The Old Liquor Store, Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1FT
- 01904 950147
Ready to book your table?
Online booking available 24/7 — or call us on 01904 950147
The Closest Restaurant to York Racecourse
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner & Cocktails — Open Before, During & After Racing
The Old Liquor Store is the closest restaurant and bar to York Racecourse, located just a short walk from the track on Bishopthorpe Road, York. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely brunch before the first race, a long lunch during the meeting, or a celebratory dinner and drinks after the racing, we have you covered from morning until late.
Situated in the magnificent Grade II listed former Terry’s Chocolate Factory, we offer one of the most unique and memorable dining settings in York — the perfect backdrop for a great day at the races.
Before the Races — Pre-Race Brunch & Lunch
Start your race day in style with our acclaimed brunch menu, available from 9:30am on Saturdays and Sundays. Fuel up with a full English breakfast, butties on homemade milk rolls, or our legendary house toasted granola. For something more substantial, our lunch menu is available from 12pm and features dishes including bavette steak, OLS burgers, and a selection of hot and cold deli sandwiches made on homemade bread.
Pre-race group bookings are available for parties of six or more, with a dedicated group brunch menu designed specifically for racegoers. Smaller parties are equally welcome. Booking is strongly recommended on race days — we fill up fast.
Pre York Races Brunch Group Bookings & Corporate
Start your race day in style with our pre-race brunch at The Old Liquor Store — the closest restaurant to York Racecourse. Perfect for groups, celebrations, and racegoers looking for the best brunch in York before heading to the track.
2026 Pre-Race Group Brunch Menu – £28 per person
Includes a glass of fizz on arrival and a selection of pastries for the table.
Choose Your Brunch Dish
Perfect for York Race Days
Located just a short walk from York Racecourse, The Old Liquor Store is the ideal spot for pre-race brunch, group dining, and celebrations before the races.
Booking Information
An optional 12.5% service charge is added to the bill and distributed equally between staff. Please note we are a card-only venue.
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
Book Your Race Day Brunch View a PDF printable versionCrushed Avocado (v)
Toasted sourdough, hot sauce, poached hen’s egg, pesto rosso
Wild Mushrooms (v)
Black truffle & mascarpone creamed mushrooms, toasted sourdough, parmesan, rocket
Full Vegan Breakfast (v/ve)
Grilled peppers & courgettes, confit plum tomato, sweetcorn fritter, portobello mushroom, home-baked cannellini beans, toasted sourdough
Full Breakfast
Grilled back bacon, herb sausage, confit plum tomatoes, rosemary roasted portobello mushroom, home-baked cannellini beans, sourdough, fried hen’s egg
Smoked Salmon & Eggs
Scrambled hen’s egg, toasted sourdough, oak smoked salmon, lemon
OLS Stack
Freshly baked milk roll filled with back bacon, Cumberland sausage, black pudding, portobello mushroom & fried egg
After the Races — Post-Race Dinner & Drinks
The celebrations don’t have to stop when the last race is run. The Old Liquor Store is the closest restaurant to York racecourse and the perfect place to round off your day at York Racecourse with dinner and drinks. Our evening à la carte menu is available from 5:30pm Thursday to Saturday, featuring a regularly changing selection of seasonal dishes prepared in our open kitchen, using the best local Yorkshire ingredients with global influences.
Our fully stocked bar and champagne terrace are ideal for post-race drinks, cocktails, and celebrations. Whether your horse came in or not, we’ll make sure the evening ends well.
Post-race group dinner bookings are available for parties of six or more. Please email hello@theoldliquorstore.co.uk to arrange.
York Racecourse Race Dates 2026 — Race Day Dining
Season opener
Wed 13 – Fri 15 May 2026
Dante Festival
York’s traditional season opener, featuring key Classic trials. Three days of high-quality flat racing to kick off the summer. Join us for a long brunch before heading to the track, or a celebratory dinner after the racing.
Book your table →Spring racing
Sat 23 May 2026
May Spring Meeting
A popular Saturday fixture and a brilliant excuse for a full race day. Start with our Saturday brunch from 9:30am before making the short walk to the track. A perfect day out.
Book your table →Summer racing
Fri 12 – Sat 13 June 2026
June Meeting
Two days of summer racing at the Knavesmire. The June Meeting draws strong fields and great crowds — make a weekend of it with dinner on the Friday and brunch before the Saturday card.
Book your table →Racing + live music
Sat 27 June 2026
Summer Music Saturday
Racing and live music combined — one of the most festive days of the York racing calendar. Start your day at The Old Liquor Store with brunch or lunch before the entertainment begins. Our champagne terrace and cocktail bar are ideal for post-event celebrations.
