Where Will You Eat Before and After Chester Race?
Chester races is a real occasion, so plan where you’ll eat on race day in the city! Chester Racecourse is the smallest in the UK with a wicked left-hand bend. It brings the crowds from far and wide and has now well and truly kicked off! Yes, you’ve come to Chester Races to get dressed up, have a few glasses of fizz, soak up the atmosphere and hopefully come away a winner! What we want to do is help you plan your visit to Chester Racecourse and give you some ideas where to eat and drink on Race Day!
What’s On at Chester Races
First, here are all the exciting dates to put in your diary. Chester racecourse plays host not only to a full season of race fixtures from May to September but also to Ibiza dance nights, family fun days, Roman days and a fashion and music weekend. Have a quick look what’s on at the Races in 2026 here
Where to eat before you start betting
So many brunch options in Chester and on Raceday there are offers galore. If you’re parading up from the races take a look at Harker’s Bar and the Duck and Dagger by the canal for deals on food and drink for racegoers. Further on into the city centre, there is plenty to choose from, we have so many excellent small plate restaurants and brunch locations to try.
Greenhouse is a European tapas and small plates restaurant with raceday deals on food and drink. You can also find a beautiful bagel and wine worthy of Chester races at Planaterra. If it’s a light brunch you’re after, Flower Cup serves up the best french toast in Chester.
There are always going to be crowds the day of Chester races (hence the Portaloos on out florious medieval streets!) so some of the bigger independents such as Maray and Artezzan are a good shout if you want a sit-down sharing menu or one of Artezzan’s pizza!
Drinks and Nibbles before Chester Races
For a few drinks pre-races please give Providence Gin a try. Cocktails and gin and cheese boards are all deal-ridden as are the charcuterie sharing boards at new Exchange Square bar Popina.
If you’re more of a pub person, the Brewery Tap and Chester Station Tap offer hearty brunch and lunch menus and quality beer to set you up for the afternoon.
Want a quick drink and maybe a bargain rotisserie chicken? If you’re lucky you might get into insanely popular wine bar Paysan. Should you happen to fancy something spicy, you might want to try superb Thai restaurant Ruan Orchid, but book ahead!
Post-Race Meal
If you’re at the races with friends Chester has some superb restaurants to choose from in the evening. Opera will be popular for those who love a lively evening and also a retracting roof and excellent menu. Those who want to share should head to Salthouse tapas or for a more unusual meal, Hamayuu is by far the best Japanese restaurant in Chester. Death by Taco is good for incredible tacos with a kick and a spicy marg, but good luck getting a seat, it’s walk in (but worth it!)
Chester’s Best Race Restaurants
Chefs Table has an excellent reputation and so is bound to get booked up during the Chester Races weekend. They offer lunch deals but also happy hour and so you could combine that with some of their fabulous food.
Upstairs at the Grill is a stalwart of Chester Independents and a wonderful place to dine after the races. With a rooftop dining area and incredible steaks to choose from, plus a great drinks’ menu, I can highly recommend!
Bars and boozers for winners and losers
If you head into Chester from the racecourse up Watergate Street, you will be spoilt for choice. With deals and offers galore, there are plenty of bars for racegoers to celebrate in or drown their sorrows in.
Top choices include Bar lounge for incredible cocktails, a fantastic party atmosphere and seating with waitress service. There are plenty of enticements that include two for one on cocktails and lots of great nibbles. Gain, to avoid disappointment, you need to book this one on Raceday!
Other great places to try are Parmar. With bottomless Bellinis, as well as wonderful wine and classy bites to take the edge off. Parmar has pavement seating too to catch the sun when it comes! There’s also Vin Santo for wine and Palm for ladies who love a bit of a fun cocktail and a party vibe. Step inside Beer Heroes for a decent pint on Raceday or onto the Rows.
The rows have livley cocktail bars such as Liquor & Co., Craft & Co. But if you enjoy a cosy vibe to escape to Bishop Lloyds is the place for you. Find locally brewed beer and you can sit on the rows if you’re lucky enough to bag a pew. People watching on Raceday is the best!
Some of Chester’s best Raceday bars
Further on there is fun to be had on Northgate Street at JAX for liver music. One of the best outdoor options in Chester, Alexander’s Jazz Bar offers top drinks complete with beer garden.
You’ll find The Architect is a bar right opposite the races where gin is one of its specialities. Also, there’s plenty of room on the lawn and patio areas to sit and sip. New bar Basement 85 is a great place as you come up from Chester Racecourse to grab a drink and relax. They have drinks deals and food pop ups on Raceday.
If you’re escaping back to the station for your post-Chester races meal, Siam is not to be missed for Japanese Terriyaki lovers! Something spectacular to finish the day off. As well as this there is The Yard. A wonderful Mediterranean Restaurant that always offers meal deals on Raceday in Chester.
Somewhere different to go after Chester Races
For those amongst you who want a bit of a dance, there are options. The Victoria is Chester’s oldest pub. Take a peek behind and you’ll find an open courtyard where you’ll find a DJ and loads of racegoers revelling! If this is not your scene, Roof Top Social can be found on Pepper Street at the top of Pepper Street Carpark! Book a cabana and enjoy games, drinks and street food.
Of course, if you’re staying the night, I have a suggestion. After the excitement of the races, come along on one of our Chester Food tours! See some of the sights and find new restaurants and bars for your next visit to the city
Wherever you end up, have a brilliant day out at beautiful Chester Races. I hope you back a few winners. Be lucky!
