The spectators’ guide: How to eat, drink, shop and celebrate in style
Give yourself the perfect day at the track, from starters orders to (fingers crossed) a mighty finish
One solid option is a slap-up breakfast at one of the nearby pubs, where they will ferry you to the racecourse and then back to the boozer at the end of the day. The Wheatsheaf Inn at Northleach and the The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power both do this for £30 all in: more than reasonable in this day and age. Other decent bets are the nearby, no-nonsense The King’s Arms in Prestbury, The Yew Tree in Conderton and The King’s Head in Bishop’s Cleeve. If you are feeling fancy, try the Ivy Montpellier Brasserie or the Ellenborough Park Hotel. Booking is strongly advised for all the above options.
Sir AP Mccoy, looking frighteningly focused as he tries to scare away the pigeons.
Many seasoned campaigners look no further than a ceremonial glass of champagne in the Golden Miller bar to open their account. As with any event where there is sport, British people, and Irish people, there is absolutely no shortage of places to get a drink, from the invite-only private tents run by the London gentlemen’s clubs such as the Turf Club, to the less rarefied atmosphere of the Guinness Village and all points in between. hats from Jessica Mary Design or Hicks and Brown, three-piece suits, gilets, warm boots and Barbours. Not necessarily all at once. Among the hats, fascinators and clobber are other stalls: umbrellas might well have their moment this year. Keep an eye out for hardy perennial the Stevenson Brothers rocking horses, as well as horsey-themed jewellery and accessories and equestrian art. presenter who seems to be everywhere right now. There is also a ferris wheel and a carousel, which may or may not be a good idea depending on how vigorously you have approached the Guinness and champagne offerings.
If you have really had a good day with the horses, there are plenty of chances to drop serious cash in the Orchard section of the Club enclosure, where primo brands such as Bentley and Boodles will be more than happy to help you diversify some bookie wealth.