Best Seasonal Restaurants in Shipston-On-Stour

Having come up from a hick town in Sussex, my initial reaction was “ ooh this is a bit pricey “ but then I remembered that in fact I was in a very beautiful tourist location where the restaurant had to compete with numerous other top quality establishments. I chose the Popcorn Mussels with lemon alioli for my starter and was rewarded with a large ramekin full to the brim of perfectly juicy mussels that had been deep fried in a very thin beautifully seasoned coating and a lovely little dish of citrus touched alioli that proved to be more than enough for the amount of mussels. My main course choice was the venison suet pudding which was a good sized rustic parcel of just the right thickness suet pastry, packed full of amazingly moist melt in the mouth venison that had been cooked long and slow to take on all the flavours of the herbs and vegetables it had been cooked with, served with a very smooth and buttery mashed potato. For dessert I chose the most unusual thing on the menu, a parsnip creme brûlée and I have to say that it was one of the best brûlée’s that I have ever eaten. It was creamy and sweet with a lovely crunchy top but you were left with a mild taste of parsnip on your palate, which at first was a little confusing but as you work your way through the dish actually marries beautifully with the taste and texture of the creme and leaves you wanting more. Very different yet very tasty. It comes with a spiced macaron, possibly one of the fattest macarons I have ever seen thanks to the generous filling and definitely one of the most delicious. With very friendly servers that didn’t “hover” but knew how to play their role well, I have to say that this is a bistro that you should definitely check out if you are visiting the Cotswolds. My initial thoughts if you remember were that it was a bit pricey? No, it isn’t, it’s really good value for money as the food is first class.

Impossibly delicious food and great service in a lovely room - not a typical village cafe

We have wanted to visit this restaurant for so long as we are huge Mike Robinson fans, and it did not disappoint. I can’t recommend it highly enough, the food is outstanding and utterly delicious. The building is beautiful and maintained throughout to a high specification. The adjoining hotel is worth a stay in too.

Lovely friendly environment. Nothing too much trouble for the staff. Food was outstanding. Drinks I feel are a little high priced but tends to be the way now with top restaurants. Will definitely book again

Beautifully presented and great tasting food. Stunning views over Warwickshire in an unhurried, quiet-ish setting. Excellent and attentive service too.