Tread the boards of the outstanding pub-restaurants around the theatre-lover's delight that is Stratford-upon-Avon.
Dirty Duck
Waterside, Stratford
If you're hoping to glimpse a thespian other than on the stage, this may be your best bet. Next to the Royal Shakespeare Company, overlooking the River Avon, the Dirty Duck is a well-known luvvie hangout. The walls in the main bar are covered with photographs of actors who have enjoyed a tipple in this 15th-century establishment. Among them are Peter O'Toole and Laurence Olivier. It's also a good place for lunch while touring the sites, although the outside seats fill up quickly in summer. Mind the falling mulberries because they stain. Try a filling sandwich of ham on freshly baked bread for GBP4.90 (HK$74).
The Garrick Inn
25 High Street, Stratford
Continuing the thespian theme, if you're looking for another pub with acting ancestry, head for the Garrick Inn in the centre of town. A traditional 'black and white' pub, it opened in the 14th century as the Reindeer, but in about 1769 was renamed after actor David Garrick, who had organised a three-day Stratford festival. On offer is a wide selection of steaks, from GBP9.45 for rump to GBP13.95 for fillet, but more unusual fare comes in the form of other main courses such as beef and ale crown pie (GBP7.95) and free- range sausages, made from pork and herbs from the Duchy of Cornwall, served with mash for GBP6.95. To finish off, go for a traditional British rhubarb crumble for GBP3.75.
