Where to Eat During The Open 2026
Restaurants and pubs in Southport and Birkdale — July 12–19
Book restaurants now — Open week is not a normal week in Southport
250,000 spectators. One week. A town whose restaurants could not normally accommodate half that number if they all arrived on the same evening. Southport's dining scene is genuinely good — but during Open week, it is under extraordinary pressure. The venues that locals love, that visitors rave about, that have reasonable prices and proper food, will be fully booked weeks before the first round.
Book now. For dinner particularly. Lunch is more forgiving, especially if you're flexible on timing. But dinner from Thursday to Sunday, within two miles of Royal Birkdale, is essentially a sold market.
Where to Eat — Area Guide
Birkdale Village
The closest dining to the course and the most in-demand during Open week. A handful of excellent independent restaurants and traditional pubs sit within a five-minute walk of Royal Birkdale. Book tables weeks in advance — regulars and hotel guests fill them first.
- →Book at least 6–8 weeks in advance for evening slots
- →Lunch reservations on championship days are also popular — don't assume walk-ins work
- →The village pubs are atmospheric for post-round drinks
Lord Street, Southport
Southport's main boulevard has the widest range of restaurants and bars in the area — Italian, modern British, casual dining, and independent cafes all line the Victorian canopy. A short taxi or shuttle from the course, and the better choice for evening entertainment if you want variety.
- →More availability than Birkdale, but book for evening sittings during Open week
- →Coopers Bar has live music every evening
- →Wayfarers Arcade has good café options for lunch before play
Ocean Plaza / Seafront
The seafront development has chains and casual dining options that can absorb larger groups without a booking. Not the most atmospheric option but practical for families or large parties who need flexibility.
- →Hickory's Smokehouse is good for groups and families
- →Walk-in friendly compared to town centre venues
- →Good for a quick pre-course breakfast
Open Week Dining Tips
- →Book restaurants now — even venues that don't usually fill up will be full during Open week
- →If you can't get an evening reservation, lunch bookings are easier to secure
- →On-course hospitality is available for premium ticket packages — check theopen.com
- →Food within the course grounds is available but expensive — eat a proper meal at your accommodation before arriving
- →Evening meals in Birkdale village are the most atmospheric — worth the effort of an early booking
- →Some Southport restaurants add an Open week supplement — check when booking
Southport Restaurants
View all →Bars & Pubs
View all →From the blog
Read Terry's honest guide to the best restaurants in Southport for 2026 — written by someone who's eaten in most of them.