The days are getting longer and the sun is heating up, and we cant wait to spend most of the summer in one of the many amazing pub gardens here in the Cotswolds.

On top of that, it's The Queen's Platinum Jubilee which, of course, we need to celebrate in style and nothing says "garden party" more than a group of friends,  a jug of something fruity and, dare we say it, bunting.

That is why we have teamed up with the brilliant Reverend Hubert to bring you the "ultimate summer garden party" at some of our favourite places in the Cotswolds.

You will find jugs of their award-winning Summer Cup (made here in the Cotswolds) at the best pubs and hangouts around the Cotswolds throughout the summer. 

Here are just some of the awesome places where you can find jugs, glasses and slushies of the good stuff.

Double Red Duke, Bampton
The Stump, Nr Northleach
The Swan Inn, Swinbrook 
King's Head Inn, Bledington
The Chequers, Churchill
The Hollybush, Witney
The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote
The Hollybush, Witney
The Potting Shed, Crudwell
The Hare, Milton-Under-Wychwood
Killingworth Castle
The New Inn, Coln St Aldwyns
Back Lane, Woodstock
Horseshoes, Witney

It's time to don your best Union Jack attire and raise a glass or two to Queen and country and have a memoriable summer in the sun!

Following on from a phenomenally successful launch season in 2021, the Pit Kitchen returns with its open air dining pop-up from Wednesday 18th May at a new hilltop field location with stunning views within the Cornwell Estate on the edge of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. 

Expect big flavoured, locally-sourced produce on Pit Kitchen's East London street food inspired menus. Everything is cooked over open air wood fire pits and served from its container kitchen counter. Sit at long, reclaimed timber tables lit by festoon lights, protected from the elements by sailcloth awnings and warmed by the fire pits. Drinks include a rotating selection of up-and-coming London-brewed artisanal beers or wines from its carefully curated list.

Open Wednesdays - Saturdays 5pm - 10pm from Wednesday 18th May - late October. 

SAMPLE MENU

TABLE SHARERS 
The Dalston Mezze Plate - Wild garlic tzatziki, cods roe emulsion & chilli oil, fire pit baba ganoush, spicy pickled cucumbers, seasonal crudités, fresh sourdough (v + gf options)

SHAWARMAS   
Brined chicken thigh (or oyster mushroom)
feta dressing, hummus, cucumber, house pickles, dukkah (v + pb + gf options)
Bharat spiced lamb neck or (halloumi)
charred summer veg, green pepper sauce, feta, house pickles, roasted sunflower seeds (v + gf options)

SMALL PLATES
Burrata, sweet zhoug, allepo chilli oil (v)
Charred corn, spiced butter (vg + gf) 
Sun dried tomato & garlic pilaf (vg + gf)

PUDS
Chocolate sorbet (by Hackney Gelato), orange creme, molasses, sweet dukkah
Ice cream pots (by Hackney Gelato) 

The Pit Kitchen site uses as much reclaimed material in its design as possible. The container kitchen is clad in upcycled timber and its long, communal tables are made from well-sanded scaffolding planks. The dining area is edged by wildflower meadows with diners warmed by the open fire pits whilst sheltered from the elements under tented sailcloth awnings hung with festoon lights.

FIND THEM

Chipping Norton, OX7 5YF.

For directions please use the post code above then follow signs off the A44.

NO ACCESS VIA CORNWELL MANOR.

https://www.pitkitchen.co.uk

Cheltenham's season finale and only evening fixture takes place on Friday 29th April and will feature a live DJ set by Radio One's Greg James in The Centaur after the last race, from 8.30pm - 9.30pm.

It's a meeting that allows amateur riders and trainers to compete for the ultimate dream of winning at the Home of Jump racing with seven fiercely fought Hunter chases over distances expected to range from an extended two miles to four miles.

Gates open at 3.30pm with the first race at 4.40pm.

Please note. Access to The Centaur throughout the day and after racing will only be granted with a Centaur Party Package Wristband. You will be denied access to see Greg James if you do not have a wristband. Children under 18 must also purchase a ticket to access The Centaur.

You can find all the information and tickets here - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/race-night

Horse racing returns to Cheltenham Racecourse on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th April.

