Our favorite pub during our visit to SUA! The service and food were great. It was one of the best meat pies we had in the UK! The space is extremely cozy and relaxing, especially if the weather is crummy. read more

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Slightly confusing, but the restaurant is also called The Black Swan (older name), but operates under both names. We wish we had booked out Christmas Day meal here instead of our pricy lackluster meal at Encore. Anyways, had dinner here one night and the food was delicious. We tried the pork belly and the steak and ale pie, both brimming with flavor. Expect heavy hearty meals here. The salmon scotch egg was too much breading, but edible. The squash soup was quite good and light. Service was friendly and efficient (order and pay at the bar counter). read more

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The setting along the Avon is lovely. The food was very good. I'd especially recommend the Mac and Cheese--it was extraordinary! read more

Dirty Duck - Steak and Ale Pie; Mac and Cheese - Pubs Near Me - Stratford Upon Avon, WAR

The pub has a cute layout and energy to it. Seating indoors and outdoors. Bartenders were friendly and the food came out timely. It's in such a cute area too! Would recommend going! read more

Great pub not far from the river serving good food and drinks with quick and friendly service.

Beautiful location overlooking the park. It's is in the same restaurant group as the George in London. We had great meals at both.

Fish and chips and more! We were pleasantly surprised how good the fish and chips were here. We got a side of peas and a beer too. We were walking around doing the Shakespeare tour and needed a snack. This did the trick. We sat outside and there's lots of seating inside and outside. read more

Dirty Duck - Fish, chips, peas and beer! - Pubs Near Me - Stratford Upon Avon, WAR

My friends and I spent the day in Stratford being shown around by someone who is actually from Stratford. And he knows all about Stratford (I quizzed him to no end on Shakespeare facts and he passed with flying colors) so I believe him when he tells me Dirty Duck is the most famous bar in Stratford. And check it out for yourself by looking at all the pictures of famous people on the walls. I'm guessing that all of these famous people have enjoyed the same mulled wine that I had at Dirty Duck. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of hot wine, but I liked it...a lot!! If it's good enough for the famous people it's good enough for me... read more

Dirty Duck Pub is a great place to enjoy traditional British food! The beautiful pub is situation near the River Avon and is a lovely place to eat indoors as well as outdoors. The inside of the pub is very pretty with lots of pictures and drawings of ducks. It was very cozy and rustic. I ordered a bangers n mash and absolutely loved it. The sausages were perfectly cooked and the mash was creamy and had the exact amount of seasoning. We don't get bangers n mash in Calfornia (not British bangers at least) and I was over the moon to have such delicious bangers! I highly recommend this place if you are touring Stratford Upon Avon. The only complaint that I do have is that the wait time is quite long. Our food took 45 minutes to be served! It was well worth the wait though and I would eat here again if I am ever lucky enough to come back to Stratford. Dirty Duck is a winner! read more

The Dirty Duck was my favorite pub on my first visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon, and at this point I think I'm ready to call it my favorite pub in all of England. It's just so damn good. The atmosphere is pitch perfect; laid back and casual, but with fast and friendly service. You'd think a whole kitchen jumps into action every time somebody orders a plate of bangers n' mash. They have a set menu available during the week with mains for £5.95 (with a starter or dessert for £7.95) so you can grab a pint and a hot meal for less than £9. Further, they have a chili burrito on this very menu that is so irrationally good I've started to judge myself for not having discovered it earlier in life. And then there's the Dirty Mallard. As fine a cask ale as you're ever like to taste, brewed just for the Dirty Duck, and less than £3 a pint. read more

Dirty Duck - Chili burrito - Pubs Near Me - Stratford Upon Avon, WAR

Right next to the Royal Shakespeare Theater, so immediately after the play we headed over here. Apparently, the actors tend to frequent this place after their show. There's a rear garden that's open in the morning, but barely any lights at night. The front terrace is awesome too to lounge around as theater goers pass by. They have an actor's bar too, a little area full of autographed pictures of Royal Shakespeare Company luminaries going back decades. We got to be extras in one of those Shakespeare movies. The place feels old, but awesome nonetheless... I think it's older than the United States! read more

