The four days of horse racing that take place at the Cheltenham Festival at the Prestbury Park track attract the best equine athletes over jumps to the Cotswolds.

Each and every year in the middle of March, this gala takes centre stage in the sporting universe but, if you are thinking of attending, where can you get a bite to eat and a few drinks while watching the racehorses in action? This is our guide to the best eateries and bars during the Cheltenham Festival.

Guinness Village

The Irish raiders have become so successful at the meeting that the penultimate day is called St Patrick’s Thursday whether it actually falls on the Emerald Isle patron’s feast or not. Whatever day of the Cheltenham Festival it is, you’ll have to go some to beat the atmosphere of the Guinness Village.

Literally, tens of thousands of pints of the world-famous Irish stout are pulled and drank in this temporary bar. It is so popular that the Guinness Village is back each and every year. If you’re up for the craic, as they say colloquially in Ireland, then this is one Festival experience that you won’t want to miss out on.

Mandarin Kitchen

If you’ve got tickets to the Club Enclosure, then the Mandarin Kitchen puts the best of local produce on the map. Named after the 1962 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who won the blue riband event of steeplechasing at the grand old age of 11, you will want to try the award-winning pies on sale here.

You can also get traditional hot meals and soups from the Mandarin Kitchen. There is also a range of deli sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks. There are also plenty of off-course options in and around the town if you want to eat, drink and even party in Cheltenham after a day at the Festival.

Big Buck’s Champagne Bar

On the first floor of the Princess Royal Stand, where Club or Tattersalls Enclosure tickets grant you access, is one of the many champagne bars at Cheltenham Racecourse. Named after record four-time World Hurdle winner Big Buck’s, what makes it unique is the range of champagnes on offer.

While there are also tapas boards, sandwiches and bar snacks available, the champagne you can order from Big Buck’s comes in four different sized bottles. In keeping with tradition, champagnes use names from the Bible to describe them, and the largest you can order is a Methuselah.

Festival Bowl

Tattersalls ticket holders can avail themselves of several mobile caterers in the Festival Bowl. Burgers, fish and chips and pastries are among the hot food options you can purchase here. The nearby Sales Arena Coffee House has snacks and freshly made sandwiches for you too.

Gold Cup Restaurant

For hospitality customers, the Gold Cup Restaurant offers a Chef’s Table lunch. There is also a complimentary bar with the finest wines from the Bordeaux and Burgundy regions of France. There are plenty of other fine dining options at Cheltenham Racecourse