We had a leisurely start to the day, choosing lunch in one of the cafés listed in the ‘Extra Mile’ book that seeks out foody delights as alternatives to motorway services.
We settled on Ellenden Farm Shop Café near Harvington. When we arrived, I realised that we had been there before on a day trip to Evesham. I chose a humble toasted teacake with marmalade, it was delicious.
Before checking into our hotel, we visited Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It is quaint with interesting history and due to the weather very cold inside.
After our visit we were able to book into our Stratford hotel, The Indigo. We were warmly welcomed and shown to our room in the Georgian part of the hotel. The room was delightful with plenty of lighting options.
Rather than unpack our bags we decided to head into town, visiting a second-hand bookshop and Waterstones. In Waterstones I saw a book on Malta cuisine. I had been tempted to buy it when I first saw it after our holiday in Malta just over a year ago. I resisted buying the book at the time just in case I was having rose tinted spectacles after our recent visit. I realised I still loved the recipes in the book but unfortunately the book was damaged so once again I chose to leave it on the shelf.
Back in the hotel I had a glass of wine in the hotel bar before returning to our room for a cup of tea and a lovely relaxing shower.
We dined in Loxley’s, a pre valentines day dinner due to our Valentine’s Day ‘date night’ being in the theatre to see Hamlet. I chose chicken with pureed carrot, potato dauphinoise and fricassee of mushrooms. It was beautifully presented but unfortunately, I forgot to take a quick photo!
We had a nightcap in the hotel bar, the Woodsman where we sat in our favourite seats as we had done earlier in the afternoon.
What a delightful first day in Stratford-upon-Avon! It sounds like you had a lovely time exploring the local gems, starting with a tasty lunch at Ellenden Farm Shop Café. A toasted teacake with marmalade sounds like the perfect way to kick off your adventure!
Visiting Anne Hathaway’s Cottage must have been a charming experience, despite the chilly weather. It’s wonderful to immerse yourself in the history of such a famous location. Room 706 at The Indigo sounds inviting, especially with those lovely lighting options! I love how you took the time to explore local bookshops too; it’s always a treasure hunt in second-hand stores.
Your dinner at Loxley’s sounds delicious! Even without a photo, the description makes it clear it was a treat for the senses. Ending the day with a nightcap in your favorite spot is the perfect way to unwind. Can’t wait to hear more about your adventures in Stratford!
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Your trip to Scotland sounds wonderful
Excellent! The thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway lived was lovely to look at from the outside, and the gardens were fun. But I needed the guides’ assistance inside, to know which furniture was original and who lived there during the Shakespearean era.
The guides on our visit were excellent. They told us most of what we needed to know about the property and the connected farms.
Did you visit Harvington House, Cherie? My son took me there last year
We didn’t on this occasion but we have visited before. It is a fascinating place
This is one part of the world I haven’t been to yet and Anne Hathaway’s cottage is on my list. Thank you for mentioning the ‘Extra Mile’ book! I’ve put all 3 of their wonderful books on my wish list now
My hubby bought me the other two books for Christmas and I hope to explore some of the eateries in them too
It’s a good many years since I visited Stratford-upon-Avon.
Lovely photograph of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
All the best Jan
We have visited a few times lately.
What? Clawfoot bath! You don’t see this so often these days.
I like old fashioned baths