Shocking Cheltenham bar prices for 2025 revealed as punters set to drink 250,000 pints of Guinness
If you're off to the races in Cheltenham today (11 March), you better be prepared to break the bank when you head to the bar.
The prices of beverages at this year's event have been revealed as the four-day extravaganza of world-class racing gets underway.
It's not a cheap day out, which is why a lot of Brits are happy to simply tune into ITV's live broadcast from home this week - but you could end up in hot water if you're doing this at work.
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Each year, thousands of people flock to the legendary Cheltenham Festival to have a punt while celebrating some of the best jockeys and horses in the business.
But as well as all of that, it's also the perfect excuse to sink a few in a swanky suit or a pretty frock during the week.
However, it's not exactly a good idea to offer to get the round in for all of your pals - as it will cost you an arm and a leg.
The horses aren't the only thing jumping at Cheltenham in 2025, as the cost of a pint of Guinness has leapt up by 30p in comparison last year.
A whopping 265,000 pints of the black stuff are expected to be supped this time around, but a few attendees might consider switching their tipple once they see the price.
Even though we should be well used to the annual increases by now, the cost of drinks at Cheltenham manage to knock the wind out of Brits each and every year.
A Guinness will set you back £7.80, while half will cost you £3.90 - but I suppose that isn't too bad once you see what Cheltenham is charging for the alcohol-free Guinness 0.0.
It looks the same, tastes the same, but doesn't get you drunk...and it will cost you £7.40. Alcohol-free lager is priced a bit more reasonably at £4.
Punters in the Guinness Village who prefer the real stuff will pay £7.40 for a lager this year, or you could grab a pint of Doom Bar for £7.80.
Spirits are all priced at £7.20 each, bar from Jameson's whiskey, which is 10 pence dearer.
A mixer adds another £2.70 onto your bill, while Cheltenham are also demanding 45 pence for a dash of cordial in your drink.
Soft drinks are priced at £3.10 and still or sparkling water will set you back £2.50, which is an increase of 10 pence in comparison to 2024.
And if you plan on drowning your sorrows with a glass of wine if you back the wrong horse, 187ml of the house wine will cost you £9.70 - the same as last year.
Cheltenham's managing director Ian Renton explained the reasoning behind the price increases.
"Throughout the course of this review process there have been three distinct strands which have been impossible to ignore - value for money, the need to provide the best experience possible and the competitiveness of the race programme," he said.
"We understand that when people are paying to attend premium events they expect a premium experience and that has been at the front of our minds when committing to significant investment to improve our car parks, launching a park and ride system and offering more course-facing areas to enjoy a drink while watching the racing.
"We also know that, at a time when we are all impacted by the rising cost of living, value is more important than ever. As with any event of this size, it is never possible to make changes which are welcomed by everyone. "However, we have prioritised listening to our racegoers to put them and their experiences at the heart of the Festival, with the ultimate goal of delivering something that not only meets but exceeds expectations."
Olivia Burke