4 Best Restaurants in Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Heart of England

Visitors and locals alike head for the half-timber Hobsons Patisseries to indulge in the famous savory pies or scrumptious afternoon teas. Just a couple of minutes walk from Shakespeare’s Birthplace, it’s an almost obligatory lunch stop.

Sit downstairs to appreciate the hardwood floors and oak beams of this local epicurean favorite in one of the town’s oldest buildings; upstairs, the look is a bit more contemporary. The updates of tried-and-true dishes include herb-crusted rack of English lamb and pan-fried calf's liver with creamed potato and crisp shallots. Desserts are fantastic, and daily specials keep the menu seasonal. The two- and three-course fixed-price menus (not available for Monday lunches) are good deals.

The only pub in Britain to be licensed under two names (the more informal one came courtesy of American GIs who were stationed here during World War II), this is one of Stratford’s most celebrated and consistently rated pubs, attracting actors since the 18th-century days of thespian David Garrick. Along with your pint of bitter, you can choose from the extensive pub-grub menu of fish-and-chips, steaks, burgers, and grills; there are also good-value light bites. Now part of the well-established Greene King Inns, it's not the most characterful of pubs. Still, the lovely veranda that overlooks the theaters and the river makes it worth a visit.

A location a little hidden away from the main throng makes this gastropub a popular choice for locals and in-the-know visitors. Inside, the wooden tables and floors have a worn, lived-in look that helps create a relaxed atmosphere, and the secret courtyard is a real delight. Local ales are on tap, but it’s the inventive menu with twists on favorite pub dishes that really hits the spot, with items such as the shrimp burger or the Asian-inspired coleslaw served with some dishes.