The Coach House, a 475 year old building situated on the site of the historic Seven Stars public house was given an extensive refurbishment and rebranding two years ago. The former Lamplighter pub situated on the east side of Rother Street was renamed The Coach House giving the premises a fresh start & an impressive looking makeover as work on essential repairs on the gable end of the pub were completed. Since reopening the pub has once again become a centre for the local community & the many visitors to the town.

Situated in the medieval area of the town on the east side of Rother Street, records show it began life as a public house in the year 1828, yet its listed building status suggests a date much earlier of 1799 for the building structure itself.

You meet a better class of person in pubs.

Oliver Reed

The Coach House emerged from the ghost of The Lamplighter becoming Davenports first managed pub in Stratford upon Avon for over fifty years, since The Old Tramway on Shipston Road in the early 1970s!

There was a clean fresh look and space about this room. In a small open alcove in the middle of the room stood a bust of the Bard of Avon referencing the town’s most famous son. The main room is very bright & inviting with sunlight streaming in through the open doors which open out into a smart garden terrace at the rear of the pub.

The covered garden area, with heating appliances, is an ideal space for sitting out in the sun. I chose to sit in the snug, on the right-hand side of the pub, which was comfortable and cosy. If you are looking to eat, The Coach House has a focus on home-cooked food using quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Many of the menu choices are paired with a beer suggestion which I think is an excellent idea.

I love a hot, home-made country pie so I opted for The Coach House Daily Pie, which changes daily, I enjoyed a wonderful Chicken & Ham Pie served with chips, peas & a beautiful rich red wine sauce. It was fantastic!

I paired my meal with a Davenports Mild 3.5%. A wonderful, traditional Mild draught beer. It had a smooth, dark complexion with fruity aromas which gave way to a full-flavoured taste & a noticeable sweetness.

This is how a mild should be! It went down very well with the pie! My wife chose the home-made Rich Beef & Red Wine Lasagne. She said her meal was wonderful & said that it had obviously been made from very good quality beef. It was piping hot & there was plenty of it! The salad it came with was nicely dressed & the wonderful ultimate cheesy garlic bread was simply stunning!

Customers are faced with a serious choice of starters which includes Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread, Terrine of the Day, Classic Prawn Cocktail, Rosemary & Garlic Based Camembert, Soup of the Day, Glazed Chicken Wings, Spiced Humous or Cheesy Baked Mushrooms. There is also an appealing selection of sandwiches served on white or grain farmhouse, Ciabatta or Piadina wraps, all served with seasonal fries. The burgers speak for themselves, why not try a Moving Mountains Burger, Baron`s Burger, Mighty Burger or the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger! The choice of main meals is endless ranging from the Davenports classic Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Piri Piri Chicken, Charred Haloumi Bowl right through to Flat Iron & Rump Steaks. Vegetarians, vegans & kids are not forgotten either! There is something on the extensive menu for everyone!

There is also a tempting dessert menu should you have a sweet tooth and room for a little more! Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chantilly Citron Tart, Molten Chocolate Bundt Cake, Apple Crumble, Arctic Roll, Profiterole Cake & or a selection of Ice Creams.

My wife chose the Chantilly Citron Tart which she said was incredible & I opted for death by chocolate in choosing the superb Molten Chocolate Bundt Cake, served with chocolate ice cream & hot chocolate sauce, inside the centre of the cake! It was delicious.

Dogs are very welcome at The Coach House, in fact they have their own section of the bar! Paw your dog a drink! A water chiller, silver dog bowls, treats, snacks, nibbles and a Think Pawsitive dog mat greets all of your canine friends.

The central bar is well-stocked with popular spirits and boasts a fantastic cocktail menu all of which I was told are freshly made to order. A major focus at The Coach House is on excellent quality food & the use of locally sourced ingredients.

I prefer pub food to posh food.

Prue Leith

Period photographs placed on the walls around the pub reflects the proud history of owners Davenports, as well as an obvious nod to the most famous former resident of the town, William Shakespeare, which all adds to the traditional pub atmosphere. The impressive refurbishment has not only preserved the best of the building’s remaining original features but also treasures its historical past. Updated toilets including new disabled facilities make The Coach House a much more accessible attraction for all to enjoy.

The Coach House is also a very pleasant pub in which to relax for a pre or post – theatre drink or meal if you are visiting the town for a play at the nearby RSC theatre. Whilst sitting in the bar enjoying my meal I noticed several people coming in off the street, not only to eat but to sit and enjoy a drink, read the newspaper or chat with friends. You can also watch sport on one of the televisions or listen to live music on occasions! The Coach House has many live music events and they have proven to be very popular with local residents and visitors to the town.

I don’t like awards ceremonies. I’d sooner go to the pub with mates I’ve known for years.

Paul O’Grady

It is still very much a local for the community as well as the many visitors. Whatever you like, whatever the season, The Coach House is sure to have something on the menu to satisfy your appetite. For fabulous food, friendly service and quality ales, in a local friendly pub, The Coach House is a great choice.

I liked The Coach House and the staff were brilliant! I urge you to check out The Coach House at the earliest opportunity when you are next in Stratford Upon Avon. You will not be disappointed!

The Coach House, Stratford- upon – Avon, Warwickshire

Email: coachhouse@davenportspubs.co.uk Call: 01789 293071