Falcon Hotel, Stratford Central, Stratford-Upon-Avon

A Legacy chain hotel, restaurant and bar, the front part being in black timber and white render on stone footings, with nice leaded windows. There is a garden at the back. The bar is simply a part of the complex and found round to the right from entry, passing the restaurant area. The bar area is open plan and in white artex and wood panel with copious ceiling and support beams and a large brick fireplace that has a few clay pipes on display either side. There isn’t really anything in the way of pictures or ephemera, but the décor itself is interesting enough, so it doesn’t feel bare. It doesn’t feel pretentious, as they employ bar stools and traditional bar tables. There was no background music, but there was a TV, showing the Ryder Cup golf. The service was friendly enough, as were the few people in the bar (not sure if they were residents). They served food, but I didn’t eat, so can’t comment on that. Beer; tap stuff, with a decent enough Purity Ubu and Mad Goose on handpull. I found this a nice hotel bar to spend a relaxing half hour. I am not the biggest Purity fan, so I wouldn’t stay all day here, but it is definitely worth a stop off.

This large 16th Century hotel in the heart of this historic town is very impressive from the outside with its timber frame and latticed windows. It has been an Ale House since 1640 but has obviously been extended over the years. The main bar (the Oak Bar to give it the correct title) is off to the right before you get to the reception and I have to say is really disappointing given the rest of the building. The bar is oak paneled (hence the name) with a wonderful large brick fireplace but this is ruined by a TV screen sitting beside it. There appears to have been a large amount of interior renovation – many of the beams / pillars etc appear to be a fairly modern addition albeit done in sympathy with the traditional framework. The carpet is a very modern style pub carpet where bare wood or an extension of the flag-stones that surround the bar area would have given the place a more authentic feel. The plasma screen is fairly prominent and is not in keeping with the building. Only one Real Ale, a rather uninteresting Bass although there was another hand pump that was redundant. Service was not great – they did not have enough change for a £20 note despite this being a sizeable and historic hotel. The bar itself was virtually dead when we were there. The piped music was on a par with elevator music and casio ringtones – enough to drive out the most loyal of customers. Despite its shortcomings, it is worth a visit, even if only to have a wander around the opulent reception area with its comfy lounge and servants bells. Such a shame as this could be so much more without too much effort.