STRATFORD-UPON-AVON.

This used to be an old timber yard, but is now a very modern and exciting pub-cum-visitor attraction. The Yard is adjacent to Bancroft Garden in the town centre and near the Swan theatre. There is ample car parking close to Cox's Yard, including Bridgefoot Multi-storey, Riverside ( At The Leisure Centre ), The Swan's Nest and Unicorn Meadow. Another plus point to this pub is that the site and its facilities are accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties; lifts are provided in the pub/restaurant as are toilets for disabled visitors. They brew the lovely Jesters Ale here, plus Blitzen and Jugglers on this occasion. If you come during the day you may get a talks and demonstration of the brewing process, but call first as they don't brew every day. There is a long single bar on the ground floor to the right on entrance and while there is a step down into the pub, there is a lift for the disabled. The seating is all plain pine type wooden benches and chairs, which while making it bright, does seem to jar with the traditional exposed brickwork. There are two main seating areas. The first is sunken and is where the main sports screen is lowered - Sky sports here. The second is on the same level as the bar and has a couple of nooks and cranny areas with pillars to hide behind. There are a mixture of large 8-person tables and two-person tables. There is also a TV monitor by the bar, which is odd as this is not the traditional pub image they seem to wish to promote, but catering for the young set of Stratford. The food is wholesome traditional fayre and there is plenty of choice for vegetarians - served for most of the day. Prices are keen and there is a children's menu with special 'meal deals'. Quiz nights are held every Tuesday, starting at 8pm, entrance is free and there are prizes to be won. Every Sunday evening live bands perform from 8pm, entrance is free again. If you are looking for some family fun on Bank holidays, then Cox's Yard have 'family fun weekends', including music and a host of outside activities (summer months join ventures on the river Avon). If you fancy having your Xmas meal in a brewpub, then Cox's Yard will do that too. Meals are held on the first floor restaurant, where you can also have coffee.

What used to be a BASS pub, though only time will tell if it still serves it next year. A lively 18th century pub in the town centre with exposed beams and flagstone floors. There is also a real fire to the left of the front entrance to warm you on those 'Prospero' nights. It is a double sided one and so warms the nooks and crannies as well. Situated away from the tourist route (down the street with Pizzahut on the corner), you can have a quiet drink here without camera's snapping. Also good for a quick lunchtime snack that won't cost an arm and a leg (bacon and brie baguette) and a full menu is the evenings. As for beer, they always have BASS and Brew XI, plus the prize which was two guest beers on this time: Mauldon's Suffolk Pride and Highwood Tom Wood Lincolnshire Legend. The beers are always well kept and can be served without sparkler should you require it. There is a courtyard out the back with hanging baskets and picnic tables lit with candles during warm summer evenings and a gas heater for cold nights. Recently extended to get more in. There is TV here showing sports - darts on this occasion on one monitor and basketball on the other (a little disconcerting). The atmosphere was pleasant if a little smoky and not too busy early Saturday evenings. Well worth a visit if in Stratford. Not far from the station. No accommodation here, but this is Stratford after all and so the tourist information office (see Warwickshire county page) is your best bet.

Other pubs to try:

One worthwhile pub that doesn't appear in any guides is the smartly renovated West End on Bull Street at the south end of town. It now offers up to 5 real ales at least 4 from independents). Watch out for the toilets.