It's no easy task following The Festival™ however, April’s two-day meeting is the perfect time to reflect on achievements and remember that racing, no matter the event, is competitive and above all else, a joyous occasion.

As the final chance to watch the professionals test themselves on the track before the summer break, make sure you are there for two-days of racing of the highest quality.

Wednesday will see racing start at 1.30pm and the highlight of the day is the Grade 2 Ceres Estates Charity Silver Trophy Chase.

Thursday is the final chance of the season to see the pro's in action at Prestbury Park this season and the card starts with three red-hot listed races.

To celebrate the Easter Holidays, there will be plenty of FREE family fun entertainment in The Centaur both days.

Book in advance for the best price

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/april-meeting

​On Monday 14th March, Fitzdares, the world’s finest bookmaker, launched its first out of London club at The Naunton Downs Estate in the Cotswolds. Following the successful launch of the original Fitzdares Club in Mayfair in 2020, Fitzdares has collaborated with Ben Pauling, one of the UK’s leading racehorse trainers, to take over the Clubhouse in time for the return of the highly anticipated Cheltenham festival. The new club will offer members a luxury setting to meet, dine and enjoy watching live sporting events outside of London. 

The Fitzdares Club will be situated in the 200 acre estate, complete with an 18-hole golf course, offering sports enthusiasts a picturesque location to visit outside of London.
​

​William Woodhams, CEO of Fitzdares, says: “We have seen a huge appetite for the Fitzdares Club since we opened in Mayfair on the 1st September 2020. The Club has gone from strength to strength following a series of successful pop-ups at Goodwood and Royal Windsor last summer. Now has come the time to open our second permanent home in the Cotswolds, just in time for the Cheltenham Festival. We simply cannot wait to show you what we have got in store.”

Ben Pauling Racehorse Trainer and owner of Naunton Downs says; “We’re absolutely delighted that Fitzdares has become a new sponsor of Ben Pauling Racing and made the decision to open their first out of London permanent home at Naunton Downs. With the new curated store, farm to fork restaurant offering and the Fitzdares Club we’ve created the most fantastic destination for locals and visitors alike.”

www.fitzdares.com/club

Pictures of some of the stunning cuisine that you can expect to see at YOKU have appeared on social media.

YOKU is a brand-new Tokyo-vogue Japanese Sushi and Asian dining experience with resplendent Bar Tokyo cocktail bar, opening inside No.131 in Cheltenham.

The restaurant will open its doors on Friday 11th March 2022.

www.no131.com/yoku

We all love a good pie, right?

To celebrate British Pie Week, five of the best pubs are going into to a culinary battle on Thursday 10th March at The Chequers in Churchill. 

The Chequers, The Double Red Duke and The Swan are being joined by The Kingham Plough and The Swan Inn at Swinbrook for an epic encounter to see who will be crowned The Great British Pie Off Champion 2022.

Come and get involved and enjoy a Pie and a Pint for just £20

The guest judges will crown our Great British Pie Champion at the end of the evening

For all the details and how to book, visit www.countrycreatures.com/events

With a little over 3 weeks until the start of the best 4 days in the sporting calendar, The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday 13 March is the place to be.

Join host Oli Bell and a panel that will include Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty and Emma Lavelle from 6.00pm for our Official Cheltenham Festival Preview Night.

All proceeds raised on the evening will be donated to the Cheltenham Festival Charity partner, WellChild.

The official Cheltenham Preview raises the curtain on the festivities of The Festival™. Hear the views and opinions of the expert panellists as they gallop through the form of the best races of Four Days of Extraordinary.

There is also a new VIP hospitality option supported by Daylesford, enabling you to enjoy the occasion in style. VIP access is £40pp (£400 table of 10) – Enjoy a luxurious cheese and charcuterie platter with a welcome drink on arrival and seating at the front of the theatre next to the stage. Call the hospitality team at Cheltenham on 01242 806 570 to book your space.

Cheltenham Annual Members can apply for their complimentary ticket by calling the Membership Team on 01242 513 014. We hope very much that our Members will join the fundraising drive and make a donation on the night. 

