Eat, Drink & Be Merry

From grand riverside dining to hidden wine bars and classic English pubs, Stratford's food scene is as rich as its history.

Restaurants

RSC Rooftop Restaurant
Modern British · Pre-theatre
£££
★★★★★

Perched atop the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with panoramic views over the Avon, this acclaimed restaurant serves modern British cuisine using seasonal Warwickshire produce. Perfect for pre-show dining — menus change with the season and the view never disappoints.

📍 Waterside, RSC Theatre
The Brasserie at The Arden
Contemporary Brasserie
£££
★★★★★

Elegant brasserie dining at one of Stratford's finest boutique hotels, situated directly opposite the RSC theatre. The menu celebrates British producers with French technique — an outstanding Sunday roast, too. Terrace seating available in summer.

📍 Waterside, CV37 6BA
The Vintner
Modern British · Wine Bar & Restaurant
££
★★★★★

A Stratford institution housed in a stunning timber-framed building on Sheep Street dating to the late 1400s — little changed in 500 years. The independent, family-run café and restaurant serves a locally-sourced, seasonally adjusted menu alongside an excellent wine list. Shakespeare himself is said to have bought his wine here when it traded as a vintner's in 1600. Outstanding for breakfast, lunch, pre-theatre dining, and private events.

📍 4–5 Sheep Street, CV37 6EF
Lambs
Modern British · Pre-theatre
££
★★★★★

One of Stratford's most-loved restaurants, occupying a magnificent 16th-century building on Sheep Street that dates from the reign of Henry VIII. The atmospheric first-floor dining room with its original oak beams is the talk of the town. Lambs specialises in modern British cuisine — Herefordshire steaks, Cotswold lamb, and fresh fish specials — served with a friendly efficiency that makes it a perennial favourite for pre-RSC theatre meals. Michelin-selected.

📍 12 Sheep Street, CV37 6EF
Thespians
Authentic Indian · Dine-in & Takeaway
££
★★★★★

Authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of Stratford, perfectly placed on Sheep Street near the RSC theatres. Thespians offers a full dine-in experience alongside takeaway, with a menu of classic and contemporary Indian dishes. Book online for 10% off — a brilliant option for a flavourful pre- or post-theatre meal.

📍 26 Sheep Street, CV37 6EF
Opposition Restaurant
Mediterranean · Relaxed
££
★★★★☆

A charming bistro atmosphere just off the high street, serving vibrant Mediterranean and modern European dishes. Popular with a younger crowd and theatre professionals, this lively spot is great value for the quality on offer.

📍 13 Sheep Street, CV37 6EF
The Coconut Lagoon
South Indian · Award-winning
££
★★★★★

An unexpected treasure — Kerala and South Indian cuisine of extraordinary quality in an intimate Old Town setting. Award-winning dishes, exceptional spicing, and one of the most welcoming restaurants in Stratford. Locals' favourite for over a decade.

📍 21–23 Sheep Street, CV37 6EF

Historic Pubs & Bars

🍺
The Dirty Duck (Black Swan)
Waterside · RSC actors' pub since the 1960s
Stratford's most famous pub, directly behind the RSC theatre and traditionally the haunt of actors after performances. Its walls are lined with signed photographs of RSC legends. Garden seating by the Avon in summer — arrive early to bag a spot.
🍺
The Garrick Inn
High Street · Stratford's oldest pub
Dating to 1596, the Garrick Inn is one of England's oldest pubs and Stratford's most atmospheric. The wonderfully wonky timber-framed building is a listed monument — real ales, log fires in winter, and ghost stories aplenty.
🍷
The One Elm
Guild Street · Modern gastropub
A popular gastropub with an excellent kitchen — proper Sunday roasts, locally sourced burgers, and a good selection of wines and craft ales. Large beer garden and a buzzing weekend atmosphere.
Boston Tea Party
Henley Street · Independent café
A favourite café just steps from Shakespeare's Birthplace — excellent specialty coffee, homemade cakes, brunch dishes, and light lunches. A wonderful pit-stop on a day's exploring.

"If music be the food of love, play on."

— Duke Orsino, Twelfth Night · William Shakespeare