Pen and Parchment by Greene King Inns

fint gammelt vertshus

The location is great - next to the river, canal and shops/eateries in the centre. We didn't eat at the hotel we stayed at and only used the bar one day of our three night stay. That day, we moved on as the beer cooler temporarily broke but planned to finish the night there, getting back about 2240 for a last drink. A male member of staff brusquely told us they were closed. I said we were staying and asked what time they were closing the following night so we could plan. They then told me they had closed early as it was not busy which I would understand for a pub in the middle of nowhere but not in the middle of Stratford where there are people moving from place to place. They sold us a drink to take to our room in the end but there were four of us (70th birthday - Mom, Dad, son and daughter in law across 2 rooms) and it would have been nice to know there is a variable closing time beforehand. Last negative was the housekeeping. The coffee etc top ups were bizarrely inconsistent but more importantly the area rhat housed them was dirty. There was a good amount of dried on old sugar welded to the holder and the spoons were properly rank with what looked like dried on powdered milk stuck to them from the off. Rank is definitely the word! Overall we had a nice stay though. The beds were comfy and blackout curtains a nice touch. Some of the staff were friendly and it is decent as a base bearing in mind there are lots of good places nearby to eat and drink.

Perfect spot close to the Royal Shakespeare Co theatre and short walk to Shakespeare’s birthplace and Holy Trinity Church. Clean and comfortable room and very friendly and helpful staff.

A good place to stay whilst in Stratford. Especially close to the RSC if going to the theatre.

Great check in, lovely person on the desk. Room was great and breakfast was superb.