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-festival-preview-night

Many of the acts for The Big Feastival have been announced this morning.

Stereophonics, Anne-Marie and The Human League are among the headline acts at the festival that will take place on Alex James' Farm near Kingham from 26th-28th August 2022.

Other names on the line-up include Jake Bugg, Basement Jaxx, The Futureheads and Alfie Templeman.

For tickets and more details, visit thebigfeastival.com.

Following a two-year break, Cheltenham Jazz Festival makes a much-anticipated return Cheltenham this spring for six days of live music.

Celebrating its milestone 25th edition, the Festival will take place from Wednesday 27 April to Monday 2 May incorporating large-scale concerts, intimate club shows, world premieres, masterclasses, family-friendly shows and an array of free events.

Amongst the names announced for this year’s event are star US vocalist Gregory Porter, who returns as the Festival’s Artistic Curator, legendary Led Zeppelin rocker Robert Plant with his Saving Grace project, Golden Globe winning pianist, singer and broadcaster Jamie Cullum, multi-million-selling BRIT Award winner Emeli Sandé, blues pop troubadour James Bay, chart-topping pianist and singer Tom Odell, and the multi-instrumentalist and Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award winner Nitin Sawhney.

This year’s Festival will also present a series of ground-breaking collaborations including Imelda May performing an exclusive one-off show with the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, legendary US saxophonist Gary Bartz with London six-piece Maisha, Brazilian icon Hermeto Pascoal teaming up with National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and the Dave Douglas and Joey Baron Duo.

Tickets go on general sale from Wednesday 2 March 2022 from www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz.

You can find the full brochure HERE.

Terence King and Gemma Finch of The Angel at Burford have been revealed as the new landlord and landlady of The Fox Inn at Great Barrington.

In a message on Instagram, they said:

"We finally have the keys to pub number 2!

We are delighted to have taken on The Fox At Barrington! We are currently closed while we fully refurbish and look forward to welcoming people back in early March.

Big thanks to our team for their support and loyalty as we expand and we look forward to continuing to give great hospitality over both our pubs!"

The traditional 17th-century pub sits on the edge of the River Windrush just 4 miles west of Burford.

With only 6 weeks until the Cheltenham Festival, it's time to start planning your week.

Join a panel of horse racing royalty at The Hollow Bottom on Monday 14th March, the eve of the Festival, for a night of discussion, heated debates and the best tips.

Racing Tv's Alex Steedman will chair a panel which includes top jockey Sam Twiston Davies, Grand National-Winning Jockey Carl Llewellyn, Racing Post Tipster Paul Kealy and Star Sports betting guru Luke Tarr.

Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival, some free bets and some price pushes on the night.

Tickets are just £20 and can be purchased HERE.

Cheltenham chicken restaurant Holee Clucker will reopen its doors on Thursday 3rd February after a five month temporary closure.

The restaurant, located on Suffolk Road, felt the pressure of the National Chef Shortage back in September.

Jay Rahman, co-founder of JM Socials said: “Holee Clucker is back! We’ve taken these few months to re-evaluate our concept, update our menu and look at how we can make things even better for our guests. Like hundreds of restaurants across the UK, Holee Clucker struggled with the National Chef Shortage which of course was difficult for us - as well as many other hospitality businesses."

Holee Clucker will open with a new menu, including dishes such as the ‘green machine’ salad, a burrito rice box and updated chicken burgers.

​holeeclucker.co.uk

Foodie duo Sam & Jak have announced that they are leaving the hugely popular Upton Firehouse at the end of this month.

In a post on Instagram, they said:

"After 3 great years we will be saying farewell to The Upton Firehouse on January 30th 2022.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our customers and staff who have supported us during our time here and throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Breakfast and lunch will be served as usual this week, we are hosting our final pizza night on Wednesday and BBQ night on Friday with all of the Firehouse classics.

You can still find us in our Cirencester restaurant and catering for private parties, weddings and events."

The pair have just opened an awesome new restaurant in Cirencester, serving modern British and European food.

www.samandjak.co.uk

The fields for races at the Cheltenham Festival are beginning to take shape.

Entries for the 4 Novice Chases throughout the week have been revealed, with less than 8 weeks until the racing world descends on Prestbury Park.

