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.
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.
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.
A popular pub and attraction in the village of Claines, the Mug House is an old public house that is a well-known landmark in the village. This historic pub has been around since the 15th Century! Originally called the Church Ale House, the pub was built on a church's graveyard, so technically, the pub is on consecrated grounds! Serving a great selection of ales and traditional pub fare, this is the perfect spot for everyone, including those who just want a good drink, locals who love history, or tourists who love the strange. This pub is even rumored to be haunted!
The Lord Clifden is a popular, award-winning pub and restaurant in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. The pub bills itself as an "urban art bar, " displaying artworks from well-known street artists like Banksy and Obey. As for the offerings, aside from the continental lagers on tap (seven, to be exact,) The Lord Clifden is one of only two pubs in the city with Budvar Yeast. Patrons also very much enjoy the slushy ciders which are perfect to enjoy in the garden on a nice day. You won't go hungry at The Lord Clifden either, with one of the most popular breakfasts in the city, as well as a selection of juicy burgers. The six large screens ensure that The Lord Clifden is always a good choice for sports viewing. Please note there may be dress codes or cover charges depending on when you visit.
Moseley's most popular pub, patronized by students and locals of all social classes. It's very traditional in appearance, with one main bar and a couple of cozy back rooms, and has a solid range of well-kept beverages (notably Burton Ale). A tiki bar garden, cigar room and great selection of cask ales make the Prince of Wales a draw for locals as well as a few celebrities from time to time.
Since Harborne is full of professionals with money and leisure time to burn, it's surprising there are so few restaurants to accommodate their more rarefied tastes. Henry Wong's is one such place, offering expensive Cantonese cuisine in cool, if rather austere, surroundings. Starters are particularly appetizing, especially the crispy aromatic duck, but all dishes are freshly prepared and come recommended. Service can be offhand, though, if the waiter thinks you might not be quite posh enough.
A pub soaked in history, The Fleece Inn has several stories to narrate. The Fleece celebrates England's heritage and offers a lively and a fun atmosphere for pub hoppers. At this pub, you can find an amazing selection of cides and real ales and these change regularly. The menu at this inn is also exciting and you can savor delicacies like Roast Beef, Salmon, Fritattas and Baked Camebert. Its seasonal menu offers a delectable list of asparagus preparations. During evenings, The Fleece Inn entertains patrons with folk singing and Morris dancing.
The Feathered Nest Country Inn bagged 5 AA Stars and 3 AA Rosettes, besides winning Editors Choice Awards for two consecutive years and several other prestigious awards.Tucked away in Cotswolds, with a surreal view of Evenlode Valley, this restaurant is your best bet for a romantic meal. It is situated in a malt house dating back 300 years and enclosed by 22 hectares (55 acres) of pastures and gardens. The splendorous interiors are replete with an old-world charm: stone and timber walls, vintage crockery and furnishings lend it an imposing air. Seated in the garden or on the terrace, enjoy the view of green lawns dotted by lavender, a blooming vegetable garden, and dense woods stretching out to the valley. Savor seasonal food and festive recipes combined with a choice of 240 wines from the cellar. The Feathered Nest Country Inn also has four guestrooms for those who wish to stay overnight.
Nestled right in the heart of the city, Dishoom is renowned for serving a wide range of traditional Indian dishes. The interior of this eatery reflects the vibe of a 20th-century marketplace in a city. It is in such a vibrant place that one gets to savor signature Indian recipes.
The Blue Boar Inn is located in Temple Grafton, the village in which William Shakespeare was married in 1582. Boasting over four centuries of innkeepers, this quintessential English hostelry combines a relaxed country atmosphere with professional flair. The inn offers exceptionally fine food and has a wide range of à la carte and international menu plus a good selection of traditional pub bar meals. Dishes include deviled herring roes, a trio of mixed cheeses in tartlets on a bed of mixed leaves with a celery and, grape coulis and cranberry parfait served with almond and chocolate sauce. Note you should never expect the dessert menu to be the same!