Officers Mess - 1940's Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

A really fantastic spot with lots of great entertainment and atmosphere I love the bustling bar and the concept looks really well executed, the gents on the bar are very impressive; welcoming and knowledgeable with plenty of flair! All of the staff are good fun and dressed fantastically in the 40s theme The menu has recently been updated and is packed with delicious, well-balanced cocktails that are difficult to choose between, the Dig for Victory is one of my favourites! For some of my more particular friends, the bar team were more than happy to make bespoke cocktails based on tastes, and preferences and they were fantastic! And so well-presented! It's definitely worth arriving earlier than the entertainment starts (around 9) as the bar gets really busy and it's 💯 worth watching the cocktails being made with a little flair The bar is usually open late (1am) on Friday and Saturday so no need to worry about an early kick out They offer group masterclasses with 40s style fun and games too that sound like a lot of fun. definitely on my to do list Sorry there...

We were met with look at our watch to see what time it was, I asked if they were closed and they said not. No greeting, smiles or what can we get you, almost no atmosphere. The list of cocktails was small and not very imaginative. We got a whiskey sour, Passion fruit martini and an amaretto sour. Both the sours were yuk, way too sour very unpleasant. The martini had far too much egg white foam on the top, a large half of passion fruit stuck in the middle, did not taste as one should have tasted, very poor. The owner behind the bar was happy relating his expertise on being a mixologist!! The choice did not reflect this, he was also not very well dressed, 40's style? at least the young lady looked nice in her 40's dress. Music, choice of drinks, talk to your customers, dress well and be flamboyant. At least be happy and jolly you need your customers to make a business, and repeat customers are a must if you intend to succeed. If this is your first venture then I think you have a lot to learn. Would not revisit unless it...

I would give this place more stars if I could and could easily write so much more about our experience.

We made a visit over the Easter bank holiday weekend and had a really wonderful time. On Good Friday there was a guitarist (Mark Walby) playing, who towards the end of his set, took requests of all varieties. On the Saturday we saw a truly wonderful singer (Miss Lily Lovejoy) who absolutely blew everyone away with her show stopper of a final song (I won't spoil it, you MUST visit to find out!!).

All members of staff were very friendly and incredibly professional - a real credit to the owner who was present on the Saturday night. The cocktail menu was so varied - something for everyone. The unexpected extra mile with the cherry bakewell cocktail was a very nice surprise.

I so wish there was one of these near me!! With the effortlessly relaxed atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, meant we had two brilliant evenings here! Won't hesitate to return on our next visit to...