New Cheltenham Racecourse restaurant aims to give a Cotswolds feel to a day at the races

Racegoers will be able to try a new-look restaurant when action returns to Cheltenham Racecourse at the end of the month. The Mandarin will open for The Showcase meeting on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28.

In a first for Prestbury Park, it is a walk-in restaurant and no reservations will be needed - apart from at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The Jockey Club said the Mandarin offers a cosy Cotswolds pub feel.

And why is it called The Mandarin? With the Cheltenham Gold Cup celebrating its centenary in 2024, the new restaurant honours the great horse Mandarin who won both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris in 1962.

The interior of The Mandarin takes its inspiration from a traditional country stable with exposed wooden beams, quirky racing artefacts and seasonal food and drink. Racegoers will be able to simply walk in and request a table and enjoy pub favourites such as The ‘Bookies’ favourite starter Traditional Scotch Eggs and the Local Burger.

Tables are available for two to eight people and will be allocated on a first come first basis. Priced at £65 per person for two courses and £85 for three courses, with children’s meals offered at half price

The Mandarin is on the ground floor of the main grandstand and is situated in close proximity to the Parade Ring. It also has views of the racecourse from its balcony over-looking the home straight.

In addition to the wide array of trade stands in the Shopping Village, Great British Racing will present the Syndicate Village . Situated in the Hall of Fame, a selection of racing clubs and syndicates will be on hand to talk about the fun and thrill of being involved in owning a racehorse.

A parade of syndicate horses will also take place on the Saturday. Of course, a syndicate-owned horse reached the absolute pinnacle of success in Jump racing last season with Corach Rambler winning the Randox Grand National. T

he nine-year-old, who has also won the Ultima Handicap Chase at The Cheltenham Festival for the past two seasons, is owned by The Ramblers - a seven-strong syndicate who paid around £3,000 each to get involved. After racing on Saturday, racegoers can wind down to a performance from Cheltenham favourites The Wickermen who will be playing in The Centaur.

Ian Renton, Managing Director - West, The Jockey Club, said: “Everyone at Cheltenham Racecourse is full of enthusiasm as we approach our return for the new season and there is a real sense of anticipation in the air. I am sure The Mandarin will provide a fabulous addition to our food and drink outlets. It looks superb as it prepares to accept its first customers at The Showcase.

“For many racing fans, The Showcase is the start of the Jump season proper and with ticket prices starting from just £12 it offers a great value option for an action-packed afternoon of autumn sporting entertainment.”

To book tickets for The Showcase (and all fixtures at Cheltenham), visit here.

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