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An evening out in Stratford Upon Avon, the birthplace and home of Shakespeare. Some great traditional pubs housed in historic buildings, alongside a fantastic micropub and a couple of craft bars.
The Coach House
My first call in Stratford was to “The Coach House”, a pub located by the Rother Market and has been a pub for over 475 Years. Formerly known as The Lamplighter, it is now owned and run by Davenports Brewery who are Birmingham based.
A choice of 3 real ales here all from Davenports Brewery. “Mild”, “Gold Ale” and “Original Bitter”. I went with the Bitter, a tasty easy drinking session bitter.
A walk down to the beautiful riverside at the bottom of town for the next pub.
The Barge & Quarterdeck
Next onto a traditional Dutch barge which is moored in the Bancroft Basin. A great venue and excellently placed for visitors. One end of the bar serves drinks and the bottom end serves traditional wood fired pizzas.
Beers on board are from local Royal Leamington Spa brewery “Windmill Hill” with 4 choices being available. I started with the 4% Coronation Ale followed by the 3.8% Session IPA.
Stratford Alehouse
Onto Stratfords only Micropub, a family run one room pub which opened its doors in 2013 (I visited here last in 2014). A fantastic popular and warm welcoming micropub with seating inside and outside at the front of the pub.
A choice of 4 real ales available today all served from gravity. I decided to go with “Tempest” from Shakespeare Brewing Company. A full bodied tasty golden ale.
Shakespeare Distillery
Worth dropping into “Shakespeare Distillery” if you get chance. A great range of locally made gins aswell as local beers and a range if other items.
Cafe Cocktail
A short walk down the toad from The Stratford Alehouse brings me to “Cafe Cocktail”, a small smart bar serving a range of craft lager on draught, a range of craft beers in bottles and cans alongside a brilliant cocktail selection.
Went with a can from Wiper and True brewery based in Bristol. “Kaleidoscope” was a 4.2% tasty and refreshing pale ale.
Old Thatch Tavern
Over the road next to the “Old Thatch Tavern”, Stratford’s second oldest pub located on the corner of the market place. Brilliant to see a pub with a thatched roof still. It was acquired by Fullers back in 2012.
A selection of 4 cask ales all brewer by Fullers Brewery (Gales and Darkstar were both acquired by Fullers). I went with “Revelation” from Darkstar, a really hoppy IPA packed full of flavour.
The White Swan
My last call for the day was to “The White Sean”, a 15th century hotel with a timber frame. This pub was acquired by Fullers back in 2011 who have extensively refurbished the pub.
A selection of 5 cask ales from Fullers Brewery (one being from Darkstar also owned by Fullers). I went with “Griffin IPA”, an easy drinking IPA.
Ya Bard
Ive included this on here (rather than tomorrows to keep it complete as was closed on Thursday due to Holidays). This great craft bar brilliantly named “Ya Bard”. Located opposite the market area and opened in October 2020 by Dave and Sam. A really warm welcome in here after passing a couple of smaller rooms to get to the bar.
A small outside area is located at the back of the bat aswell (and a vintage shop upstairs). 5 keg taps alongside a large selection of bottles and cans to drink in or takeaway. I went for “Fruit Salad” from Vault City, a fruity, sour and tart beer.
Micropub Adventures 