Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INEXPENSIVE
Havilands
ENGLISH TEA/CAFE This well-respected caterer opened a charming
tearoom and take-out in 2009, serving fresh, locally sourced food. Grab a stilton and
grape sandwich; turkey, cranberry, and stuffing quiche; or spicy teacake, and relax on
the sunny terrace. They also serve high-quality pies, soups, and salads.
4-5 Meer St.
&
01789/415477.
www.havilandscatering.com. Cakes from £1.20, sandwiches from £1.95.
MC, V. Daily 9am-4:30pm.
McKechnies
CAFE/COFFEEHOUSE This cozy cafe serves the best coffee in
Stratford. It's another independent place that sources its food and milk from local
suppliers; tasty all-day Warwickshire breakfasts (dry cured bacon, Hatton sausage,
field mushrooms, fresh beef, tomatoes, and free-range eggs), toasted ciabattas,
chunky farmhouse sandwiches, zesty soups, and cupcakes from locally based Tea
Cake Company. The cappuccino is justly celebrated (beans sourced from James'
Gourmet Coffee Company), and they also serve 17 types of tea.
37 Rother St.
&
01789/299575.
www.mckechniescafe.talktalk.net. Soups/sandwiches from £3.50. MC,
V. Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm, Sun 9:30am-4:30pm.
The Vintner
ENGLISH/CONTINENTAL In a timber-framed structure little
altered since its construction in the late 15th century, the Vintner may very well be
the place where William Shakespeare went to purchase his wine. The Vintner is both
a cafe/bar and a restaurant owned by the same family for 5 centuries; its location
makes it ideal for a pre-theatre lunch or supper. When possible, fresh local produce
is used. Good-tasting main courses include salmon fishcakes with wilted spinach and
sorrel sauce, and well-priced steaks. For dessert, try that British favorite, sticky toffee
pudding with vanilla ice cream.
4-5 Sheep St.
&
01789/297259.
www.the-vintner.co.uk. Reservations not necessary. Main courses
£7.75-£15. DC, MC, V. Mon-Sat 9:30am-10pm; Sun 9:30am-9pm.
Shopping
Set within an antique house with ceiling beams, the
Shakespeare Bookshop,
39
Henley St. (
&
01789/292176;
www.shakespeare.org.uk; Wed-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm,
Sun noon-5pm), across from the Shakespeare Birthplace Centre, is the region's pre-
mier source for textbooks and academic treatises on the Bard and his works. It spe-
cializes in books for every level of expertise on Shakespearean studies, from picture
books for junior-high students to weighty tomes geared to those pursuing a Ph.D. in
literature.
Entertainment & Nightlife
THE PUB & BAR SCENE
Despite the millions of tourists passing through, Stratford is essentially a small town
where nightlife revolves around the RSC Theatre and local pubs. Everyone who visits
Stratford grabs at least one drink at the
Dirty Duck
(
&
01789/297312;
www.
dirtyduck-pub-stratford-upon-avon.co.uk; restaurant daily noon-10pm, bar daily
11am-11pm), close to the RSC Theatre on Waterside. The creaky old pub has been
a popular hangout for Stratford players since the 18th century, its walls lined with
autographed photos of its many famous patrons. Real ales include Old Speckled Hen
and Greene King IPA, while typical English pub food is featured in the Conservatory
Restaurant.
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