showcase what Cheltenham has to offer.” During the Festival, The Five Alls will start serving from 9am with a classic fry-up and a pint of Guinness to fuel visitors for the day ahead. Josh also highlighted their preparations to manage any antisocial behaviour, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
Similarly, The Harry Cook Freehouse on Montpellier Walk is set to open at 9am throughout the Festival, extending its hours until 1:30am on key days. Supervisor Jess revealed that they’ve expanded their breakfast menu to include waffles, eggs royale, and scrambled eggs with avocado to appeal to a wider audience. She enjoys witnessing the lively transformation day-to-day during the Festival and noted the quieter daytime atmosphere as most patrons head to the Racecourse.
Local ale enthusiast Andrew Coates, owner of Sandford Park Alehouse on Cheltenham High Street, is excited to feature an array of local Cotswolds ales alongside Irish brews for visiting racegoers. “It’s a celebration of real ale and local culture,” he said. The Alehouse will open for breakfast at 9am and host live music on March 11 and 12, adding to the spirited ambiance.
Beyond pubs, Brasserie Blanc on the Promenade will serve breakfast from 9:30am and extend its closing time to midnight, featuring live music nightly. Manager Jo mentioned the strong Irish visitor presence and highlighted a special performance by local singer-songwriter Vince Freeman on Friday night.
Meanwhile, Smokey Joe’s diner and bar is supporting the community during the Festival through the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Youth Café initiative. Owned by Lyndon Godding, Smokey Joe’s will open on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons to provide a safe, welcoming space for young people with activities like music workshops and board games. Lyndon values the Festival’s positive impact on Cheltenham, noting that while the crowd has shifted somewhat, the event remains integral to the town’s spirit.
Overall, Cheltenham’s hospitality venues are ready to embrace the Festival buzz, offering extended hours, enhanced menus, and entertainment to complement one of the town’s most celebrated events.