The Festival™ takes place from 15th - 18th March 2022.

​Arkle Chase Entries: Tuesday 15th March
Blue Lord
Brave Seasca
Captain Tom Cat
Ciel De Neige
Coeur Sublime
Do Your Job
Edwardstone
Elixir De Nutz
Ferny Hollow
For Pleasure
Grand Bornand
Hardy Du Seuil
Haut En Couleurs
Jungle Boogie
Red Rookie
Ribble Valley
Saint Sam
Shadow Rider
Shakem Up’Arry
Third Time Lucki
War Lord
Magic Daze
Riviere D’etel

National Hunt Chase Entries: Tuesday 15th March
Annual Invictus
Back On The Lash
Beatthebullet
Big Nasty
Braeside
Brinkley
Capodanno
Castle Robin
Cavallino
Come On Teddy
Corach Rambler
Diol Ker
Does He Know
Doyen Breed
En Beton
Eva’s Oskar
Fantastikas
Farouk D’alene
Fern Hill
Five O’Clock
Front Assault
Fury Road
Gustavian
Hold That Taught
Indiana Jones
J’Ai Froid
Jungle Boogie
Lord Accord
Major Dundee
Mr Harp
Omar Maretti
Ontheropes
Opposites Attract
Papa Tango Charly
Pats Fancy
Rapper
Roi De Dubai
Run Wild Fred
Slipway
Stattler
Stratum
Streets Of Doyen
The Bosses Oscar
Threeunderthrufive
Tommie Beau
Torygraph
Vanillier
Your Darling
​

​Brown Advisory Novices' Chase Entries: Wednesday 16th March
Ahoy Senor
Annual Invictus
Barnaviddaun
Beacon Edge
Bob Olinger
Bothwell Bridge
Braeside
Bravemansgame
Brinkley
Bushypark
Capodanno
Dickie Diver
Diol Ker
Dusart
Egality Mans
En Beton
Fantastikas
Farouk D’alene
Fighter Allen
Five O’Clock
French Dynamite
Fury Road
Gabynako
Gaillard Du Mesnil
Gallyhill
Galopin Des Champs
Grumpy Charley
Hold That Taught
Imperial Alcazar
Jungle Boogie
L’Homme Press
Mister Coffey
Ontheropes
Oscar Elite
Papa Tango Charly
Pats Fancy
Run Wild Fred
Sounds Russian
Stattler
Stratum
Streets Of Doyen
The Bosses Oscar
Threeunderthrufive
Vanillier
Busselton
Delvino
Silver Forever

Turners Novices' Chase Entries: Thursday 17th March
Barnadviddaun
Blue Lord
Bob Olinger
Bothwell Bridge
Bravemansgame
Capodanno
Captain Tom Cat
Dusart
Egality Mans
El Barra
En Beton
Farouk D’alene
Ferny Hollow
Fighter Allen
French Dynamite
Fury Road
Gabynako
Gaillard Du Mesnil
Gallyhill
Galopin Des Champs
Grand Bornand
Grumpy Charley
mperial Alcazar
Jacamar
Jungle Boogie
L’Homme Press
Millers Bank
Minella Drama
Mister Coffey
Oscar Elite
Papa Tango Charly
Pic D’Orhy
Presentandcounting
Run Wild Fred
Stattler
Stolen Silver
Thedevilscoachman
War Lord
Bussleton
Hardy Du Seuil
Haut En Couleurs
Nassalam
Saint Sam
​Riviere D’etel

Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham takes place on Saturday 29th January 2022. 

This the the last opportunity to witness racing at Cheltenham Racecourse before The Festival™, and that means a superb competitive day of Jump racing.

With seven races on the card, it's the time to finalise your choices and favourites, before all roads lead back to Cheltenham in March. 

Last year's meeting was sadly abandoned but in 2020 we witnessed an excellent day of racing with names such as Paisley Park and Santini securing victories.

Make sure you head to The Centaur after the last race to see the Bootleg Beatles perform live from 4.30pm - 5.30pm.

You can purchase tickets in advance by clicking HERE.

