Thanks to its famous first-class racecourse, Chester is synonymous with the “Sport of Kings”. Sometimes referred to as “The Roodee”, the racecourse is recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest operational racing venue in the world and hosts respected races including the much-coveted Chester Cup.
While the racecourse has a rich bounty of eateries onsite to suit various budgets and diets like The White Horse Pub, the 1539 Restaurant, The Final Furlong and The Turf, many racing fans choose to gather for brunch ahead of a day at the races. Fortunately, the city has no shortage of options for eating and drinking before the first race of the day.
With the 2025 racing season well underway at the New Crane Street track, here we look at places where racegoers can enjoy the much-loved dining event that combines breakfast and lunch with bubbles in Chester.
The Olive Tree Brasserie
Located on Watergate Street, just a five-minute walk from the racecourse, The Olive Tree Brasserie presents an opportunity called “Breakfast & Bubbles” on every race day. Between 10 am and 12 pm, racing fans can enjoy a breakfast dish with beer or a glass of fizz for just £18.95.
The Palm Cocktail Bar & Eatery
Also on Watergate Street, The Palm Chester offer several brunch packages for racegoers. These include a bottomless brunch for an indulgent experience with unlimited refills on selected drinks, a breakfast brunch featuring meaty treats like the “Brunch Burger” and the eatery’s classic bacon roll and several drinks packages to suit different tastes.
The ABode
Race Day offerings are abundant at The Abode on Grosvenor Road. Between 10 am and 12 pm, the “Ultimate Bottomless Brunch” is served for hearty eaters. This includes a cooked breakfast plate, a basket of croissants and a choice of a fruit pot or overnight oats for eats alongside fresh juice and unlimited prosecco or draught beer for drinkers. Cocktail pitchers are also available to share both before or after Chester Races, but there are also small plates and drinks and bar snacks packages for lighter eating.
The Architect
Overlooking Chester Racecourse on St Nicholas Street, The Architect is understandably a favoured haunt for horseracing fans before the first race and after the last. With its open plan bar and garden terrace, the venue offers an impeccable place to enjoy a pre-racing brunch. On May 31, the bar and restaurant in hosting a Roman Day Brunch to match the Chester Racecourse event but offers brunch on every race day and takes bookings between 10 am and 10.45 am.
Artezzan Restaurant & Bar
Now under new management but with its talented kitchen team unchanged, Artezzan presents a race day brunch that begins with a welcoming glass of prosecco. Known for its esteemed Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant and bar is situated on Pepper Street in the city centre. As a result, it’s in easy reach of the racecourse. Brunch fans can dig into Greek, Spanish, Italian and French-inspired dishes and a wide selection of drinks are ready to order.
The Botanist Chester
Sited on St Werburgh Street near Chester Cathedral, The Botanist isn’t far from the racecourse either. The cocktail bar and restaurant makes an idyllic option as it serves brunch on Friday and Saturday which are popular race days at the Roodee between 10 am and 2 pm. Racing fans indulging can enjoy an hour and a half of unlimited drinks including prosecco, cider, beers, Bloody Mary, Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martini, Berry Colada and more. For food there are options for every diet including vegans and vegetarians. Breakfast butties, burgers, salad bowls and sourdough toast served with a wide array of toppings are listed on the menu alongside a selection of scrumptious sides like crispy panko haloumi and properly seasoned fries.
If you’re travelling to Chester to attend the races during the 2025 season or a resident racegoer who enjoys the thrill of the track, there are plenty of brunch options in the city at hand. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience served with champagne or an affordable but celebratory start to your racing adventure, consider these bars, restaurants and brasseries as your first event of the day.
