Cheltenham Festival makes its public return this week after being held behind closed doors last year and controversially going ahead at the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Hospitality businesses across the region will once again look forward to welcoming race goers, with pre-race breakfasts, hotel rooms and retail to boost the much-missed event's impact on the Cotswold economy.

Sam & Jak, situated on Cirencester's Cricklade Street, has opened since the last festival. They will be offering racegoers champagne with various breakfast favourites including Eggs Bnedict, Eggs Royale and classic bacon or Cumberland sausage sandwiches.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: A Sam & Jak breakfastA Sam & Jak breakfast

Chef Jak Doggett said of Cheltenham week: “It means so much to the hotel and hospitality industry it was missed last year.

"We look forward to welcoming race goers across the day, so many choose to stay in the Cirencester and many will stay and watch in the pubs and businesses around us, for the local economy it is important to showcase what we can do, especially as newcomers.”

Also new in town since last year's festival is Téatro, based at Ingleside House. The festival and its guests have come at a welcome time, both for dining as well as booking all of the 11 bedrooms in the boutique hotel.

A full English breakfast will be served, along with other favourites.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: An Ingleside breakfastAn Ingleside breakfast

“You cannot go to Cheltenham on an empty stomach and we will be making sure all of our residents and those that choose to pop in are looked after,” said manager Ryan Walters.

“The festival is so special to the region and when Ingleside was set up, we wanted to make sure we are a great choice for the town and as well as the may that have chosen to make the most of our new facilities.

"As a hotel it is not just about breakfast but our evening dining as well, we have a great team here.”