Pub operator and brewer Brakspear has invested in its managed estate with a major refurbishment of the Townhouse in Stratford-upon-Avon. The bar-restaurant with rooms reopened earlier this month.
The makeover at the Townhouse – previously called the Church Street townhouse – has been sympathetic to its heritage; it is a Grade II listed building dating back 400 years and located in the heart of Stratford, minutes from the Royal Shakespeare theatres and Shakespeare’s birthplace.
The bustling bar and adjoining dining spaces, with a total of 74 covers, have been renewed with a stylish, pared-back design scheme of greens, blacks and whites. The 12 bedrooms have also been redeveloped, with each now decorated individually with striking geometric wallpapers by Cole &Son and fitted with new super kingsize beds by Feather & Black, high pressure rain showers and Nespresso machines.
At the same time, Brakspear’s executive chef Antony Ely has introduced a new menu with a focus on seasonal, rustic dishes based on locally sourced produce where possible. Food is served from breakfast through to dinner, including a pre-theatre supper.
On the bar, the Townhouse serves a range of Brakspear ales as well as craft beers including Camden Hells, Punk IPA, Meantime London, Brooklyn lager and Sierra Nevada. It also offers an extensive wine and spirits list including a speciality gin menu, featuring 10 craft gins each with a recommended tonic and garnish.
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said: “We’re delighted with this refurbishment, which has given the Townhouse a stunning new look while retaining the historical character that’s important to so many visitors to Stratford.
“We are reopening just as the town’s tourist trade moves into top gear and are looking forward to welcoming customers from the UK and further afield.”
Brakspear purchased the Townhouse in autumn 2015. Its managed estate now comprises nine sites including the Townhouse, four pubs in the Cotswolds as well as Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Mickleham in Surrey and Shepherd’s Bush.