About the Bell, Stratford-upon-Avon
If walls could talk, the Bell would have centuries of stories to tell. Established in 1728, this historic coaching inn has been serving pints and hearty meals for nearly 300 years, offering weary travellers, locals, and theatre lovers a place to rest, refuel, and revel in Stratford’s charm. Perfectly placed in the Shottery one-way system, it’s a stone’s throw from Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, making it the ideal pit stop for romantics hoping to soak up a little Shakespearean magic.
The Bell has long been a hub for ale aficionados too. It proudly hosted the very first-ever meeting of the Shakespeare branch of CAMRA on October 20th, 1981, and three decades later, it raised a toast to its 30th birthday in the very same spot. In 2024, it took home the coveted ‘Local CAMRA Pub of the Season’ award for Autumn, a testament to its dedication to top-notch pints and proper pub atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a post-theatre feast, a quiet pint in one of the cosy corners, or a sun-drenched afternoon on the modern patio, the Bell is where past and present meet over a perfectly poured pint.
A town of surprises
Stratford-upon-Avon may be synonymous with Shakespeare, but it’s so much more than just the Bard’s birthplace. Sure, you can walk in his footsteps down Henley Street, catch a world-class performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, or visit his old schoolroom - but there’s magic hidden in every corner of this town. Did you know Stratford is home to one of the UK’s only butterfly farms, where thousands of exotic species flutter in a tropical paradise? Or that the town’s swans, which glide gracefully along the Avon, are actually owned by the Crown? Yes, it’s a little-known fact that the Queen (and now King Charles) actually owns all unmarked swans on the Thames and its tributaries. Stratford's feathered residents are an enduring symbol of the town’s connection to royalty - another quirk in a town full of surprises.
Then there’s Shottery, a charming village-within-a-town where Anne Hathaway grew up, surrounded by thatched cottages and countryside charm. But while most come for the history, Stratford is full of surprises - where else could you find a mechanical art installation called ‘The Jester’ standing proudly in the town centre? The statue, inspired by Touchstone from As You Like It, is a reminder that Stratford has always been a place where culture and comedy collide.
Shakespeare, Secrets & Stratford's Legends
Did you know that Shakespeare’s writing was often shrouded in mystery, with some believing he may not have been the sole author of his plays? The ‘Shakespeare authorship question’ remains a hot topic, with theories ranging from Francis Bacon to the mysterious Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford. Whether you believe the myths or not, it’s impossible to ignore the allure of these stories. Shakespeare’s tales - Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet - are laced with themes of power, love, betrayal, and the supernatural, much like the whispers of secret lives in Stratford itself.
But it’s not just about the man and his works. Stratford has a charm that extends far beyond the ink of his quill. The town is alive with whispers of ghosts and folklore - The Grey Lady, believed to haunt the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was buried, is just one of many legends you’ll hear on your travels. The story goes that she appears only on special occasions - perhaps when the town needs a little divine intervention. As for Stratford itself, its rich history includes many other fascinating figures. From the renowned playwright David Garrick, who once built a memorial to Shakespeare that stirred quite the controversy, to the more recent celebrity visitors like Sir Ian McKellen and even Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, who have all sought inspiration from the very town where Shakespeare’s legacy still looms large.
A hub of community
Behind every perfect pour and every expertly cooked dish is a team that makes The Bell what it is. From the cask ale connoisseurs who know their Abbot from their IPA to the Sunday roast maestros who ensure every Yorkshire pudding is golden and crisp, they’re passionate about keeping this historic pub at its best. They’ll tell you which beer pairs perfectly with your pie (spoiler: it’s usually a Greene King ale), share their favourite hidden gems around Stratford, and if you ask nicely, they might even spill the secrets of the town.
But The Bell isn’t just a pub - it’s a place where stories live on, and few stories are as cherished as Dave’s. A loyal regular who took his seat every morning to enjoy exactly one and a half pints of Guinness, Dave became part of the fabric of the Bell. When he passed, his favourite corner was dedicated in his honour, marked by a small gold plaque that simply reads 'Dave’s Bench'. In a final toast to a beloved regular, the team at the Bell left a pint of Guinness on his table an hour after his wake, a quiet yet powerful tribute to a man who will never be forgotten. His family continues to celebrate his memory, gathering there every Father’s Day and birthday to share drinks, laughter, and the traditions he loved.
Head over to our ‘Meet the Team’ page and get to know the people that make the Bell such a hub for the community.