Dirty Duck - Pubs Near Me - Stratford Upon Avon, WAR

Easily the best pub I have ever been because I got meet and talk to most of the actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company after their performance. I enjoyed the atmosphere. Crowded and lively. Actors and actresses are rather friendly from the plays and willing to talk to you. The drinks are excellent too! It is right next to the river so has a beautiful view! I absolutely loved it. read more

Let me just start by saying I don't have too much experience with alcohol.This is the first pub I experienced, and it surprised me because it was so classy and quiet. It's a relatively small and cramped area, with a few tables outdoors and several indoors. But there is an upstairs area I have yet to venture to. On the occasion that there is a line, it goes by quickly. The waiting/ ordering area is extremely narrow, but the bartenders are efficient (and extremely good-looking). The ciders: -When the bartender says pear, he actually means cloudberry. But don't mind it, because it actually does taste like heaven. It's like a sweeter, lighter apple cider. -Strawberry-lime is the best. Two or three times that I asked for it, the bartender said that they ran out, but all of those times, I spotted one or two remaining bottles in the back of the chiller, so make sure to point it out to them if you see it, or else you'll see someone else with it afterward! This is sweeter than cloudberry, I think, but tastes even more like fruit juice. You actually really taste the strawberry, which is great if you're having, say, a whiskey shot beforehand. Pimms: It's so pretty and fruity! Pimms is, apparently, a hard liquor. A glass of this drink consists of 1/3 Pimms and 2/3 lemonade, with bits of strawberry, cucumber, and lemon/ lime. Sometimes, the bartender will put only cucumber, only lemon, or only strawberry. I suppose it depends on how much of what they have left at the time you order. In terms of enjoyability (not a real word but should be), I would say the Pimms and ciders are about equivalent. I suggest try both--at the same time, if you'd like! Pimms is actually 30-something percent alcohol, I think, but since there's so much lemonade, having that drink and cider shouldn't effect too strong of a buzz... Rum and coke: I just don't like rum. But this is a relatively cheap drink (just around 3 pounds, whereas ciders are about 4.25 and Pimms 4.50). Shots: -I was told that the house whiskey is one of the smoothest there is. The first time I tried it, it was dreadful. But every subsequent time only got better. I don't have anything to compare it to, but I agree that it is smooth. Good to chase with cider and/ or Pimms! -Vodka shots, I refuse to do, but sometimes they really (over)fill your glass! Once, my friend got one and was able to split it into almost two shots. Generous servings are always great. Often, actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company across the street head to the Dirty Duck after their performance, so it's easy to meet English celebrities there. They have all been personable and friendly, willing to talk with students about Shakespeare and show. This doesn't just add to the DD experience--it is PART of the DD experience. I miss this place already. read more

Dirty Duck - Pimms for £4.5. Sooo good. - Pubs Near Me - Stratford Upon Avon, WAR

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Beautiful location, delicious food, minus one star for being a bit cramped and having very uncomfortable old chairs. But the good stuff- good selection of wine and beer, hubbys fish and chips was a HUGE portion, and the "luxury Mac and cheese" may well have been the best Mac I've ever had (and that's really saying something! I eat a lot of Mac and cheese! ) read more

Extremely expensive and mediocre bar! We came here after an RSC show expecting to meet some actors (since we heard this is a common place for them to hang out.) This bar is extremely over priced. I paid £4.50 for 175 mL of rose wine. That's ridiculous! It wasn't even that good. We didn't really meet any actors either and the bar had last call at 11pm on a Wednesday night. I understand that it was a weekday and Stratford can be a quiet town but that's a little much. read more

Very nice drinking spot in Stratford upon Avon. Close by the RSC theater and other Shakespeare related attentions. Reasonable drink price as well. read more

The Dirty Duck is the place to be!!! Amazing prices on drinks, and delicious fish & chips. If you go to the theatre you must stop by here for a drink. I love the environment at this pub and it easily became my favorite pub in all of Stratford-Upon-Avon. read more