Book your table →Summer racing
Fri 10 – Sat 11 July 2026
John Smith’s Meeting
A much-loved fixture on the York racing calendar. Two days of competitive flat racing in the heart of summer. We’re the closest restaurant to the course — the ideal base for your race day.
Book your table →Racing + live music
Fri 24 – Sat 25 July 2026
Music Showcase Weekend
Two days of racing paired with live music entertainment — a highlight of the York summer. Bring a group, book a pre-race brunch or post-show dinner, and make a proper occasion of it. Group bookings of 6 or more welcome.
Book your table →York’s biggest meeting
Wed 19 – Sat 22 August 2026
Sky Bet Ebor Festival
York’s flagship four-day racing festival and one of the finest meetings in the British flat racing calendar. Home of the Juddmonte International and the famous Ebor Handicap. This is our busiest period of the year — book your table as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Group pre-race brunches and post-race dinners available for parties of 6 or more.
Book well in advance →Autumn racing
Sun 6 September 2026
September Sunday
A relaxed Sunday fixture to ease into the autumn season. Why not combine it with our legendary Sunday roast? We serve from 12pm–4pm — perfect timing to enjoy a proper sit-down lunch before or after the racing.
Book your table →Season finale
Fri 9 – Sat 10 October 2026
October Meeting
The last hurrah of the York flat racing season. Two days of autumn racing to round off the year in style. Join us at the closest restaurant to York racecourse for dinner on the Friday evening or a Saturday brunch to send the season off properly.
Book your table →Our Location — A Short Walk from the Track
The Old Liquor Store Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1FT
We are located on Bishopthorpe Road, just minutes from York Racecourse on foot and the closest restaurant to York Racecourse. We are easily accessible by taxi from York city centre and the train station, and several bus routes stop nearby. Cycle parking is available on site.
From the racecourse, simply head out onto Campleshon Road and walk north (Turn into Clock Tower Way) by the Co-op shop. — you’ll find us in the stunning former Terry’s Chocolate Factory complex within five minutes. Alternatively take the gate into the grounds behind the residence. (Code C1925Y).
01904 950147 
hello@theoldliquorstore.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest restaurant to York Racecourse?
The Old Liquor Store on Bishopthorpe Road is the closest restaurant to York Racecourse, it’s also the closest bar. Just a few minutes’ walk from the track. We are located within the historic Grade II listed Terry’s Chocolate Factory complex, making us not only the most convenient dining option for racegoers but also one of the most unique and memorable settings in York.
Can I book a table at The Old Liquor Store on race days?
es, and we strongly recommend booking in advance as race days are extremely popular and tables go quickly. You can book online via our booking page or call us on 01904 950147. For the Sky Bet Ebor Festival in August, we advise booking as early as possible as this is our busiest period of the year.
Do you cater for large groups visiting York Racecourse?
Yes. We offer dedicated pre-race group brunch menus and post-race group dinner bookings for parties of six or more. Smaller parties are equally welcome and can book online. For group enquiries please email hello@theoldliquorstore.co.ukand we will take care of everything.
What time do you open on race days?
We open at 9am on Saturdays and Sundays, and from 10am Wednesday to Friday. We serve through brunch, lunch and into the evening, so we are open before, during and after every race meeting at York Racecourse. Our bar stays open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is there somewhere to have drinks near York Racecourse?
The Old Liquor Store has a fully stocked bar, a signature cocktail list, and a champagne terrace — making us the perfect spot for pre-race drinks or post-race celebrations close to York Racecourse. Whether your horse came in or not, we’ll make sure the evening ends well.
How do I get to The Old Liquor Store from York Racecourse?
Simply walk north along Bishopthorpe Road for approximately five minutes and you will find us within the Terry’s Chocolate Factory complex on the right hand side. We are also easily accessible by taxi from York city centre and the train station, and several bus routes stop nearby on Bishopthorpe Road. Also via the secret gate behind the residence apartment building.
Do you serve food before the races as well as after?
Absolutely. We serve brunch from 9:30am on weekends and 10am midweek, and our lunch menu runs from 12pm until 3pm. This makes us ideal for a relaxed meal before heading to the track. Many of our race day guests enjoy a full brunch or lunch with us before the racing and then return for dinner and drinks afterwards.
Can I do a Sunday roast on a race day?
Yes — our Sunday roast is served every week from 12pm until 4pm, which lines up perfectly with the September Sunday race meeting on 6 September 2026. It’s a wonderful way to combine a proper traditional roast in a stunning setting with a great afternoon at the races. Booking is recommended.
Ready to book your table?
Online booking available 24/7 — or call us on 01904 950147
York’s best breakfast, lunch & à la carte dining. Best Sunday Roast in North Yorkshire.
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