Whether you're at RIAT for the full show weekend or just stopping by for Departure Day, knowing where to grab a bite to eat (and maybe a pint!) is key to keeping your energy up. Here's a breakdown of what to expect inside the showground and in the surrounding areas for food and drink, including evening options in nearby villages.

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 Food & Drink Inside the RIAT Showground

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Variety & Quality

The showground at RIAT is well-equipped with a wide range of food vendors, from quick snacks to hearty meals. Expect a mix of:

• Classic festival foods: burgers, chips, hot dogs, wraps

• International options: curries, noodles, burritos, German bratwurst

• Vegetarian & vegan: falafel wraps, veggie burgers, plant-based bowls

• Sweet treats: doughnuts, ice cream vans, waffles, crepes

• Coffee & drinks: barista vans, soft drinks, smoothies

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 Bars & Alcohol

• Licensed bars are dotted around the showground.

• Expect:

  • Craft beer tents

  • Pimm’s & prosecco stands

  • Basic wine & cider selections

• ID checks are enforced.

• Seating areas are located at refuelling stations along the airfield. 

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 Insider Tips:

• Prices are typical for an event, slightly above average, so budget accordingly.

• Queues form quickly around lunchtime, eat early or late to skip the rush.

• Many vendors now accept contactless payments, but it's wise to carry some cash just in case.

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 Evening Dining – Surrounding Villages & Towns

After the showground closes (typically around 7 PM), you'll need to venture off-site for evening meals. Here’s where to go:

​Nearby Villages

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 Fairford (1 mile from showground)

• The Bull Hotel – Traditional pub with hearty meals and a great beer garden.

• The Plough Inn – A cosy, historic spot serving quality British fare.

• 7a Coffee Shop – Also offers evening dining or light takeaway options.

• Chinese and Indian takeaways available in the town centre.

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 Lechlade (4 miles away)

• The Riverside Pub – Scenic pub right by the Thames. Great for dinner and a drink.

• Viva La Pizza – Family-run, excellent for takeaway or a quick casual meal.

• Yang's Kitchen-Chinese takeaway. (Personal Favourite)

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 Whelford / Kempsford

• Small villages closer to the showground. Limited options but sometimes host pop-up food trucks during RIAT week or private beer tents for campers.​

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 Larger Towns (10–30 mins drive)

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 Cirencester (10 miles west)

• Packed with pubs, restaurants, and cosy cafes.

• Options include:

  • The Crown – Stylish pub with good food.

  • Rajpoot Indian – Popular Indian restaurant.

  • Bees Knees– Upscale Bar-Pub Food.

  • Supermarkets in Cirencester, including a Big Tesco's with an Aldi next door. 

• Great for groups, but parking can get tight during RIAT week.

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 Swindon (15 miles southeast)

• Chain restaurants (Nando’s, TGI Friday’s, Pizza Express) and pubs.

• Larger supermarkets (Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury’s) if you want to stock up.

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 For Campers & Evening Crowd

If you’re staying at one of RIAT’s campsites (like Townend Farm, Kempsford, Totterdown Camping), there are usually:

• Evening food vans on-site: pizza, curry, burgers, etc.

• Bar tents or local beer setups.

• Occasional live music. Townend Farm have 3 nights of live music. 

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 Pro Tip: Reservations & Crowds

• Local pubs and restaurants fill up quickly during RIAT week, book in advance if you want a sit-down meal.

• Most food options in villages stop serving around 8–9 PM, so don’t leave it too late.

• Takeaway options are handy if you’re tired and just want food at your tent or accommodation.