To share, or not to share, that is the question…

The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon reveals new No 44 Brasserie on the Waterside, featuring reworked dining options and a stylish new look

The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon has opened the doors on its new restaurant, No 44 Brasserie on the Waterside, designed as a ‘social hangout’, ideal for pre-theatre dining, long lunches, dinners with family or friends, or even as a post-theatre venue, perhaps in the company of one or two of the Royal Shakespeare Company actors.

Previously known as the Waterside Brasserie, the new restaurant offers a fresh menu of classic favourite dishes as well as new small plates to share, providing a dining experience that is the first of its kind in the historic market town. These shareable, tapas-style dishes allow guests to explore the varied menu, which includes Oven Baked Stone Bass, Piperade and Thyme; Vietnamese Style Tofu Spring Roll; Braised Sticky Lamb Belly, Tamarind and Roast Pumpkin; and Pear and Endive Salad, Roquefort Dressing and Walnuts.

Suggesting around five to six small plates between two, the inspiration for the new menu comes from a desire to make the dining experience more adventurous and social, whilst ensuring that dining envy is a thing of the past!

The new dishes are complemented by an extensive wine list, as well as a new cocktail menu that draws inspiration from the location’s literary links. A range of drinks is available, using gin from the local Shakespeare Distillery, an artisan gin producer that handcrafts small batches of the spirit, taking inspiration from the Tudor herb garden’s traditional and long-forgotten ingredients (including old English lovage, rosemary and rose).

Cocktails include the bitter-sweet pre-dinner ‘Shakespeare’s Secret’ (exclusive to The Arden and with a recipe that remains a closely-guarded secret), the refreshing ‘Rhubarb & Juliet’ (with herbaceous hints of spice, rhubarb gin, ginger ale and lime juice) and the ‘Tudor Tom Collins’ (made with Stratford Gin, Club Soda, sugar and lemon juice).

No 44 Brasserie on the Waterside’s stylish and contemporary look is brought to life through Missoni wallpaper, watercolour-look chairs and a colour palate of aubergine, lilac, sky blue and off-white. The ambiance is relaxed, yet elegant, with dishes freshly cooked and brought to the table as soon as they’re ready. The restaurant’s setting remains light and airy, with beautiful views of the River Avon from the terrace and a cosy, cocooned lounge area set back from the bar, making this an ideal spot for couples or small groups to while away the hours.

General Manager of The Arden Hotel, Josefine Blomqvist, says: “We are very excited to be offering this more social and relaxed experience whilst providing our guests with real flexibility of choice. It’s something different and new to the Stratford dining scene, and we’re proud to be the pioneers.”

Part of the Eden Hotel Collection and located in the heart of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, directly opposite the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres, The Arden Hotel is an elegant and sophisticated 45-bedroom boutique hotel, perfectly situated to make the most of the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Prices at No 44 Brasserie on the Waterside start from just £2 per small plate, with a suggested five to six plates shared between two people. Favourites (the more traditional, non-sharing dishes) are priced from £6 for a starter and £15 for a main. Opening times for dinner: 5 pm – 9.30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 6 pm – 9 pm on Sundays.

Stay overnight at The Arden Hotel from £119 per room (two sharing), including full English breakfast.

For more information, or to book, call The Arden Hotel on 01789 298 682 (www.theardenhotelstratford.com).

Notes to Editors

– The Eden Hotel Collection has evolved over the last 18 years through acquisition and restoration by The Rigby Group Plc, one of the UK’s largest and most successful family-owned businesses. Founded by IT entrepreneur Sir Peter Rigby, the Group’s portfolio spans hotels, aviation, technology, property and investments.

– The Eden Hotel Collection consists of nine luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. They are Mallory Court, Leamington Spa; Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel and Bovey Castle in Devon; The Kings Hotel, Cotswolds; The Arden Hotel and Arden House in Stratford-upon-Avon; Brockencote Hall Hotel, Worcestershire; The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham, and The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa, Somerset.

For more details, or to book, visit www.edenhotelcollection.com.

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