Dirty Duck in Stratford-on-Avon

What an fabulous pub! This is what a true English pub looks like, feels like, smells like! Amazing...log fire, real beer, professional staff. The pub has so much history , from the date of the building to the contents around the pub. I enjoyed a fine cigar out front, below it's famous Mulberry tree, enjoyed a great pint of Guinness whilst listening to an Owl in a tree opposite the pub. A must place to visit...

Near the RSC playhouse is the famous pub called The Black Swan (and/or The Dirty Duck as named by US soldiers in WW2) where thespians met. In the Actors’ Bar the walls are lined with pictures — often signed — of famous actors. In genuine British Pubs I avoid the commercial beers preferring local cask drawn draught. I was mentioning this to the young bartender as he poured me a Bitters and he confessed that he didn’t really like ales. I started and said Here?!! How are you even allowed to live here?! LOL

Always stop here for dinner when in Stratford Had the chicken Kiev’s and wife had beef Sunday dinner. Both had big portions and very tasty and well presented. Recommend a visit its a very popular place.

Called in mid week for lunch, friendly meet and greet, extensive menu plus blackboard specials, we ate venison shin on bubble and squeak and steak pie, well presented, large portions and very tasty. A excellent lunch, many thanks.

Great little pub a must while in Stratford. A little history to go with it as well. Interesting photos on wall a roaring fire to cosy up too. Food was amazing and reasonable prices.

Came to Stratford upon Avon for 3 days and found The Dirty Duck after looking for a dog friendly pub. Had lunch in the Saturday which was really good and came back on the Sunday with friends who live local for Sunday lunch. Can't fault anything. Staff so helpful and the food was amazing. We live in North Yorkshire but looking forward to coming back soon.

We arrived at 2.15 on a Sunday on the off chance there was a table for 3 and there was. The pub was busy with a lovely cosy atmosphere. We ordered food and drinks at the bar, didn’t wait long at all. We all ate roast beef and we all agreed the food was delicious. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal and wouldn’t hesitate to return 😊

Nice place. Venison was good but I didn't care for the gravy. My fiancé had the Sunday roast - The meat was very tough. She didn't care for the gravy either. Beautiful park on the (flooded) Avon river with loads of swans, just across the road. Parking was quite expensive and is a max 2 hours.

This place was recommended by our walking tour guide, Peter. We were interested in the photos of the actors. Ended up having a beer and a late lunch. The salmon patties were delicious. The atmosphere is good and we thoroughly enjoy the visit.

Excellent food and a good atmosphere

A cosy enclave in the heart of Shakespeare's birthplace. Outdoor garden is perfect.

Came here as a group of 4 adult's yesterday for a couple of drinks and some food. Really busy but managed to get a table in the bar. Good beer choice. Nice and cosy pub. Ordered some food and didn't have to wait long. We ordered the chicken sharer, nachos, mac and cheese with bacon and a side of fries. The Mac and Cheese and the nachos were really good. Most of the chicken sharer was nice, although the chicken wings were not great. Soggy skin and a bit of a Slimy texture. Overall this is a great pub in Stratford with lots of charm and we come in here everytime we visit Stratford.

We had a lunchtime pint here it was verrynice

Wow!! Had an amazing time here, never been before but was recommended by a friend. The food was incredible and the service was so lovely, all the staff are a credit to this pub. The bar lady was super friendly and patient with us and the outdoor waiting staff were very accommodating and they went above and beyond to make sure our meal was enjoyable. The fish and chips and the korean bbq burger were divine. The toilets were exceptionally clean. Everything about this pub has been incredible and we are leaving very happy customers today. We will definitely be coming back - thank you to all the staff!!

Nice pub food, large portions. Good outside space, some undercover. Dogs welcome! Friendly staff

Only went in for a pint but loved the place. Very historical and from 1700s. Nice atmospheric pub

We didn't eat, so we can’t score food. Lovely atmosphere. We sat outside overlooking the river. Perfect place for a drink

Not good for anyone with limited mobility. Access is by steps only. Cramped. Friendly and efficient staff. Food average.

Arrived for a booked Sunday lunch to a sign saying sold out of Sunday lunches. We waited, as requested, while our table was prepared but noticed people walking in and sitting straight down at tables that were not marked as reserved. Still quite a few empty tables in the pub and garden but we were eventually taken out to the very end of the garden, out of sight of the pub, and told we’d need to go back into the pub to order food and drinks at the bar. We went to the Encore.

