PEN and Parchment by Greene King Inns

Forgot to review but we had a really nice meal here before Hamlet wrapped up a few weeks ago. Lasagne was lovely (burnt my mouth on it out of sheer eagerness). Great location that’s within easy walking distance of the theatre, can’t really go wrong with this pub! This was a return visit and I’d come again if I’m ever back in town.

We Ate in restaurants and all ordered a Sunday Roast 4 out of 7 got served meal after 10 minutes came and told us they had run out of Yorkshire pudding and had run out of gravy still took another 5 minutes to get rest of meals which were only lukewarm. Service seemed very slow in all areas

I booked back in October 2024 for somewhere to stay near the RSC as we had tickets for Hamlet. The P&P was excellent - we stayed in the Annex, v quiet with soundproofing but we could see across the Avon and the Canal to the Theatre 300 meters away. (As a tip we came in from the south so parked in the Swan's Nest Car Park literally 5 meters on the left before you went over the bridge -£13.20 for 24 hours) The main pub is old, with real fires (good as the weather was foul on the Saturday, beautifully laid out. It was very popular unsurprisingly so. A good selection of drinks for a Greene King pub. Our room was beautifully decorated with very comfortable beds and a lovely very good size white tiled bath/shower. I know having been to other Green King pubs recently that they are spending a lot of money on upgrading decor/bathroom. Staff very efficient although a spontaneous offer to help with luggage would have been appreciated without having to 'hint'. Service very good (we didn't eat there as it was already booked up but if you are going to the theatre do try Carluccio's about 50 yards from the theatre with excellent food and amazing staff. Would certainly return when next in Stratford Claire

We have just had Christmas lunch and what a delightful experience it was!! ✨️🥂 It was faultless from beginning, to end. The atmosphere was festive and relaxed. The team were smiling and well dressed. The food was tasty, well presented and plentiful. We couldn't manage our desserts so the manageress carefully packed them up for us to enjoy at home. We have never ventured out for a meal on Christmas day and are so glad that we picked the Pen and Parchment. We can't thank you all enough. Thank you for making our Christmas day a happy one. Enjoy your own celebrations. 🍾 Many thanks 😊

This inn is very old, the stairs to access the first floor was steep with a door at the first step, there wasn't a level floor to be found. No where was this unevenness more apparent than our bed which had a distinct list to one side, so much so that she complained when I rolled into her in the early hours. We knew what to expect as we have stayed in many older properties before, this just seemed a bit quirkier than normal. We slept reasonably well and did not experience the normal noise from being above a bar area. The room was tastefully decorated and the bathroom modern. We had a view of a small car parking area and canal boats. Fantastic location for a short walk to the city centre and canal basin. The full English breakfast was excellent. We liked the pub and had our evening meal there too, it was from the standard Greene King Inns menu but cooked just as I liked it and she went for some veggie option with no complaints. Multi-storey car park next door. Would use again.

Drinks were ok Nothing to wow about. Good value considering it's in the centre of Stratford upon Avon Food was average. Needs a bit of a face lift. Been here before a few years back. Still looks the same now but worn. Probably wouldn't go there again until it has been revamped. The beer garden at the front could be made really nice but it still feels like a car park with tables. Dogs were welcome inside but allocated to 2 tables only that were in the corridor to the toilet. 😐 Reading this maybe I should have gave it a 2?