The Royal Oak was awarded a prestigious Michelin star in the 2020 edition of the Guide, just two years after husband and wife team Richard and Solanche Craven took over the rural pub. Set in the picturesque village of Whatcote, it's just four miles from Shipston on Stour and twenty minutes drive from Stratford upon Avon. One of the oldest pubs in the country originally built around 1500, it has been a a drinking venue for workmen since the 12th century, and it's said that Oliver Cromwell stayed here before the Battle of Edgehill in 1642.

The beautiful golden-stone inn has been lovingly restored by the couple, with a dining room bathed in lots of natural light from the full glass windows. It has been decorated in a smart contemporary style with whitewashed walls and chic white leather chairs set against oak tables. Complete with a cosy inglenook log fire with a comfy leather chesterfield, this bustling pub still plays the part of a local watering hole serving its local community, and guests can expect a genuine warm welcome.

Richard has built up special relationships with trusted suppliers who provide him with only the finest of ingredients for his dishes, that are as exciting as they are mouth-watering. Organic, wild and local produce are the building blocks for a sharp seasonal menu that might kick off with pigs head and black pudding lasagne, cider and hazelnut or scallop and langoustine raviolo, braised leeks and shellfish sauce amongst the starters. Main courses usher in fallow buck, turnip, black cabbage and damson or from the sea turbot, Crown prince, girolles, chestnut dumplings and pumpkin seed crumble. Finely executed desserts bring proceedings to a close with a blackberry crumble soufflé paired with cultured milk ice cream or maybe choux a la crème, Westcombe ricotta and Warwickshire grapes.

There's a carefully compiled wine list to accompany the food, alongside beers and lager from DEYA in Cheltenham, Clouded Minds near Banbury and Warwickshire's Purity, as well as Countess Grey gin from the Cotswolds.

The Royal Oak Whatcote is also featured in: Michelin Guide

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Modern British

Richard Craven

Lunch: 12.00 - 1.30pm Fri & Sat (12.00 - 2.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 9.00pm Wed & Thu (6.30 - 9.00pm Fri & Sat)

Visa, Master Card

• Alfresco dining
• Disabled access
• 40 covers

Private parking is possible at a location nearby