The Scenic Supper will be “popping up”  at Moreton Wine Merchants in Moreton in Marsh this January and February.

The pop-up will take place in the beautifully refurbished Tasting Room which sits 36 comfortably, hosting tables of 2 upwards on Fridays and Saturdays for 6 consecutive weekends in January & February.

You’ll be able to choose from a selection of 9 mouth-watering small plates created by The Scenic Supper's "Master of the Kitchen" Sam Idoine, with wines to match or bottles to sip.

This will take place on:

Friday 21st – Saturday 22nd January

Burns Night Tuesday 25th January

Friday 28th – Saturday 29th January

Friday 4th – Saturday 5th February

Friday 11th – Saturday 12th February

Valentines Night Monday 14th February

Friday 18th – Saturday 19th February

Friday 25th – Saturday 26th February

The opening times for each date are from 5 pm – 9.30 pm (Last food orders)

To book visit thescenicsupper.co.uk

You can view the menu below.

Our Top 50 Pubs in the Cotswolds guide for 2022 is now live, including 6 new entries!

We are so lucky to have so many incredible bubs full of charm and character,

The last two years have been tough for all of them and, like all of our wonderful local businesses, they all need our support more than ever.

You find the list by clicking HERE.

The Irish boast 16 of the 30 entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup that takes place on Friday 18th March.

Last year's runner-up A Plus Tard that sits at the top of the market but will need to beat stable mate and reigning champion Minella Indo.

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2022 Entries:
Ahoy Senor (Lucinda Russell)
Al Boum Photo (Willie Mullins, IRE)
Allaho (Willie Mullins, IRE)
Angels Breath (Nicky Henderson)
A Plus Tard (Henry De Bromhead, IRE)
Asterion Forlonge (Willie Mullins, IRE)
Aye Right (Harriet Graham)
Carefully Selected (Willie Mullins, IRE)
Champ (Nicky Henderson)
Chantry House (Nicky Henderson)
Chatham Street Lad (Mick Winters, IRE)
Conflated (Gordon Elliott, IRE)
Delta Work (Gordon Elliott, IRE)
Eklat De Rire (Henry De Bromhead, IRE)
Fiddlerontheroof (Colin Tizzard, IRE)
Franco De Port (Willie Mullins, IRE)
Galvin (Gordon Elliott, IRE)
Imperial Aura (Kim Bailey)
Lostintranslation (Colin Tizzard)
Melon (Willie Mullins, IRE)
Minella Indo (Henry De Bromhead, IRE)
Mister Fisher (Nicky Henderson)
Protektorat (Dan Skelton)
Remastered (David Pipe)
Royale Pagaille (Venetia Williams)
Run Wild Fred (Gordon Elliott, IRE)
Saint Calvados (Paul Nicholls)
Santini (Polly Gundry)
Tornado Flyer (Willie Mullins, IRE)
Mount Ida (Gordon Elliott, IRE)

The Cheltenham Festival takes place from Tuesday 15th to Friday 18th March 2022.

You can buy tickets by clicking on the image below.

Sam Bowser has joined The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, Oxfordshire, as Executive Chef. He leads the kitchen at the acclaimed pub, which serves both the three-AA-rosette restaurant and the bar.

Bowser joins from Llangoed Hall Hotel, Powys, where he held the position of Head Chef since 2019. Prior to that, he spent four years in the Cotswolds as Head Chef at both Dormy House Hotel and the two Michelin-starred Whatley Manor Hotel. His time in the Cotswolds followed roles working with Philip Howard at The Square in London and with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. Bowser served a brief stint working for the Bamford family as a private chef seven years ago, where he gained a wealth of knowledge and respect for quality, organic ingredients.

The menus at The Wild Rabbit will continue to be led by the seasons, offering locally sourced and ingredient-focused modern British food. An open kitchen in the 42-cover dining room allows diners to enjoy the theatre of the chefs and brings a dynamic atmosphere to the space. In the bar, a more informal menu provides more relaxed pub food, with the bar seating 34 covers and an additional 40 covers on the terrace during good weather.

