Recommendations for Stratford-Upon-Avon

Perhaps a bit expensive, but there is the Arden hotel - be it to stay or eat at, but worth it.

The dirty duck , a pub very near the RSC is a good place to eat.

The Arden is gorgeous if you're looking for somewhere a bit fancy, but recently my grandma stayed in the Premier Inn and she was very comfortable - so that's somewhere a bit more affordable.

Stratford Townhouse is a lovely quiet place to grab a drink. Sometimes there's live piano music which is very nice, and it's really close to the theatre.

A couple of hundred yards from the theatre, Susie's Cafe Bar at the RSC's The Other Place (what was the Courtyard Theatre) is quite pleasant place to have lunch. Not too busy and decent food.

www.rsc.org.uk/restaurant-cafes-bars/susies-cafe-bar

I adore the Q Hotel (The Stratford) on the way into town, you can often get a good deal on 2 nights and breakfast and/or dinner. If you're in the mood for something a bit 'fancy'

However both Premier Inns are very nice, and do a stonkging good breakfast fit enough for Lenny Henry.

Another vote for don't eat in the the Chippy on the corner by the RSC. The Spoons, is as said a Spoons but is decent. Lots of little shops in the arcade bits, and I always find Stratford Charity shops have excellent book selections.

I'd also recommend tours of the RSC, usually really interesting! And if you have the time, getting the multi-house ticket for the Shakespeare houses is good value, and obviously you get to see all 3 or is it 4? And if it's a nice day a stroll down the river is lovely.

Do you know in all these years I've still never visited Old Bill's Grave...

And while we're Shakespearing, for everyone's entertainment, I patiently explained to a customer yesterday that 'The book Midsummer Night's Dream' is in fact Shakespeare's play. Many times.

My favourite places to eat in Stratford are The Four Teas which is a lovely forties wartime themed tearoom with fantastic tea and cakes and really good breakfasts. And Loxley's on Sheep Street - I adore their fish board sharing starter.

The chippy used to be brilliant. How times change.

The Dirty Duck can be a bit sniffy to those not in the business, or that's been the experience I have had when not with acting chums.

It's a few years since I regularly stayed over though, and that was in a lovely B 'n B on Arden Street. Basic but friendly.

The restaurant on the top floor of the Theatre serves a good pre theatre menu which comes out at about £35 a head including a glass of wine. If you are doing both plays in one day, then a 5.30 pm booking there will see you through. The view is lovely from up there and it can be restful to be on the spot as it were after a hard morning's sight seeing and a play!

Carluccio, the chain is right by the Theatre , serving Italian inspired food. You have to book at busy times. I agree the Forties s is a nice place for tea...
Do try to see Shakespeare's grave in the church. It is five minutes walk from the Theatre. And yes, a theatre tour would be great. The other Shakespeare 'houses' are worth a visit and all nearby except Ann Hathaway's which is a walk of about twenty minutes away. I’m not sure it is worth that if you are pushed for time, except for completeness. I hope you are there for a good couple of days. If you are there for longer, do say and I will give you more recommendations of places to visit nearby.

Have stayed in the Falcon Hotel, ask for a room in the old part, lovely views over New Place and wobbly floors!

I can recommend the Mercure Shakespeare & the Falcon - I lucked out both times and got cheap deals and ended up in the old sections of both hotels.
Also just for the convenience, the Premier Inn Central is a flat easy walk to the theatres and I found the staff very friendly.

I also recommend Hobsons Patisseries in Henley street, for the biggest cream filled scones and a good selection of cakes.

I once camped on the Racecourse. However this is forbidden during race meetings, for obvious reasons.

Sad to see Four Teas is for sale as going concern.