Giggling Squid - Stratford upon Avon — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

I went into this restaurant unplanned on a family trip for a relatives birthday, simply expecting to eat and leave. Thank goodness my experience was far more heavenly!

For a start, the atmosphere. Much like the staff, all decor was quietly considerate; in function and appearance. Beauty lies in the details and this restaurant had details! Light teal, yellows, oranges and reds blended into a seaside sunset kind of feel which proved exceptionally relaxing when blended with such unique prints that artistically combined plant life with shapes human reminiscent. This sat in our immediate room, though there was a dinning area to our left that held a statement wall of equal esteem in regards to upholding theme and atmosphere. When regarding comfort, the chairs were a very gentle encouragement in the relaxation of the patron. Subtly curved iron provided spinal support and eased you back in a gentle curve; if so wished. These seats were extremely comfortable, even after multiple hours in attendance; including for those of us with mobility issues.

Food was an entirely different story. Due to certain limitations of my own, I keep a relatively beige palette. However, their sleeping honey duck had me close to tears. Not only was the meat soft and well tended to, the sauce added a necessary tang. All this, atop a bed of (what I assume to be) Pak Choi encompassed a soothing and thorough blend of flavours. Something only elevated by the earthy nuts lingering on my plate. Equally, the salt and pepper squid is very much to recommend. As for desert, I must insist you try their Pandan Tres Leches. I shared this meal with my brother and found it’s light texture to be absolutely heavenly. Especially combined with the vanilla, earthy notes.

As for staff, everyone was so welcoming and accommodating. It wasn’t to the point of hovering, but people were consistently offering to refill drinks and ready to cater to every whim. Genuinely, a lovely group of staff who’s smiles spoke wonders.

All in all, I left having had some of the best food I’ve had in years; divine in regards to taste. While I acknowledge this is a long review, the heavenly experience of dining here ;something completely unexpected originally; is impossible not to rave about. For me, truly a five...

Edit (14 Dec 2024): Unchanged from original review regarding the added service charge, however it has now been reduced from 10% to 7.5%, yet still added to one's bill.

Our server was Samantha on this occasion, and was very attentive. Had the service charge not been added, we would have awarded a greater personal tip for her instead. Service marks reduced in reflection. We will be back of course, however the proprietors should allow the customers to reward the staff for their service accordingly.

Original review: Been here a few times now and the food is always nice, savoury, full of flavour and colour, when it eventually arrives.

The staff are seemingly a little slow to ask for a drinks or food order, leaving us waiting for approx 15 minutes last time we visited recently. Plenty of staff wandering around during a modest busy early evening.

One thing to note is that any gratuity is awarded by the customer, at their discretion based on the service and food/drinks received, and should not be added to the bill by the establishment unless that information is given in writing to the customer before being seated. Suffice to say the "optional discretionary 10% gratuity" added to the bill for us two was asked to be removed on this occasion.

Let the customers award the business for service above and beyond, rather than potentially face embarrassment when the gratuity is asked to be removed from the bill in front of other customers.

Nice food, venue and atmosphere. Have been before,...

We have been to this restaurant 4 times not in a hope that it might get better, the first time was ok but every time after that it just got worse and worse.

Staff are not that friendly and seem to hold a grudge against you if you dont book and tell you to get out by a certain time, even if you book online they tell you to get out by a certain time? anyway I will start with the goodish point:

The food is ok, nothing amazing but its nice enough. Food seems to come out pretty quickly

Thats all the good points.

In all times I have had to ask where my drinks are or go up and get it myself put extra heat in the wrong meals They added extra rice on our menu, even though we never asked for it and just wanted noodles, the waiter then started to shout at us and tell us that we were wrong?!?! They sneak in their service charge on the bill which is pretty cheeky, so the last time instead of paying by card I decided to pay by cash ... not only did they still add the service charge but the refused to give me change but for taking all my money they gave me some extra jelly beans.

Summary Absolutely terrible restaurant and will not return, if your looking for somewhere else that does similar food but good service ... head towards the ones in Leamington or...