The Old Thatch Tavern — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

We booked a table for 7:30pm, but prior to going we had a call saying could you come for 6:50pm....fine.!! We arrived and a lovely meal, and we noticed there was a Quiz on, and everyone was moving about...??? After our meal we moved to another table which was empty, but then told we couldn't there as was booked...??no reserved sign on table. So we said we would go back to our table which we just had our meal on. NO....that table is also booked..?? We were then offered a table in the middle of the pub, (where people were walking through), and felt this would be in everyone's way. So we said we were not moving, the gentleman from behind the bar then said, it's that table or you sit outside..????? They were turning people away asking for food, and we asked the bar man are you doing this just for the quiz....the said...YES. All the quiz teams came in and off it started, and we stayed for a while and no beers was served. So no beer for at least 1 hour while quiz started, the amount of money lost on this quiz, and people turned away wanting food. But to be told to go sit outside was shocking, I can't imagine the amount of money LOST on this evening. Never known a pub like it, shall not be going in again when we visit. But asking to go sit outside was disgusting. Poor customer...

I visited yesterday during a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. The tavern is situated in the city centre and features a Tudor style architecture (as many other venues in the centre). I will start this review by describing and rating the food. I will then discuss service and atmosphere.

We had beer-battered haddock and chips (see picture). Food, finely presented, was appreciated. Fish was nicely cooked and chips were fresh and hand-cut. Mushy peas and tartar sauce were much appreciated too.

Staff was cordial and polite. I was looked after and served in a timely fashion. Given the extremely busy time, the two waiters did a good job in looking after the many customers attending the venue. They ensured tables and spaces were cleaned properly and venue was tidy and clean. The only area of development I'd raise is the location of the table for 2. I booked this in advance - despite this, table was placed in the middle of two large tables thus making moving and leaving our seats a tad arduous.

Decor is simple, yet cosy and traditional. Architecture and interiors, observing the ubiquitous Tudor style, made this experience much pleasant.

I...

Went 14th and 15th August for meals. On 14th, we were seated quickly,(even though it was busy. My wife and I both chose the goats cheese tart. It was very good indeed, as was the wine and service. We returned on the evening of the 15th . We were once again seated quickly, and well served. We both ordered steak, 1 rare, 1 medium rare, 1 pepper sauce. The steaks were cooked as ordered, but were of a very poor quality, and almost impossible to cut with the cutlery provided, they were also chewy and high in fat , we left most of them. The food served with the steak was very good for pub grub, but the plate was not worth the price due to the very substandard meat used. The worst part, and what really let the side down was the end service. We received the mandatory," was everything ok for you"? We replied that it was very poor quality meat, and not good enough. The girl shrugged, said,"ah well" and rushed away. To be fair I still have to give 3 stars because it was so good on the 1st visit, and I would eat their again,(just...