Decided on a day trip to Stratford upon Avon upon arrival and a mooch around the market. I had asked a local the best pub for some lunch. He recommended the Dirty Duck. Arrived and was impressed with the old pub look which I love. Sat out side in the garden which was very chilled and relaxed. Food was absolutely delicious (I recommend the steak ciabatta) top notch service by the staff who are very polite and prompt. I highly recommend this place to any one.

Really nice lunch had here on our trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. Hot, good quality and service.

Sempre molto affollato. Bel locale storico, con actors' bar pieno di foto di attori che hanno recitato nella Royal Shakespeare Company, da cui dista solo 300 mt. Solito menù Greene King piuttosto limitato, con prezzi più alti della media. Consigliata la prenotazione.

Great little find by river and dog friendly too. Brilliant food, could not fault.

Fab little find and the staff are funny and friendly very down to earth. The pub itself is gorgeous and dog friendly which is a massive plus point for me.

Spacious, clean, friendly, central AND historically relevant! The food and the ambience were also excellent not to mention decent beer.

Service brilliant, food delicious.

We were shown to table. Not given any information or menu. After 15 minutes with no one coming to us I asked for a wine menu. Food menus on table. Again after waiting I asked a member of staff if taking drinks order to be told drink and food orders are taken at the bar!! At this point we walked out. No information anywhere that orders are taken at bar!!! Awful customer service all round. Disappointed as a birthday meal !!

I made a reservation weeks ago to ensure we had a nice outdoor table when my in-laws came to visit. I received an email the day before confirming our outside table. Apparently, they never bothered to put a reserved sign on a table for us so everything outside was occupied. After having us wait around awkwardly next to the table they failed to hold, they moved us inside to a dark table next to the toilets. We could literally hear flushing over our conversations. I asked to move us to a better inside table which they did accommodate, but it was still disappointing. To make matters worse, the food and drinks were not great. The "special" sangria was very watered down; my chicken sandwich didn't have the slightest hint of even salt, pepper, or flavour of any kind; and the side salads were 5 pieces of arugula with 3 slices of onion. Overall, just not a great experience.

Great little pub. Food mediocre, as just pub grub, but it filled you up, nothing healthy.... Very, very busy constantly, but the staff coped with it really well.

Didn't have any food. The dirty duck is an iconic pub. Gladly it hasn't changed in all the years I've been going.

Great pub overlooking the Avon, with good food and range of drinks. A little dark interior but good beer garden at rear accessed through a lovely conservatory. Listed building.

Great for an after theatre drink, most of the actors can be found here too, worth a look at the photos in the bar, see how many you know😀 they also do a good lunch 08/24 Still a great pub, well worth a "quick one in the duck" as the saying goes

Went in for lunch before attending the theatre. Food was tasty and service quick. Wide choice of drinks.

Service was good but you need to order at the bar. I think the last time we visited they still had table service. Ideal location if visiting the RSC a nice pub for lunch or pre- show dinner.

Atmosphere was brilliant nice lighting very helpful bar staff. Wonderful photos of Shakespearean Actors whom have visited the bar. Food was nice and the impromptu member of staff that after his shift played on the piano amazing wonderful date night with my beautiful lady

Typical burger joint food, not bad, but nothing particularly English. The atmosphere is the best, authentic English. Well located.

I had a fantastic dining experience at this restaurant. The food was excellent, with each dish crafted to perfection and full of rich, satisfying flavors. From appetizers to dessert, everything was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. The service was good, with friendly and attentive staff who made sure we had everything we needed. The ambiance was pleasant, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for the meal. Overall, it was a delightful experience, with outstanding food and solid service. I would highly recommend this place and will definitely be returning. A well-deserved 5/5!

Great before a show at the RSC - and for drinks afterwards.

Great place for a pint and a quick lunch.

Best veggie loaded pie we have ever had!

Great Pub and the food was excellent. My wife had the pie and it was great, full pie not just a lid. I had the soft shell crab burger. FANTASTIC

Great service and an amazing place. We went for a little day trip to Stratford and this was our place of choice for lunch. The service was ultra fast and the place itself was brilliantly decorated.

Great location and food - Dog-friendly.

