Steeped in history, superb for hospitality, this magnificent medieval market town hauntingly encompasses all the delicacies of Elizabethan England in a range of cozy tea rooms, quaint cafes, traditional pubs, galleries and charming hotels mixed with exciting attractions relating the lives of the most famous sons.
Nestled in the heart of it all is the Indigo Hotel, our elegant base for an overnight stay, built overlooking Shakespeare’s last home and within walking distance of his birthplace and other world famous heritage sites. Combining striking 16th-century architecture with luxury amenities such as hypnos beds, Egyptian cotton linens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs, each of the hotel’s 93 luxurious guest rooms features a contemporary theme with a traditional touch, in honor of the bard himself.
Delighted with the privileged position of the hotel; just a five minute walk to the leafy banks of the River Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company Theater, famous for its shows celebrating the playwright’s inspiring works, we spent the whole weekend exploring on foot, with everything we wanted see and do located right on our doorstep.
In awe of the half-timbered buildings of the time, we wandered the cobblestones blessed with more sun than showers, drinking in the distinctive architecture before stopping at the Benson Restaurant and tearooms for delicious tea at the champagne, then we settle down by the river to swan watch until sunset.
In the early evening, wowed by an eclectic cocktail menu tossed around for the connoisseur, we popped before dinner to The Falcon Cocktail & Whiskey Bar, the hotel’s intimate art deco drink heaven staffed by interactive mixologists to help inspire the perfect nightcap.
Duly impressed with the quirky nook, our explorations only resulted in an Old Fashioned – Woodford reserve bourbon, brown sugar, and angostura bitters – before we were called in to dine at the Falcon’s posh sibling restaurant, the Woodsman.
Renowned for providing an exceptional dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere, this stylish, atmospheric restaurant and bar is independently run and owned by restaurateur Mike Robinson, and features a large wood-burning oven and charcoal barbecue. of wood, allowing patrons to watch the chefs work their culinary magic.
While the Woodsman’s own hunter delivers game from neighboring estates, the chefs source fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers or the restaurant’s botanical garden and herbs, ensuring an original and flavorful seasonal menu. .
Spoiled for choice, our gastronomic journey began with crispy lamb sweetbreads with beans and Berkswell cheese to start, followed by wood-fired halibut with Fowey’s mussels, cauliflower, capers and monk’s beard. Alaska baked with dark chocolate, salted caramel parfait and toasted hazelnuts for dessert, the icing on the cake of a truly superb weekend.
Prices start at £ 195 based on two people sharing a room with breakfast. To book, call reservations on 0330 102 7244 or visit https://stratford.hotelindigo.com/
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-05 19:02:57