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I spent a month in between Stratford-Upon-Avon and London studying Shakespeare. Yep, it was a dream come true for this English nut. The Dirty Duck was absolutely my favorite place to hang with friends. It is authentic Stratford at its very best. The place itself is old as God probably, which is awesome. There is every drink a body could want, and you rub elbows with the actors of the Royal Shakespeare Company (the bar is across the street a ways from the theater), who come to relax after shows. Sadly my memories are fading...a swinging sign with a duck, cobblestone sidewalks and slate stairs, leading to a good natured old bartender, red walls, massive wooden tables...and just a general feeling that while time has changed the best things have remained the same in Stratford. Because it is home to the bard, gotta close with him: "They were red-hot with drinking; So full of valour that they smote the air For breathing in their faces; beat the ground For kissing of their feet." William Shakespeare, "The Tempest" read more

Dirty Duck - Stratford-Upon-Avon, Home of the Dirty Duck - Pubs Near Me - Stratford Upon Avon, WAR

awesome, relaxed pub tucked away from this rather touristy town. It can get quite busy though sometimes. I liked to go in the afternoon. The food was good! and cute bartenders. Oh yeah, I met SIR IAN MCKELLAN here after watching King Lear (in which he gave full frontal nudity I might add). Also, the first place I had hoegarden....ahhh. This bar was a saving grace. beautiful surroundings too, as the picture shows...but not douchebag infested like the "shakespeare" pub down the street. read more

My food was a bit late because of technical difficulties, however the staff was very professional and offered a refund. A great place for days when the sun is out to enjoy good food or a few pints. Comfortable sitting both inside and out. Check it out! read more

Dirty Duck - Pubs Near Me - Stratford Upon Avon, WAR

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I read in a travel guide for Stratford Upon Avon that all the actors went here, and another review below says they met Ian Mckellan in this bar so I was INSTANTLY sold- EVEN if i didn't really know the actors in the play I went to see. It's not as grimy as the name makes out, it's actually quite posh with a lit up porch with fairylights, and it was low beamed and cosy inside, the perfect february pub afternoon and evening! We actually stopped here before the show and after the show because it was such a lovely little pub. The drinks selection isn't big though.Surprisingly not that busy- i was expecting it to be rammed because it was a full audience. And yes, we did see one of the actors from the play but honestly, it's not difficult to catch any of them, the town is small and the pub is down the road from the RSC. read more

The bartender was a quick server. I am a fan of the selection and choice. It is a bit pricey relative to some of the other bars around the area. It is really close to the theater. It is good to come here after the plays. Good for large groups and the young 20s to mid 20s age range. read more

I love The Dirty Duck (or the Black Swan)! I did an NEH grant in Stratford and we spent many a night on the patio here. The actors from the RSC hang their hat at the side bar so bring your wit! read more

Quiet riverside location , perfect traditional English pub, good value, great selection of beer and amazingly high quality food. Nachos were the greatest ive had outside the states followed by a lush lamb shank. Set with an open fire and river views youve got a perfect sunday lunch. read more

Absolutely awful. Service was neglectful and forgot two of our hours. Food was mediocre at best and overall a poor experience

Great food, good prices, friendly staff. I've been there yesterday for lunch with my boyfriend and a friend of mine. It's a nice pub on the waterfront, with plenty of space. We had a pulled pork sandwich, a burger with fries and a jacked potato with cheddar cheese for my friend, who is a vegetarian. The food was very good, but the surprise was the dessert: an amazing chocolate fudge cake, with vanilla ice cream. It also had a layer of toffee...fantastic! We spent 10 pounds each. read more

Sweet place to hang out with actors from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre after the show! Great atmosphere.

Beautiful area, and the interior of this restaurant is lovely and fun. Not the cheapest, but also not ridiculously expensive either. You have to park yourself at a table, and then order your food at the bar to be brought to you, which is a bit inconvenient at times. However, the employees are gracious and nice, and the food is wonderfully presented (read: is both delicious and picture-worthy). Overall, dining here is a great experience that I wouldn't mind repeating several times over. read more

The most prettiest pub I've ever seen! Incredibly picturesque, lovely beer garden out the back. Very traditional to the style of most buildings in Stratford. read more

Been here 4 times - always great. Usually get to town for Shakespeare's birthday every few years & always stop in at the Dirty Duck. Friendly atmosphere, yummy munchies & great drinks. Easy walk back to every B&B I've stayed at. read more

