The Garrick Inn was built in 1594. It acquired its current name from the Shakespearean actor David Garrick in 1769. Today, the Inn boasts a delightful 50-seat restaurant. Old wooden beams surround you, and the only modern touches here are those that add to the comfort of its guests. There are two small bars, one for non-smokers and the other for smokers. The menu offers great quality and excellent choices.

Dating back to 1596, this old-fashioned English pub and restaurant was originally a hostelry. It's an interesting building with a large choice of drinking and eating areas, and old flagstone floors and large settles create a comfortingly historic atmosphere. Now owned by Scottish & Newcastle, it concentrates on serving a select choice of traditional meals. The Sunday carvery offers a limited choice so that quality is not compromised and fast service is guaranteed. There are fresh daily specials and a wide choice of bar snacks. Family meals are served until 8:00p.

Egon Ronay recommended this 18th-century pub—a pub where there is every chance of rubbing shoulders with Shakespearean actors and that is only 100 yards from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This two-name pub has two separate areas. The Black Swan side is very like a pub would have been in the 1700s: a rather austere drinking-bar look preserved with simple tables and old settles. The Dirty Duck side of the pub—the name by which the Black Swan is affectionately known throughout the world—is also a restaurant with bar snacks available.

Built in 1599 and becoming an alehouse a year later, this hostelry holds the longest unbroken line of licensees of any in Stratford. Today, the Windmill presents a combination of the past and present. Old wooden flooring and exposed beams give the building a sense of permanence, while modern entertainment facilities in the form of music and a TV area are also on offer. There are some interesting old photographs on display here, including one taken on the 8th of March 1926 that shows the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in flames, alongside a press-cutting that describes the disaster.

This pub, boasting "fine inn keeping at its best", is the place in which to meet some lively local characters. It's also the place for Sky sports on a wide-screen TV, a quiz on Tuesday nights, music on Thursdays (listen out for local bands, duos and solo performers) and darts every night. Definitely more of a place to drink rather than eat, the choice of ales includes Banks and Pedigree, although there is some bar food like sandwiches and jacket potatoes, as well as tea and coffee. Note that there is a patio at the rear of the pub that is ideal for warmer days.

Cox's Yard is an ideal place to experience Stratford from medieval times right up to the present day. This former historic timber yard has been sympathetically restored and transformed into an unique leisure venue. Today it includes a traditional English pub, cafe, and stage for events.