The Throckmorton — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

We reserved a table for two and arrived for our meal. It was a Saturday night, so was quite busy.

First impressions on arrival, there were lots of lads about in around the entrance and in the bar area, there seemed to be some rugby on? They were a little rowdy but not aggressive. However when we went inside the establishment there was a group just through the door, we assumed they were part of this party. There was a chap in the middle who looked quite grumpy, and at first I thought he was with the lads. But then it became apparent he worked there as he asked us if we had a table. The tone was quite surly and there was no smile. I replied yes, we had a reservation, and he explained we would need to move up inside the restaurant to be received and shown to our table. It felt a little tense, and it felt as if he were on "bouncer duty" rather than welcoming customers. Perhaps he was a little stressed out from something that had happened before our arrival? It just did not feel that welcoming and for what was arranged as a romantic meal for the evening, I was a little worried in case the rest of the service would be like that.

We had not been before, so made our way up to the area he had explained to go. There was no sign to say, "please wait here to be seated" so we awkwardly waited by the till until we were received. The waitress was apologetic and friendly and we were then shown our table. From that point on, our experience improved greatly.

The serving staff were clearly dealing with multiple customers, but the time to be seen was reasonable. Drinks were offered and served quickly as we settled in, and menus brought promptly. They also did not bother us during our meal with the "is everything okay" question right after you have stuffed a forkful of dinner into your mouth! It was good that you were left to it. The table was nicely presented with a candle in a block of glass on it.

We opted for just a main course and dessert. We ordered a rolled pork shoulder, and the slow roasted duck leg. The wait for the food was fine, it arrived in about ten minutes. The meats were succulent and perfectly cooked. The vegetables and sauces were delicious. For dessert we ordered a chocolate brownie, and the white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. These came served with a scoop of ice cream and were drizzled with jus. Both were very tasty - the cheesecake was of a good substance, it seemed to actually be made from cream cheese for a change, and the biscuit base had just the right amount of crunch.

After eating our meals, we relaxed with our drinks. They had a substantial menu of both food and drink and it was hard to choose. I think the only reasonable thing to do would be to go back and try other offerings!

The waiting staff and bar staff are pleasant and helpful, and the ambiance within the restaurant is relaxed and comfortable. The decor is a bit too much on the contemporary side for me, but I won't knock it for that! However the food, atmosphere, and service are excellent.

The only reason I have not given it 5 stars was due to how we were received...

I had driven past The Throckmorton for 20 years on the same road and always wondered what it was like but never seemed to find the time to stop.

7 weeks back, on a recent trip from Stratford, my family and I decided to stop for lunch and I have to say, it was really nice. The food was fresh, the service great! Several of us were that pleased that we decided to book for a birthday meal there, which we did. We have since been several times for lunch and dinner.

However, On Sept 8th (Wife's birthday) we'd had a great day in Stratford and Broadway and decided to stop off at The Throckmorton for an early dinner, (3:30 pm ish) The place wasn't busy, there were around 2 to 3 tables occupied in the restaurant area and I could see probably around 6 to 7 people drinking on the terrace area.

This young lady then shouted from behind the bar: 'Can I help you?'

'Table for 3?'

'Have you booked?'

''No.'

'Ah, well, you should have booked as we're short staffed. There's only 2 of us on and so I can't help you today; drinks, yes, but no food.'

'Well, had I have known you were short staffed, I would have booked. Maybe you should consider explaining your staffing problems on your website, or, underneath the sign outside the pub were it says: 'food served all day 9 - 5. I certainly did not recall seeing the staffing problems mentioned there and if you hadn't booked, don't make the journey.'

'We haven't got the staff' she replied...

Hmm, at this point she does not appear to be making much sense. Had I have booked, would 2 other members of staff showed up for work then? If I'd have said yes, when asked if I'd booked, we'd have been seated and food served. I got the impression it was more about that now we'd arrived we were interrupting her socialising time on her phone and the other staff.

The whole experience was very disappointing. My wife, 93 year old father and I, left and found a wonderful place not too far, food in abundance, service was superb, and very reasonably priced. It was called The Nevill Arms. So, if staff don't show for work here and you get turned away, rather rudely, try the The Nevill Arms, for a wonderful experience, great price and service with a...

My wife and I stayed here for a well-needed break away from our busy lives with 3 kids and really enjoyed ourselves. It's a lovely countryesque pub with an open fire and rustic atmosphere within easy reach of the tourist town of Stratford and literally within a 100 yards of the National Trust stately home of Coughton Court, which was unfortunately closed. The room was cozy, well-furnished and immaculately clean with a lovely view across the rolling fields. It's a very flat landscape, so it was very windy but we were lovely and warm inside. We ate dinner and has breakfast here and the food was really nice and well presented and there are some good offers on! We also got a free bottle of wine as it was my wife's birthday, which was a nice gesture. The Manager Dave was really helpful and his staff were very polite and professional. We had a lovely stay for a very reasonable price - we're thinking of coming back again and also coming down for a family meal in the meantime. Thanks Dave and all your staff, would definitely recommend staying here! 😊👍. Dave &...