AS we all know it’s been a far from easy time for those in the hospitality industry over the past 18 months.
But that has not stopped Davenports Brewery, a Midlands company established way back in 1829, looking to the future with confidence, and with good reason judging by their latest acquisition – The Coach House in Rother Street.
Davenports Brewery have breathed new life into the historic Stratford hostelry which has been a pub for a staggering 475 years. It’s last incaranation was as the Lamplighter but few would probably receognise it following Davenports quite wonderful revamp.
It’s bright – but not the harsh dazzling variety, warm, welcoming, comfortable and quirky. A maganificent bust of you know who greets on arrival and there’s some fascinating Shakespeare memeorabilla on the walls – but this is no ye olde theme pub for the tourists.
Just one glance at the menu is enough to confirm that. It’s not an extensive menu but it’s been very cleverly put together – and certainly by someone who nows about spices.
There’s a range of Kati Rolls – charred paratha flat bread wrapped around various filling served with Indian slaw, spiced fries and a cooling dip. The only difficulty is choosing which to opt for, from the Lamb Kofta to Grilled STeak and Cheese, Charred Hallouimi and Bengali King Prawn among others.
And they are not small, which at £7 also makes them outstnading value for money.
Then there are the so-called Davenports Tins, a reference to the high sided dish they are served in. Again there’s some wonderful spicy – but not tongue-burning – options including Half Grilled Jerra Chicken and Jerra Charred Lamb Chops.
But there’s also plenty for the non spice lover, both in Kati Rolls and Davenports Tins options.
Among them a Pie of the day served with Chips and Mushy
Peas and also traditional Fish and Chips. Both priced at £10.50, they are major dishes offering superb value at a time when pubs need to encourage customers to reurn.
The Coach House menu has certainly impressed going by the feedback on social media since the pub re-opened in May.
It’s been a long time since Davenports had a pub in Stratford – the The Old Tramway on Shipston Road in the 1970s. On this eveidence it’sgood to welcome them back to town.
Visit www.thecoachhousestratford.co.uk for further details.