Great place very busy, dog friendly, cruelty free dishes inclusive on mail menu. Will go again

Excellent place to eat, clean and tidy staff very helpful and friendly. Also allowed to take my dog inside

Just had a drink here, service at the bar was slow. Bar staff not checking or seeing who was next to be served. However, it is a beautiful, charming pub that has a beautiful garden out back too. Menu looked reasonably priced with great choice. Maybe next time. Great place x

Really disappointed with my meal the portion itself was so small I thought it was a starter, tiniest portion I ever had!!!! The side salad was the same really small, for what they charge for what I had, I love this pub it’s great & the setting is great but they need to up their game with trying to make huge profits and not justifying what you get for your money!

Nice traditional pub, food was lovely

A very nice spot oposite the river with an open and covered beer garden. Welcoming staff serving good food and an excellent range of drinks. I could not see if the establishment is wheelchair accessible. The interior is on the dark side for those with vision difficulty along with steps and chairs close together. A lovely conservatory is attached to the back.

Loverly pub used a few times on visits to Stratford upon Avon with a good atmosphere, food, and service good also will certainly use again

Lovely busy pub for a drink or a meal. We didn’t eat there but went for a drink in the nice courtyard before going to a restaurant nearby

Good food and just the place we needed to relax after a busy day in Stratford

Edit: kitchen closes at 20:45 according to staff on bar, instead of 21:00 as reported on Google. A cosy, quaint little pub in the heart of Stratford. By far the best "pub food" out there and super friendly staff! Highly recommended as it is sure to leave you feeling satisfied

An address recommended by our host because we only stayed one night and the servers were super welcoming and the same goes for the Kids menu for our children and even for adults 😁 at a very affordable price...

Great for a pint and spot a luvvy or 2

Amazing ambience, food and service to go with it all. Maddy served us with so much joy and gladness. Seem to love the job they do. The pea 🫛 soup was lovely. Had mint in it however was not overpowering👏🏽they got it just right 👍🏽 Husband got the drinks order wrong as he wasn't aware that there were 2 types of Sangria on the Drinks menu. Keira set it right 👏🏽no fuss 🎉 Will definitely come back for when lamb is back on the menu 😅

One of my favourite pubs in SUA. Never eaten here but a great spot for a drink. Nice outdoor seating back and front

First visit great food and very welcoming

I love the food and the services is very nice and effective

Beautiful pub in the center of Stradford-upon-avon, spacious with an outside terrace, very pleasant, the food is very good, perfect for having fish and chips with a good pint of beer.

Excellent place overlooking the river,excellent outside space, and the food is to die for.

Crowded pub .Good menu and specials board They atop serving food at 8pm unless you have a reservation .Only had a 1/ 2 hour wait for food told when ordering

3/4 meals we ordered were outstanding! The pulled mushroom chili was far heavier than expected. Sit outside in the back of the building. Several patrons brought dogs who barked repeated at people.

This pub is my go to, being new to the area and alone I always feel like I belong going in here . The staff are amazing and do not stop working all night, it is so busy with food and service and they literally work hard all night, I wish for ha anthem all for being on point all the time even in the extreme heat when a poor customer fainted those guys were still rushing about behind the bar keeping customers happily served Great work guys and thanks for your customer service, I hope you all feel really appreciated

Nice pub while waiting to see a play by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Good atmosphere, classic cuisine for this type of place but very good.

Lovely pub overlooking River Avon. Nice food and great atmosphere, cosy bar area.

The Steak and ale pie had very little steak and what there was was extremely tough with a fair amount of gristle. Very disappointing. They need to find a new supplier.

Large long garden at the rear, sat there with a mini prosecco £5.99 today, were some accordian players in the bar, nice atmosphere! I'm a local but this bar is next to the RSC theatre, so alot of the actors end up in here.

Good food, great service, but annoyingly, you had to go to the bar to order food and drinks. Great location too.

Had a lovely day out! Great food and really fast service

Took my date for a meal last night. She had the fishcakes and I had the raclete beef. Both dishes were beautifully made and presented. We ate in the garden which was a lovely treat. Blankets were provided for my date who was feeling the cold of a British summer in July! Our waitress, Erin, could not do enough for us and was very attentive and clearly happy working there. Please pass on our best wishes to her for her future. Most surprising of all was the fact that despite this famous pub being directly opposite the RSC, the prices were still reasonable with our entire meal and drinks coming to just over £40. I have been to the pub for a drink in the past, but I’ve never eaten there, until now. Be assured we will return!

