Then there is the question of 'Where to Eat?' As in every town there are dozens of fast food outlets but perhaps you may fancy a little more. These are a few I can recommend.
The Rippl
e Cafe is to be found on the far side of the river near to the boathouse and bandstand. It offers excellent buffet Thai and Chinese dishes. The pavilian-style restaurant is bright and airy with a 'seaside-effect' blue and white decor and wrap-round windows overlooking the river. Various Shakespeare quotations adorn the walls, perhaps to inspire one whilst 'grazing' ! A word of advice: don't get carried away by the abundance of mouth-watering choices. Little and often is the best way . You can go back as often as you like, starting with soup, salads, mini spring rolls, etc before moving on to the many yummy dishes to accompany rice and noodles. Desserts are mainly fresh fruit - just right after the rich dishes. It is very reasonably priced at £8 at lunchtime so perhaps the rather highly-priced wines, and even water, can be forgiven. The evening set-price for a three course meal is £14.95 . A friend who visited then thought they could do with using the dimmer switch to tone down the over-bright light on the white walls! Phone: 01789 292121
Whilst in this area do visit The Butterfly Farm which is nearby. I think it's a pity that it doesn't seem to be very well known to visitors. I took my grandchildren and they were utterly enchanted to be surrounded by the large and colourful butterflies. There is a very attractive pond with huge koi and carp but, inevitably, my grandson found the snakes, spiders and other horrors most attractive. Extra good on a chilly day when the tropical heating is welcome.
For the most concentrated restaurant area try Sheep Street for a wide variety ranging through Italian, French, Indian and Malay. Lambs is in a lovely 16thC building with a great soft-lighted ambience serving excellent food, beautifully presented. Perhaps inevitably I ordered the rack of lamb which was delicious and a feast for the eyes. This is a little more 'up-market' but well worth it for a special occasion. They have a set menu on offer for a two-course £15 or 3-course £20.
Phone: 01789 292554 - closed Monday.
For a family celebration we recently visited Sorrento in Ely Street. As the name suggests they offer a selection of pasta dishes but we all opted for meat or fish dishes. My medallions of fillet beef, medium-rare were cooked to perfection, pink on the inside but tender, tender. Others chose rib-eye steak with a mushroom and tomato sauce, fillet steak with green pepper sauce and salmon and lemon sole. All were pronounced delicious. I plan to sample their lunch time menu some time soon. This offers quite a choice for a 2-course at £8.90 or 3-course for £12.90.
Phone: 01789 297999
Not far from Stratford is the pretty village of Aston Cantlow where the XVth Century Kings Head is found. It is a family run country inn with low oak beams, flagged stone floors and open log fires. It is reputed that William Shakespeare's parents held their wedding reception here after being married in the local church in 1557. I was delighted to have my daughter and family over from Australia to spend Christmas with us so felt this was just the place to take them all for dinner as it had Olde English pub atmosphere in spades - plus decorations and tree. What a wonderful setting for the really great meal we enjoyed. Since then I have lunched there - there is a choice of sitting in the bar area or the light and airy added-on restaurant. As before the food was superb, well cooked and beautifully presented. It is apparently renowned for its duck suppers, so will have to try this. As well as having Egon Ronay and Michelin Guide recommendations it has also won the Warwickshire Dining Pub of the Year Award, so can be seen to be in the 'serious food' business offering much more than 'pub grub'!
Phone: 01789 488242
