The Boat House

You're sat right on the Avon, watching the water do its thing whilst you tuck into genuinely decent food—that's The Boat House. It's tucked away near Swan's Nest Lane, so you get that slightly-removed-from-the-madness feeling whilst remaining absolutely central. The whole place has an unhurried, approachable vibe; locals come here as much as visitors do, which tells you everything. The kitchen clearly cares about what's on the plate, and the wine list doesn't pretend to be something it's not—just solid, unpretentious choices that pair beautifully with whatever seasonal special they're running. On a decent evening, there's nowhere better to be in Stratford.