Cox's Yard, Stratford Central, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Located in the old James Cox & Son yard is a theatre in the large old timber merchant’s building, the Pantry which is a café type place and the Cox’s Yard pub that sits adjacent to the River Avon. Out the back is lots of riverside seating, some of which is found in a large marquee. There are no railings that separate the seating from the river so I expect a fair few have gone in the drink over the years. Inside the entrance is a flight of stairs, with three steps that lead down to the flagstone bar area. There is a stairlift for those that require assistance. The central bar faces seating in between it and the open kitchen area to the right. The menu is pub grub, the simplest cheeseburger is priced at £14.50 and comes with chips. In the right rear is a snug and behind the bar along the left wall is a line of high booths. Fairy lights line the roof beams, but these were off due to my visit being in the day. I didn’t spot any televisions, but there was some background music playing. The bar supports premium keg and two of the four hand pumps were in operation. These were drawing Charlie Wells DNA and Origin. Upstairs is The Loft @ Cox’s Yard, which is a second bar in the… erm… loft. The bar counter along the right wall supports premium keg. The tables had been arranged into a long single line down the centre of the bar to the rear window that overlooks the roof of the aforementioned marquee that blocks views of the river. In the right rear is a smaller sunken seating area. Nobody was up here during my visit and it felt more like a function room. This is a place that is perfectly suited to the hordes of tourists that flock to Stratford-upon-Avon every year, and I bet they make a pretty penny.

Converted timber yard, with a two-storey bar / restaurant housed in the largest building and a daytime pantry in part of another. Also has plenty of covered and open-air tables beside the river with fine views of the historic bridges. Four handpumps on the counter, dispensing Eagle IPA and Globe Hopper pale ale (£3.85) from Charles Wells, Young's London Gold and Courage Best.

Official site of Cox's Yard - www.coxsyard.com

Official site of Cox's Yard - www.coxsyard.com