THE LOWDOWN

It wouldn’t be Stratford if it wasn’t steeped in history and charm. So no surprise then the hotel building itself hails from 1798, and has been everything from a doctor’s surgery to a gentleman’s club (it even boasted a stint as the town’s registry office) before Hotel du Vin moved in in 2018 and splashed its signature brand of moody French luxe all over the restored walls.

Now it’s home to 46 rooms and suites and its popular Bistro Du Vin restaurant. But the piece du resistance is really its private dining spaces, perfect for a special meal or work get-together. On a sunny day or warm night head outside to the fairylit courtyard or champagne terrace.

THE VIBE

Cool, cosy and welcoming. Throughout the building there’s loads of hidden nooks and crannies perfect for settling down with a glass (or bottle!) of something delicious. The bar is brimming with velvet bucket chairs, flickering candles and decorative glass carafes – a nod to the hotel’s wine culture. There’s a drinks menu to satisfy everyone, from cocktail fans to whiskey purists. As is to be expected, the wine list is a highlight (I mean, the clue’s in the hotel name) and staff and sommeliers are on hand to help you choose the perfect tipple. Take a sneak peek around the extensive wine cellars, and if you want to really get a taste for what the hotel’s about check into one of the wine tastings, perfect for everyone from newbies through to connoisseurs. If port is more your thing then there’s artisan cheeses and some of the biggest bottles of Graham’s port you’ve seen.

SCOFF & QUAFF

I was lucky enough to visit when the hotel was showcasing it’s Christmas menu and private dining offering, and I’ll be booking in for both! Think unpretentious French fare with a modern British twist, including everything from fresh oysters picked from the Essex coast (ok, maybe a little pretentious, but make sure you order them!), to pan-fried cod and the most melt-in-your-mouth daube of beef Provençal. If you’re after a lazy day then there’s a great afternoon tea here with a selection of French and British-inspired savoury and sweet snacks including ham and Gruyère mini croissants, apple tarte tatin with Crème Normandie and of course, a selection of scones. Have it with tea or a glass of the hotel’s deliciously dry signature fizz – Cuvee Hotel Du Vin, from Lombardy. Enjoy in one of the lounges or make a date of it with the girls and book out one of the private dining areas (why not add on a wine tasting too – ultimate girls’ day!).

If you’re dining in the restaurant then there’s a similar menu including steaks, fish, veggie and vegan options, and there’s also some pretty stand-out offers. Everyday there’s a different special, from Moules Frites on Wednesdays to Sirloin of Beef on Fridays. On Sundays to Thursdays then you can tuck into Chateaubriand and a bottle of the hotel’s signature Malbec for £39pp – an absolute steal and the beef was cooked to perfection. There’s also a prix fix menu (I’d recommend the gnocchi Parisienne) and if you’re short for time and hot-footing it to the theatre then there’s a handy menu with three courses in 30 minutes. For something lasting a little longer check out the Taste du Vin menu – five courses each expertly paired with a glass of wine by the hotel sommelier.

Pud is a people-pleasing menu with everything from creme brûlée to chocolate terrine. But the real show-stopper is the profiterole. Yes, just one, that was the size of my head. The biggest ball of delicate choux pastry, filled with vanilla ice cream instead of creme patisserie, dusted with chocolate, and in case that’s not enough calories there’s a boatload of choccy sauce at the side. Indulgent, but oh so worth it. I managed about half and then had to roll myself up to bed for a lie down.

PILLOW TALK

Each room is decorated in a moody colour palate, named after a famous vineyard. I also loved the nod to the hotel’s location in the form of artwork with quotes from some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. We were in the Thierry Lombard junior suite, but there’s everything from classic doubles to signature suites. The bed was super comfy and I had a wonderful nights sleep (hello Egyptian linen and hand-sprung mattress). There was a signature Hotel du Vin roll top bath in the corner of the bedroom for a wonderful soak. If you’re stopping with family or friends you may just need to ask them to avert their eyes or head out onto the flower-filled balcony while you take a dip!

There were L’Occitane toiletries giving another taste of Provence, and a huge rainfall shower which I really did not want to get out of the next morning!

OUT & ABOUT 

Here you’re just a stone’s throw from Stratford’s shopping, theatre and museums. If you want to discover more about the Bard, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, Hall’s Croft, and Shakespeare’s Birthplace are all within easy reach. We recommend Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (no, not that one) – the nine-acre grounds include a lavender maze, a woodland walk and the Shakespeare arboretum. Catch a show at the RSC, or Stratford Playhouse is literally right next door.

Sick of Shakespeare? The MAD Museum (which kids will love), Tudor World and Magic Alley (one for Harry Potter fans) are all in town, and there are lots of little boutiques and eateries to sample too. 

If you fancy staying put then you can enjoy wine or port tasting experiences at the hotel. Think everything from sparkling wine sampling to around the world tipples and Hotel du Vin classics.

CHILD FRIENDLY?

You can book an extra bed or cot in your room, although only the larger rooms can accommodate this. There’s an additional £30 charge for the additional beds, but cots are free.

DOG FRIENDLY?

Yep! Owners and their pooch can share one of the dog-friendly rooms for an extra £20 a night – kitted out with a bed and water bowl.

ACCESSIBILITY

There are two accessible Classic rooms and one accessible Deluxe room, all of which have a wet room with no steps to enter the shower. Flag up your needs with the Reservations team as early as possible.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: History buffs looking for a great base for exploring Stratford; couples after a romantic escape with classic French fare on the menu; a cosy spot for cocktails or an excellent glass of vino or two with girlfriends. 

Not for: If you’re after rolling hills and landscaped gardens, look away now – the town centre location means that the hotel is definitely not a hidden countryside gem, however the Champagne terrace offers guests a chic outdoor space for drinkies alfresco.

The damage: Classic double rooms are a steal starting at just £93 room only and there’s plenty of offers too like champagne, dinner, bed and breakfast from £199.

Hotel du Vin Stratford-Upon-Avon, Rother St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LU. Tel: 01789 613685