Stopped in quite late on Sunday afternoon, so not crowded at all. Great location, overlooking the Avon and a 2 minute walk from the RSC. A number of food offerings including three Sunday roast choices, but we decided to opt for a chicken & mushroom and a beef & ale pie, which were both good. Shared a stick toffee pudding which was quite tasty. Very enjoyable time! read more

Beautiful pub on the river Avon... The selection of ales isn't great, but the atmosphere is wonderful, and it's a great place to grab a pint or meal before or after a show at the nearby Royal Shakespeare Theatre. (And if you go after a show, chances are good you'll run into some of the actors!) read more

Full of Actors after a show but not bad for a drink.

Perhaps the most famous pub in the world, the Dirty Duck - just down the road from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre first opened its doors in the 18th century and has, since the early 1880s, been the favourite watering hole of actors preforming at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre (most notably Laurence Olivier, Paul Robeson, Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole and Peggy Ashcroft), which, when renamed the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1961, became the home of the RSC. Consequently the pub is a great place to be after a show. The original name of the pub was The Black Swan (still is if you come at it from the south), renamed the Dirty Duck by the American GIs and US airmen stationed in and around Stratford during World War II. These days the pub has a growing reputation for staging its own theatrical, musical and literary events. Run superbly by Sam (15 years now) with a great team of bar and restaurant staff who always give you a great welcome, busy or not. The food is excellent, as is the choice of beers and wines. read more

Dirty Duck - Pubs Near Me - Stratford Upon Avon, WAR

Nice atmosphere and good food - but charging an extra £2.50 for a slice of (ropey) sirloin as an alternative to a second slice of meat on the Sunday Roast!! Get real!! Would have been good value otherwise. read more

This place makes its money from one-off tourist and RSC visitors. The landlord cares little about quality or service. After waiting 5 minutes whilst someone else was served the landlord, Sam, walked off without even acknowledging me. I followed him round to the kitchen and asked if he wanted to serve me and I was brushed off with a lame excuse about it only being him and a chef on. Having spent many years in hospitality I understand things get busy but number one rule is acknowledge the customer. He then told me I can stay or go, he doesn't care either way. What makes this worse is this is the second time something like this has happened there, so no more! After that I returned to my lovely local The Windmill and when I told the story everyone said, yeah, that must be Sam the landlord, he is known for that. read more

We visit the Dirty Duck often and are never disappointed. The setting opposite the river and just a minute from the RSC make it the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat before going to the theatre or the perfect place to stop by afterwards for a drink in the pleasant atmosphere. The staff are always very friendly and helpful, there is a good choice of wines, beers and ales and the menu provides something for every taste and budget - we recently tried the new spring menu and particularly liked the Indian buffet for one and the Wagyu burger!!! The Dirty Duck is what a real pub should be, friendly, relaxing and full of character. read more

it's stratford's own little celebrity hangout spot in the form of this old, dingy pub! it's a can't miss stop after a night at the theater, because all the RSC actors go there to hang out after the show! you can spy on/talk to them and tell them how MARVELOUS their performance was. how many places allow you to do that?? So many nights spent here... oh the memories! i have to say, though, I've never stepped inside this pub when it wasn't dark out. it just doesn't seem right. This is the only other thing keeping the town alive past 8pm. poor stratford-up-avon... The bartenders were always friendly and easy to talk to, even when i dropped a drink and the glass shattered everywhere. It's a tradition, it's a historic site, it's where the locals and the tourists and actors merge together... I love it! read more

A Stratford institution. Actually this place's real name is the Black Swan but noone has called it that for years. This is the place to go if you want to meet the actors and crew from the nearby Royal Shakespeare theatre - I have seen many. The only problem is that everybody wants to sit out the fron by the river in the summer and it gets very crowdedso be prepared to stand and balance your drinks. I only ate here once and it was surprisingly good. However, again inside it is very cramped for space due to its popularity. the Dirty Duck is probably the most international in town so don't expect to meet any locals - only stars!! read more

This is the pub where alot of the actors go after a theatre performance. It is quite a nice pub, it is good in summer as it is only opposite the road from the rover and you are allowed to take your drinks across the road to the gardens. It is not overly expensive. read more