The Old Thatch Tavern

The Old Thatch Tavern is one of those Stratford pubs that feels wonderfully made for visitors, especially if you like your lunch stop with a side order of history. The pub calls itself the oldest in Stratford and sits just 300 yards from Shakespeare's Birthplace, making it brilliantly placed for a town-centre wander. Dogs are welcome inside, so nobody needs to do the pavement-waiting shuffle.

The pub serves fresh seasonal food and has a real fire, which suits a slower, cosier break in the middle of sightseeing. It's full of historic character and properly atmospheric, the sort of place that helps a busy visitor day feel more relaxed. Food is served daily, with opening hours Monday to Saturday 12pm-11pm and Sunday 12pm-10:30pm.

For dog owners planning a Stratford day out, it's exactly the sort of central, characterful pub that makes town exploring easier. Historic, cosy and full of appeal, it's a very easy Stratford yes.