Rachael Bird, owner of Tailors in Cheltenham, recently crowned Racing TV’s pub of the year, knows better than anyone how much the races mean to the town.
With crowds gathering during race week, the atmosphere is completely different compared to an average week, and it can be a challenge to contain excitement.
“Only 20 spaces left for Gold Cup Day. It’s always one of our busiest days of the year, with great food, drinks, and a brilliant atmosphere.
“We love seeing everyone come together, to enjoy the races and live music,” Bird Said.
The pub has 17 television screens, including a large 85-inch TV, making it one of the top venues for watching live sports and racing.
Bird was proud that the pub was awarded the Racing TV Pub of the Year in 2024 is a great accolade, especially considering the fierce competition in and around Cheltenham.
🗣️ "We made it our mission when I bought the pub to bring new TVs in."
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 13, 2024
Rachael Bird, owner of the Racing TV Pub of the Year Tailors, discusses winning the award & her background! #ThisRacingLife | @TomBull4 | @jacknicolracing
“It’s lovely to know people appreciate what we do here. We’ve worked hard to make the pub a real hub for racing fans, where everyone feels welcome and part of the excitement.
“There’s a couple here today who are from Wales, who’ve come down not just for the racing, but to soak up the pub atmosphere as well.
“But come Saturday, it’s going to be absolutely rammed.
“It’s not just good for us, it’s great for the whole town. The races bring something extra, you can really feel the difference straight away from your usual Friday.
Before becoming a familiar face behind the bar at Tailors, Rachel learned her skills in some of Cheltenham’s best-known hotels.
“Before taking over the pub, I worked at the Malmaison hotel in Cheltenham. Race week is on another level; we can take up to five times what we would in an average week.
“Quite a few times, some owners would come into the hotel, especially a lot of famous names.
When a winner of the Champion Hurdle was staying at the hotel where she worked, she found herself part of a piece of racing history.
“I came to Cheltenham when I was 21 and started working at The Queens Hotel. It was such a great place to learn the ropes.
“I then worked at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel, where the restaurant was named after the champion racehorse, Hardy Eustace.
“It was such a lovely connection to the races, you would get guests talking about the horse and sharing their own racing stories.
“I was here when Hardy Eustace won. You could feel the excitement everywhere; people were cheering, celebrating, and before you knew it, he shouted, “Get down here, bar is on me!” It was one of those moments you never forget.”
