Review on The Woodsman
After a multi-million pound project that restored the Grade II listed half-timbered building dating back to 1500, Hotel Indigo has opened in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town that was the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Pride of place goes to The Woodsman restaurant which is being run by Executive Chef Mile Robinson, the co-owner of Michelin-starred The Harwood Arms in Fulham, together with Head Chef Jon Coates formerly of the Dickie Fitz.
The restaurant has its own entrance on Church Street with stylish interiors that integrate a modern and contemporary design, whilst retaining many features of the buildings history, such as the original oak beams and traditional brick fireplaces. At the centre of the restaurant is the large wood-fired oven and charcoal grill, where meat will be cooked over oak from Alder wood trees to impart a unique smoky flavour. Robinson has built up a close relationship with trusted suppliers, and ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients are sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant where possible. The kitchen also makes excellent use of local foragers and produce from their own botanical and herb garden.
A good starting point may be the roast wood pigeon salad, duck liver, almonds and apricot or for fish fans smoked haddock and leek tart and Berkswell cheese custard. Moving on there's pavé of Gloucestershire fallow deer served with mash potato, smoked bone marrow, rainbow chard and peppercorn sauce or woodfired Cornish cod, smoked cod's roe, artichokes, girolles and hazelnuts. Desserts bring on board delights like apple and blackcurrant crumble soufflé with yoghurt ice cream or gooseberry custard tart with crème fraîche.
To accompany the menus there's a carefully compiled wine list, cocktails and local ales.
Cuisine
British
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.45pm
Dinner: 6.00 - 10.00pm (6.00 - 8.30pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card