Essence, in Red Lion Square, right in the middle of Stratford is a great place to eat. They are open from 10 am, serving coffee, snacks, lunch and dinner.
We’ve been several times for lunch and dinner and it’s always a really good experience – great food and friendly service. It’s a really useful find if you need a pre-theatre meal as it’s just a five minute stroll over to the RSC.
The restaurant is tucked away in Red Lion Square but well worth seeking out. Highly recommended.
We were really pleased to receive this review recently:
Ambleside is a home from home…
After a long journey down from the north in freezing conditions, we arrived at Ambleside to a very warm welcome from proprietors Peter & Ruth. Leaving our car in Ambleside’s private car park at the rear, we were shown to our room. Before leaving us to unpack, Peter gave us some very useful recommendations of places to visit for our evening meal – luckily we had no need to use the car, as the town’s eateries are within a five minute walk. Being fans of programmes ‘The Hotel Inspector’ & ‘Three in a Bed’, we knew the weak points of hotel cleanliness, and did our best to find them. We were utterly defeated – Ambleside has to be the most spotless guest house we’ve stayed in. More than enough wardrobe space (with ample clothes hangers – often overlooked), a mini widescreen TV, comfy beds, tea/coffee tray (Earl Grey!), and immaculate ensuite. Before departing for our meal, we were invited to complete the breakfast menu: a huge range of options, from fresh fruit, cereals, fruit juice & coffee to a full cooked breakfast which can be individually customised (1 or 2 eggs, fried, scrambled etc), or just tick the whole lot!
Having slept soundly, we went down for breakfast & were greeted by Ruth, who had our fruit juice prepared, and soon returned with a cafetiere of coffee & rounds of toast. Peter brought our breakfasts, which were hot, plentiful & of the best ingredients. He would periodically return to refill our coffee, and bring us more toast. We had to eventually call a halt to his hospitality, as we feared we’d have no room left for the delights of Stratford’s tearooms!
We only stayed one night, but wish it had been longer. Peter and Ruth felt like old friends, and couldn’t do enough to make our short visit a happy one. We’re beginning to wonder if we should be posting this review, as we want to keep Ambleside our own little secret!
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre’s production of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ begins on January 19th and continues until February 18th.
If you haven’t visited the theatre since its major re-design, why not take a look.
Stratford upon Avon has an excellent farmers’ market at Rother Street every first and third Saturday of each month. We are delighted that it has been shortlisted for FARMA’s 2012 award for best farmers’ market in the country. Our guests can see some of the best produce Warwickshire has on offer – not just meat, fruit and vegetables but cheeses, bread, cakes, beers and wines as well as vegetarian food and all sorts of specialist goodies.
There’s always hot food on offer too – locally made sausages make a great lunch!
This is the second time we have visited at The Ambleside Guest House and once again were very pleased with all aspects of our stay. Peter and Ruth are welcoming and friendly hosts. The property is warm and spotlessly clean and the rooms are well equipped and very comfortable. Breakfast is excellent, well cooked, beautifully presented and good quality. The portions are generous and managed to fill two hungry teenagers. The property is a 5-10 minutes walk of the railway station, the town centre and the theatre so very well situated and Stratford is a wonderful town full of lovely shops and restaurants and lots of things to do. We will definitely be returning and will stay at the Ambleside.
Stayed December 2011, travelled with friends
The World Shakespeare Festival begins on April 23rd this year. The guide is now available online. Currently, there is a production of ‘Measure for Measure’ in The Swan Theatre until March 10th. ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ starts in the main theatre on January 19th.
Ambleside has undergone some extensive re-decoration this month – all guest rooms have been re-painted ready for the new year. We look forward to welcoming back our regulars and wish everyone all the best for 2012!
We have just spent 3 nights (1st-3rd Nov) staying at this great guest house. Nothing was too much trouble for the knowledgeable and friendly Ruth and Peter. Our room was warm, spotless and very comfortable. Good variety at breakfast, all generous in quantity and well cooked.
We are already thinking about our return visit and have no hesitation in reccomending this welcoming guest house.
Reviewed 5 November 2011
We saw this new production last week and really enjoyed it so we are happy to recommend it to our guests at Ambleside Guest House.
If you are planning a trip to Stratford or want to bring the family to see a show, why not make a weekend of it? The Heart of Robin Hood runs until January 7th.
Stratford has a new restaurant in Old Red Lion Court – ESSENCE. We’ve tried it and we liked it. It’s great value too – 2 courses for £13.95 or 3 courses for £17.50. On Sundays, they serve a traditional family lunch from midday right through to 9 pm – beef or pork with all the trimmings (2 adults and 2 children can eat from £27.00.
Check their website for more information at www.eatatessence.co.uk