Cestrians will be well aware that Chester Racecourse will soon come to life with thousands of race-goers.

The Boodles May Festival kicks off on Wednesday, May 10 with the Chester Cup Day followed by Ladies Day on Thursday, May 11 and Boodles City Day on Friday, May 12.

If you're wanting to find somewhere to go for a drink or two and spend your potential winnings, here's our two cents on where to go in the city.

The Architect, 54 Nicholas St, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2NX

The Architect during Chester Race season in the Summer of 2013

A favourite amongst race-goers, this conveniently placed pub restaurant overlooks the racecourse so it comes as no surprise that it proves popular on race days.

The large, outdoor seating area is perfect to have a drink after (or before) the races on those long summer nights.

Convivio, 29 Grosvenor Street, Chester CH1 2DD

On the corner of Grosvenor Street, Convivio boasts an outdoor, south-facing piazza which guarantees as much sunshine as the summer has to offer.

The setting (just a five minute walk from the racecourse) makes it a good place for a social gathering - and the outdoor bar helps too!

Barlounge, 75 Watergate St, Chester CH1 2LB

Bar Lounge

Located on the corner of Watergate Street and just a five minute walk from the racecourse, Barlounge offers something different with a large outdoor heated terrace.

A popular choice for many, the outdoor area does get busy particularly on race days so best to turn up early to avoid disappointment.

Kuckoo, 58 Watergate St, Chester CH1 2LA

A great place to go if you enjoy rock and indie music, Kuckoo promote themselves as a 'rock and roll boutique cocktail den in the heart of Chester'.

Serving up a vast drinks menu, this is the place to go if you are partial to sampling a few cocktails whilst rocking out to a wide variety of rock music.

Based on Watergate Street, the bar is just a five minute walk from the racecourse.

The Church Bar, Newgate St, Chester CH1 1DE

The Church Bar & Restaurant

Tucked away on Newgate Steet is a restored church turned bar - a hot-spot that proves popular whatever the occasion.

The historic building is a great setting for race days due to it's originality and large outdoor terrace.

It's about a 15 minute walk from the racecourse but expect it to be busy.

Fiesta Havana, 39-41 Watergate St, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2LB

Situated on the other side of the road to Kuckoo is Havana's; 'a little piece of Cuba, right in the heart of Chester'.

If you enjoy something a little bit alternative, i.e Latin-style and Caribbean rhythms, this is the place for you.

The bar boasts an impressive selection of cocktails and is just a five minute walk from the racecourse.

The Botanist, 13 St Werburgh St, Chester CH1 2DY

The Botanist on Godstall Lane, Chester

The name gives it away - this city-centre bar serves up botanical-style cocktails in an oasis in the heart of the city.

Accessible from Werburgh Street or Godstall Lane and just a 10 minute walk from the racecourse, you can also sample a wide selection of craft

beers and wines with plenty of nibbles to choose from if you are feeling peckish.

Cruise, 4 St John St, Chester CH1 1DA

Cruise nightclub, St John Street, Chester
Cruise nightclub, St John Street, Chester

If you're not wanting to go home but wanting to carry on socialising until the early hours, Cruise nightclub will be open until late.

Located on St John Street, Cruise boasts three floors to suit everyone's tastes.

On race days, entry will be free between 7pm and 9pm.

Call 01244 408000 for more information.

Where is your favourite bar/club in Chester? Let us know in the comments section below or tweet us @ChesterChron