It’s hard to know where to eat when you’re visiting a different town – do you go for fine dining, a pub meal, or something cheap and cheerful? And how do you know where’s good? 

Luckily, in Marlborough, people tend to have a thing for good food, so you shan’t go hungry come race weekend. Here’s a few suggestions of places to try.

Beginning at the outskirts of the town centre we have Quench, a fine dining restaurant within the lovely surrounds of our favourite hotel, Chateau Marlborough.

Despite being part of the hotel, executive chef Chris Pearce says there’s something for everyone at Quench, from starters through to dessert.

“We try and make it a relaxed environment so everyone has a good time, and we’ve got a great range of regional wines which people can choose from.”

Quench can seat more than 100 people, and Chris assures us he’ll have some special options for race-goers when May rolls around.

“Have a look at the website in the month or so leading up to the half, there will be some high carb options for the athletes.”

Delving further into town, there is Dolce Cafe and Pizzeria, offering everything from salads, soups and pastas, through to some of the best wood fired pizzas in town.

Or you could try Scotch Bar – their ever evolving menu never disappoints, and with a dedicated wine room housing more than 1000 bottles of wine, you’re bound to find something that suits.

Our favourite new hotspot in town is Cartel Mexican Bar and Grill, the only restaurant in Blenheim offering a full Mexican menu, from tortilla chips to tacos to paella.

Possibly even more impressive than their dinner menu is their drinks menu, complete with nearly 30 different tequilas.

If you’re out of town, Arbour offers the ultimate foodie experience, fine dining in the form of three, four, five, course meals, using food which showcases Marlborough produce and stories.

And for a spot of lunch, why not book in right here at the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen, you won’t even have to leave the finish line, and everything on the menu is delicious! (Get in quick!).

Wairau River Wines up the road forms part of our course, and they too offer some delicious lunch options, as do the team at Cloudy Bay Winery.

These are just a handful of the options available when you visit us in May, have a good look around online and maybe make some bookings before you arrive!