Where to celebrate in Cheltenham Race Week

See SoGlos.com's tips for the top places to celebrate during Cheltenham Race Week 2012, including the best restaurants, liveliest bars and most fun parties in town.

If you’ve backed a big winner, find out where to celebrate when all the horses have crossed the finish line during Cheltenham Race Week 2012.

Taking over Cheltenham from Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 March 2012, when the last races have been run at Prestbury Park, the revelry is set to continue until the small hours.

So, whether you’re dressing up for Ladies Day or hoping for a windfall on the Gold Cup, discover the most plush places to let your hair down, have a few drinks, tuck into some great food and party with the best of them in SoGlos.com’s guide to top Cheltenham Race Week venues.

Ellenborough Park

The lowdown: With a location adjacent to Cheltenham Racecourse, the luxurious hotel Ellenborough Park will be one of the most lively locations in town for The Festival. And, there’s a series of equine-themed events planned too.
What's the craic: While you would have needed to have booked your Race Week room at Ellenborough Park over a year ago, the hotel is giving race-goers plenty to get excited about. Highlights include guest appearances from champion jockeys and racehorses, a tipster in residence, as well as a Gold Cup celebration with a six-litre Methuselah of Veuve Cliquot.
SoGlos.com loves: The Spa at Ellenborough is giving jockeys, including Paddy Brennan and Sam Twiston-Davies, a sportsman’s deep tissue massage after they’ve crossed the finish line – and members of the public can give the treatment a try too. While the express manicures, complete with the option to have your nails matching a jockey’s jersey, is a quirky Ladies Day touch!
For more information: See Ellenborough Park, call (01242) 574378 or visit ellenboroughpark.com directly.

Apres

The lowdown: Building on its reputation for hosting some of Cheltenham’s best Race Week parties over the past few years, Apres is set to be a popular destination for racegoers and the after work crowd in Cheltenham once again in 2012.
What's the craic: Expect tasty grub – from stonebaked pizzas to gargantuan burgers, plenty of Guinness on tap and a great atmosphere to soak up at this buzzing Brewery venue which is open from 9.30am till late throughout Race Week. Plus, there’s live racing on Cheltenham’s biggest screens being shown during the day and live music every evening.
SoGlos.com loves: Performances from local Irish band The Roving Crows are sure to be a Cheltenham highlight from 8pm each evening – with a particularly lively sing-along expected on St Patrick’s Day.
For more information: See Cheltenham Festival celebrations at Apres, see Apres, call (01242) 225535 or visit apresbars.com directly.

The Brewery

The lowdown: Situated a short walk away from Cheltenham Racecourse and home to a popular range of bars and restaurants, The Brewery is the destination of choice for many a race-goer. The Irish Village will be back by popular demand in 2012 at The Brewery.
What's the craic: During Race Week, from 5pm to 9pm, The Brewery’s Irish Village will come alive with a buzzing free party expected to attract hundreds of locals and racing fans alike. As well as live music, revellers can expect a well-stocked outdoor Guinness bar to quench the thirst.
SoGlos.com loves: From great value Chinese cuisine at Real China to family-friendly Mexican food at Chiquito, not forgetting fiery Portuguese fayre at Nando’s, The Brewery’s superb selection of restaurants and bars makes it an obvious choice for hungry race-goers.
For more information: See The Irish Village at The Brewery, call The Brewery on (01242) 574378 or visit thebrewerycheltenham.co.uk directly.

Hotel du Vin Cheltenham

The lowdown: Come Cheltenham Festival week, Hotel du Vin Cheltenham is always a veritable hot spot popular with visiting socialites and discerning local party-goers alike.
What's the craic: Whether you wanted to avoid the boisterous crowds or missed out on a ticket this year, head to Hotel du Vin to enjoy the horse racing action on big screen televisions – all from a comfy armchair with something on the rocks by your side, naturally.
SoGlos.com loves: Pitching itself as ‘your perfect start and finish line for race day’, we couldn’t agree more. Kick off with one of the best breakfasts in Cheltenham (we recommend the waffles with maple syrup), enjoy a lavish lunch in the bistro and while away the evening with your favourite celebration – or commiseration – tipple.
For more information: See Hotel du Vin Cheltenham, call (01242) 588450 or visit hotelduvin.co.uk/hotels/cheltenham directly.

Monty’s Brasserie

The lowdown: Monty’s Brasserie will be pulling in the Race Week crowds throughout The Festival – and some will be toasting before the first horses have even crossed the line, thanks to its cracking brunch selection.
What’s the craic: From 10.30am throughout Race Week, Monty’s Brasserie’s special brunch menu will see classics such as eggs benedict, poached haddock and full English breakfast go head-to-head with hearty dishes such as sirloin steak for a winning start to race-goers day. Champagne, Guinness and local ale will also be whetting the whistles.
SoGlos.com loves: With a combination of Gloucester Old Spot sausage and bacon, field mushroom, black pudding, sauté potatoes, fried bread, grilled tomatoes, baked beans and a choice of eggs served as part of Monty’s Full English, we’d be tempted to skip the races and order seconds.
For more information: See Race Week brunch at Monty's Brasserie call (01242) 238811 or visit montysbraz.co.uk directly.

If you would like your Cheltenham venue to be included in SoGlos.com’s special Cheltenham Race Week guide, contact Melanie Jones by emailing melanie@soglos.com or calling (01242) 210330.

SoGlos.com
8 February 2012