Lovely pub for a pint and food, always head here when in Stratford

A place that has always been talked about highly by friends … it didn’t disappoint. We even managed to sit out side before the rain started again! Keep up the awesome work!

Nice historical pub. Lots of luvvies go there.

Great location. Plenty of seating inside and outside.

Visited on May Bank Holiday Sunday,and enjoyed our visit. The pub was not packed, and we sat outside soaking up the sun. The pub was full of character, and the service was very welcoming and efficient. The Dirty Duck ale was excellent, and the beer prices were very reasonable.

Visited here with friends who live in Stratford upon Avon Street, after a few days in Bristol. Just along from the royal Shakespeare company theatre. Can order from the app and do lively IPA beers. Try and get a seat out the front in the sunshine if you can.

Lovely pub, there are steps up to the pub, bit pricey. We didn't have food but the food looked good

Lovely pub. Classic old style English aesthetic inside with a good choice of ales and stouts with great sized portions. The steak and ale pie was delicious with plenty of sides and came out quickly and piping hot. Friendly staff and not too loud inside. Will be visiting again. A must visit when in the area

Terry Miles sent us - great place great food, cheers

An absolute must go if you work in theatre of like it

Lovely pub, friendly staff and amazing food.

Great pub in Stratford.... Many dining areas...beautiful outside garden area...little oasis to chill from the busy streets of Stratford... Food is fantastic with a wide range ..we had burgers...pie and steak ciabatta and every one was quality. Nice cheeky pint...glass of zinfandel and a J2O for the athlete in our party...

Sat outside for a couple of steak sandwiches. Cooked to perfection and really delicious. Nice surroundings as well.

The weather is really nice, such a pity we can't sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. The garden is also booked for a private event, and the seating inside was almost full by 12:30 on a Saturday lunchtime. I didn't have high expectations for pub food, but the meal was quite a pleasant surprise. The sirloin steak in the ciabatta was cooked just right, the fish was very tender, and the mushy peas were to my liking as I don't like peas with mint.

Lovely food, great staff. Will be back when in area

Just love this pub, lovely atmosphere and always a good pint of Drunken Duck and really good food. Recommended

Nice busy pub. We didn't eat but there was plenty of people doing so. A couple of real ales to choose. We only visited as I hoped it was the pub from Shakespear and Hathoway. However it wasn't so I was disapointed.

Nice place to have dinner and a beer. We had the duck and it was very good. Service was quick.

Amazing quirky place! Dog friendly which is always a bonus! Stylish and modern with an actors bar, picturesque views and fabulous garden! I sat in the garden and admired all the different plants. Loved it. Nice seating areas with seating at the back next to a log burner. My new fave place to go to when in Stratford upon Avon! 5*

Consistently outstanding equally in customer service & food.. Always a v. good plant based option available💚

Best pub in Stratford, especially now it's been refurbished. Bit too tight in the women's toilets though, although it all looks lovely. We have vowed to come here every time we come into town for a drink, it has a wonderful atmosphere even when quiet. We love it. *update - just can't get past how tiny the women's toilets are, it would almost be comical if it wasn't so uncomfortable.

Had an amazing lunch with friends today! 🌟 The staff were incredibly friendly and the atmosphere was just perfect for catching up with enjoyable food.

The food was exelent the best in stratford. Had 3 course everithing from top to bottom was superbe.

Great old pub, outside space, nice beer, nice atmosphere 👌

Lovely place; polite staff, online ordering had a few qliches ..

It's a nice pub but it never seems to have everything you want. Last time we visited we had to use plastic glasses as they didn't want to seem to use the glasses. One assumes the dish washer had broken. The food is good, lovely location, wine and beer good and service okay.

We were enjoying a drink & the view until they served a drunk who made it miserable for us and four other customers who left. Food is very stodgy & lukewarm. Trading on a location.

After finishing the city walking tour, we stopped for lunch. The food was tasty and served quickly, we ordered at the bar so remember the table number.

Always call in here it's lovely staff very welcoming dog friendly. Don't be out off if it looks busy on the front they have a lovely beer garden. Tap side have a look at all the pictures of the RSC past and present 👌 enjoy