The Barge and Quarterdeck — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

I would highly recommend The Barge and Quarterdeck when in/near Stratford-upon-Avon. The Wood Fired Pizzas are scrumptiously yummy, with a very nice thin base. A variety of drinks and snacks are available too, and we started off with Pimms. The setting on the busy square near the river is just perfect for enjoying the vibe of this quintessentially English town, made famous as the birthplace of Shakespeare. The customer service absolutely superb. Manager Gary is a perfect host, accommodating & welcoming. A close South African friend, accompanied by her 87 yr old mum, and I had a short window of opportunity to meet up during their fleeting UK visit. The Barge & Quarterdeck doesn't normally take bookings, yet planning ahead and explaining the situation to Gary, he didn't hesitate and kindly reserved the table for us for Saturday lunchtime. He then also held the table for us when I phoned up to say my friends had been delayed coming from Heathrow, and I had totally underestimated traffic and parking in Stratford-upon-Avon. He appreciated the upfront planning and being kept informed, so all turned out great in the end. Throughout our visit, Gary came to check in on us and he added to the pleasure of our short but very enjoyable meet-up! After my friends left to continue their journey, I did some sightseeing, then returned to The B&Q for fueling up again, and Gary was still on top form. Why can't customer service not always be...

After 18 hrs travelling from home in SA, we met up with a UK friend at The Barge and Quarterdeck. What a special place and special people. Although I don't think they typically do bookings, they accommodated us after a call to mention our circumstances (a tired 87 year old in tow that we couldnt drag place to place after that 'commute'), and when we got unavoidably delayed were lovely about it. Gary a genuinely engaged and interested host, we enjoyed the chat! And the bonus on the top was really outstanding pizzas (have the brie special!!) with impressively quick delivery for a busy touristy sunshine-y Saturday! I'd go back in...

Food & location is amazing, helped by an incredibly gorgeous day & the Sunday Market by the canal. I'd definitely return because the pizza was stunning. Just a shame that service when ordering drinks & food was a little slow, but it WAS busy, so I had no issues waiting. One thing I didn't like was a senior (I assume) staff member snapping at one of the others - and it was completely unwarranted, because everyone there was working their socks off & couldn't...