Bowser comments: “I am thrilled to be back in the Cotswolds and working with Carole Bamford again. I have been lucky enough to work in many high-end and acclaimed kitchens, but it was working with the Bamford family where I really developed an in-depth understanding of seasonality. The Wild Rabbit offers the perfect setting for me as a chef,
with a quality-driven kitchen and access to exceptional produce from Daylesford Organic - I cannot wait to get stuck in.”

Ewan Grant, General Manager of The Wild Rabbit, comments: “We are excited to welcome Sam to team. He brings considerable experience and expertise from some renowned kitchens. This, coupled with his understanding of The Wild Rabbit, the area and our ethos make him a perfect match as we look forward to an exciting year ahead.”

thewildrabbit.co.uk

Bao + BBQ in Cheltenham have taken Christmas feasting to a new level this year. 

They have launched their aptly named “Bao + BBQ Christmas Feast” which is a sight to behold,

​The star of the show is the 900g -1kg Tomahawk steak, accompanied by a selection of  Bao's favourite sides and small plates, including their incredible Katsu Arancini, Bang Bang cauli and our Yuzu Chicken Skewers.

For the board, their Michelin starred Executive Chef Keiron Stevens has created some additional "Bao Style" Christmas classics. You will find pigs in blankets with Asian salt + Pepper Triple Cooked Chips, Yorkshire Puddings, Roasted Sprouts, Bacon Glazed Carrots, BBQ Sauce and Beef Jus.

You will need to pre-order and it costs £73 per person. 

What better way to kick off this season's festivities!

baobbq.co.uk

Christmas is just around the corner and it's time to start thinking of what booze to get into the house to enjoy with family and friends.

This week's cocktail is a gem from Reverend Hubert, whose Winter Gin Liqueur recipe was created by The Reverend Hubert Bell Lester in 1904 and updated to what it is today by his great-grandson Thomas Lester.

Reverend Hubert's Champagne Cocktail

Place a sugar cube in your glass and sprinkle dashes of Angostura orange bitters (or original) on the cube.

Next add 15ml of Reverend Hubert's winter liqueur.

Top up with Champagne or Prosecco.

Finally drop in a Maraschino cherry.

Enjoy!

www.reverendhubert.com

Christmas comes early to Cheltenham every year, with the greatest gift of them all: two days of quality racing action at the Home of Jump Racing for The International on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 December.

The racecourse will be turning yellow on Friday 10th December in memory of Tiggy Hancock who tragically died in a riding accident in June 2021 aged just 15, whilst at team training for the Pony European Eventing Championships. Cheltenham Racecourse welcome everybody who is coming racing to wear an item of clothing that is yellow to support Tiggy's Trust.

With an overseas flare in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, and more top quality action in the shape of the Unibet Handicap Steeple Chase, Unibet International Hurdle and The International Gold Cup, this two-day race meeting is a highlight of the Christmas racing calendar and kick starts the festive sporting season.

The International Friday

From the the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase to the Unibet Handicap Steeple Chase, it's an important day in the Festive racing calendar and one that always delivers in the entertainment stakes. 

Storm Control, Cogry and the Grand National-winning Mon Mome are just some of the names to taste glory on the Friday of the International.

After racing, we will see the return of the Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale which provide clients the opportunity to purchase quality English and Irish point to pointers and National Hunt Form Horses from the spring season. The sale is attached to racing and takes place after the last race.

Saturday at The International

The second day of The International Meeting on Saturday 11 December is another fixture that isn't to be missed, and we will be getting in the Festive spirit with Christmas Carols and Live Music.

With clues for The Festival appearing in every race, there's plenty to get excited about with JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle, the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and the Unibet International Hurdle.

Winners of those races include real fan favourites such as The New One, Cogry and Fusil Raffles, but who will be adding their name to our honours boards in 2021?

Got2Sing will get the Christmas party started with Christmas Carols on the Centaur Balcony as you enter the racecourse, you will then be able to catch them later in the day on the North Plaza - a perfect area to get racegoers involved in a Christmas sing-a-long.

As well as a fantastic variety of food and drink across the racecourse we will be offering a complimentary mulled wine and minced pie to racegoers on the North Plaza.

