The Woodsman Restaurant — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

A beautiful restaurant where we were made to feel welcome on our early arrival taking drinks at the bar. Once at our table the staff were quick to come and take our order and offer more drinks. Our party of four for Sunday lunch were given bread and butter which was explained to us what type we had and this was very nice. We all choose the sharing starters which came out presented very fashionably but unfortunately the side plates that we requested, (the original ones from the bread had been removed) never arrived and it was difficult to cut and eat with two people over the platter. The mains arrived, one couple sharing the shoulder of lamb and the other having beef and chicken respectively. Personally i didn't think that beef and chicken should have not been on the same board due to cross contamination.The portions were very generous and were cooked to perfection, this could not be faulted and we were given 'doggy bags' for what was left of the huge lamb shoulder, (well enough for four people). The table was clearly not large enough for food and four people to sit at, this was evident as the staff moved everything to the centre of the table to make space and we had to request that empty dishes were removed to make more room.The plates were small and made the meal look squased once you had selected some of everything, including sides and Yorkshire pudding. The desserts were beautiful and presented with care and artistic intent, followed my coffee for all. We spent three and a half hours in the restaurant and were not rushed at all. The food was lovely and the chefs take care and attention in what the are serving for guests. The staff were kind and friendly but would have expected more from a two rosette establishments. We weren't offered for our coates to be taken which made it uncomfortable with them on the back of the chairs. One of the girls had an extremely short dress on, which when bending over, even though wearing tights was not a pleasant experience and quite unnecessary. Maybe something to bear in mind. Would we return, maybe. Like previously said, the food was wonderful, the ambience very nice and a lovely location, but you need to be aware of how overpriced some things were. Yes, we're are in a restaurant in Stratford, but did it need to be that expensive ...... a £40 bottle of wine with an average selling price of £14 ... £7 for a pint of Guinness and £14 for a basic cocktail. Finally the service charge of 12% which was £40 on the bill was rather excessive for the service received. Give it a go, but if you're on budget please take care with the surcharges, (not mentioned to us,) drinks prices and...

To the esteemed team at The Woodsman,

Our recent dining experience at your establishment was nothing short of extraordinary. It was an enchanting journey through history, nature, and culinary artistry.

Upon entering your Grade II-listed building, we were instantly transported back in time, surrounded by the rich heritage of a structure that has witnessed centuries of stories. The ambience was elegant and inviting, a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.

The menu, a testament to your "field-to-fork" philosophy, showcased a symphony of flavours from the bountiful English countryside. My Pave & Rissole of Bathurst estate fallow deer was a revelation, the tender venison perfectly complemented by the rich, savoury rissole. My girlfriend's Black garlic glazed rump of spring lamb was equally exquisite, the succulent meat melting in her mouth with each bite.

Each dish was a masterpiece, a testament to Mike Robinson's mastery of traditional British cooking techniques and his unwavering commitment to using the finest local ingredients. The flavours were bold, complex, harmonious, and balanced, a true reflection of the surrounding lands.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, the service was impeccable. Our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food and the restaurant's history. Their warm hospitality made us feel like cherished guests on a grand estate.

The Woodsman is more than just a restaurant; it is an immersive experience celebrating the connection between food, history, and the natural world. It is a place where memories are made, and the past and present intertwine to create something truly magical.

Thank you for sharing your passion and your culinary artistry with us. We will cherish the memory of our visit to The Woodsman for years to come.

With heartfelt gratitude and...

Heads up : Only book this restaurant if you are 100% sure that nothing in your plan will change. We had booked a table for lunch. I had confirmed my reservation with every intention of making it. However, due to the unpredictable nature of train schedules in the UK over the summer, our train back from Stratford had been cancelled so we were hoping to take an earlier train. Now while I completely understand the cancellation policy and the need to stick to it, I was absolutely appalled at the insensitivity displayed by the team at Woodsman. First off, they just weren’t able to grasp the fact that we had to take an earlier train and kept telling me I could book a 6 PM table. Secondly, after reiterating multiple times that the request for cancellation was coming on the back of factors completely outside my control, the manager said to me and I quote “We have to charge you because we stand to lose more than you do”. I cannot even begin to explain how tone deaf that was. I kept telling them that if we were to make the reservation, we would have to take a really late train and that would mean we’d get back home really late. To that their response was, “Okay then, see you soon”. So we had to, albeit very begrudgingly, make the reservation and not once were we given an apology for the inconvenience that we went through. Again, I get that cancellation policies are there for a reason but never before in all my time have I encountered a restaurant so rigid and inflexible with their policy. And that too for factors well beyond my control. It’s absolutely safe to say I am so terribly disappointed by this behaviour. The food was average at best, and certainly NOT worth the effort. I hope they can allow for more flexibility in their policies so people who come into town don’t leave with such a sour taste in...