The Jockey’s Rest — the UK’s largest Irish pop-up pub — is back, and this time it’s arriving just in time for Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday 26 July 2025.
After making its debut during the Northumberland Plate Festival, this unique two-storey venue will now be right at the heart of Ladies Day celebrations at Gosforth Park.
It’s the perfect pit stop (or all-day hangout) for racegoers looking to enjoy great drinks, live music, and relaxed pub vibes — all within walking distance of the finish line.
☘️ A Pub with a View
Spread across two floors, The Jockey’s Rest blends the traditional charm of an Irish pub with the buzz of a summer race day.
On the ground floor, you’ll find a full bar serving draught beer (including Guinness), wines, spirits, whiskey, and Champagne.
Upstairs, a 20-foot rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the course — ideal for watching the action, snapping outfit pics, or just taking in the atmosphere.
There’s also an indoor lounge with cosy décor, TV screens, and a photo booth, plus a white picket-fenced beer garden that opens out near the main food court and hospitality area.
🎶 What to Expect on the Day
Throughout the day, The Jockey’s Rest will be hosting:
Live Irish acoustic sets
House and party DJs
Screened coverage of the races
A photobooth for those all-important selfies
Later in the afternoon, it naturally blends into the Bongo’s Bingo Afterparty, held in the stage staging area on grass — one of the biggest highlights of Ladies Day 2025.
🎟️ Access & Tickets
Entry to The Jockey’s Rest is included with any Ladies Day ticket. That means whether you’re in the Grandstand, Trackside, or enjoying a hospitality package, you can access the venue all day long.
If you’re looking for a relaxed place to kick off your day — or a fun spot to regroup between races — it’s the ideal choice.
Ladies Day 2025 takes place on Saturday 26 July. Gates open at 11am, with the first race at 1:57pm and the final race at 5:27pm.
The Jockey’s Rest is the latest addition from North East event specialists EVNT Inspirations, who’ve delivered major fanzones and festivals across the region.
Following its successful Plate Day launch, co-director Nigel Holliday said:
“We wanted something that felt proper festival, proper party, but also part of the race day. The Jockey’s Rest at Ladies Day brings a splash of Irish craic to Gosforth Park — a bit of atmosphere that the fashion crowd will love.”
✅ Why It Works for Ladies Day
Whether you’re dressed up for the Style Awards or heading straight to Bongo’s after the final race, The Jockey’s Rest fits in perfectly with the energy of the day.
It offers somewhere to chill early on, reconnect with friends, or just enjoy a pint and a view between races. Being situated in the middle of the racecourse, right near finish line, it gives the ultimate view to cheers on your horse as it crosses the line.
It’s open to all eligible ticketholders and doesn’t require a booking — but you’ll want to get there early to secure your spot.
Don’t miss this year’s biggest day at the races — and the best pop-up pub to go with it. Book Ladies Day tickets here