There will also be live Jazz music throughout the day from The Hipcats who will roam club/tattersalls enclosure 

Finish each day in The Centaur and watch The Wickermen perform from 3.45pm - 4.45pm.

For tickets and more information, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-international

Evesham always gets a bad rap, some fair and some a little unjust. For many, it's the Onslow and Daisy to the Hyacinth Bucket over-manicured Cotswolds, and unless you live there or you were visiting The Regal Cinema, there is no real reason to visit.

The town centre is littered with charity shops, an abundance of hairdressers and double denim from the first time around. It's in desperate need of a little TLC. However, in the Market Place where Bridge Street meets Vine Street there is a beacon of hope.

What began in a converted Rice Beaufort horse box during lockdown is now a super-stylish restaurant, serving awesome burgers and cocktails over two floors of an old pub. There is a huge emphasis on the locally sourced ingredients used both in the kitchen and behind the bar and a decent selection for the vegans and vegetarians that live amongst us. They also offer a delivery service on Thursday - Sunday on their food and drink to Evesham and the surrounding areas.

We had an hour and a half before Bond was due to start at The Regal, so we were just going to grab a quick burger and drink and get on our merry way. Obviously, after looking at the menu, this didn't happen. 

"You must try the Crispy Belly Bites". Of course we did.

"The Baby Bacon Fries are particularly good". Go on then, you've twisted my arm.

Eventually our table was covered in burgers and sides.

The Snack Daniels burger was as good as it sounded. Salt beef slices, cola and bourbon-braised brisket and Tubby Tom's Smokey Schweet BBQ sauce all fighting their way out of the bun. It was delightfully messy, smokey and sticky, and honestly the best thing I had eaten for a long time.

​The recommended pork belly bites were heavenly meaty cubes, with a crispy glaze and a subtle kick from the ginger and chilli that accompanied them during the roasting.

The "Bacon Baby" fries are pleasantly thicker than the normal skinny ones you often get and smothered in baconnaise and bacon bits, each one as addictive as the last. 

Even when you know you have ordered too much, I can never ignore mac 'n' cheese on a menu. These were topped with bacon bits, chives and crispy onions and, if anything, could have been much gooier with a lot more cheese.

The same has to be said for halloumi fries, you know you don't need them but you have to order them especially when they are rubbed in Tubby Tom's espresso and smoked chipotle dust and washed down with a dark 'n' stormy.

It was all incredibly impressive from start to finish, and in fear of sounding too overdramatic, the arrival of StirrUps is absolutely massive for the town. Evesham has finally got somewhere it can be proud of and it shows other business folk that nice places can be successful there.

www.stirr-ups.co.uk

Countryside Day kicks off The November Meeting at Cheltenham on Friday 12th November and features some awesome displays before racing begins.

​Nick offers a lively and enjoyable display using up to a dozen different gundogs, he skilfully demonstrates their training stages from puppy to fully trained. His grand finale is a rare opportunity to see one person handling up to seven dogs off the lead at one time. A mesmerising display showing the love of man for his dog and vice versa.

​We are looking forward to the return of the ROR Parade which feature a combination of well-known former racehorses that have been retrained in a second career together with notable success stories of horses excelling in a different discipline after retiring from racing. Equine heroes who will be parading include Gold Cup winning Coneygree, Grand National winning Pineau Du Re, Smad Place, Zarkandar, Annacotty, Minella Rebellion, Un Temps Pout Tout, Saphir Du Rheu, Thomas Crapper, and Wayward Prince.

Don't miss Kaleb Cooper from Amazon Prime Video's Clarkson's Farm, who will be doing a Q&A in the parade ring at 11.45am. 

The Bremont Great War Display Team are a group of highly experienced pilots who display replica World War One aircraft in a safe, they carefully replicate how aircraft were flown during the Great War over the trenches of Northern France and Belgium. (​this display will take place over the course - head to the front of the stands for the best seat in the house)

​Always a spectacle, this year we are pleased to be welcoming a number of packs to the racecourse for our Hound Parade led by the Cotswold.

Finish the day on a high and head to the Centaur where Radio 1 Chris Stark will be performing a live DJ set from 4.15pm - 5.15pm (approximately).


For The November Meeting tickets, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-november-meeting