On the third floor of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Rooftop Restaurant offers a front row seat to the panoramic views of the River Avon – an ideal place to pause and unwind before an evening of theatre.
Vintage theatre posters adorn the walls, hinting at the building’s dramatic past, while sleek, modern décor offers a refined contrast.
On entering the restaurant, you’re surrounded by the RSC’s rich heritage. A glass-paned balcony offers an unintrusive tribute to the history of the theatre and the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon; the walls are adorned with vintage theatre posters that echo the building’s dramatic legacy; while the décor itself leans towards contemporary simplicity, with subtle nods to its theatrical setting.
Service began with complimentary still or sparkling water as we selected from the varied set menu that included meat and fish dishes alongside plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. The pre-theatre offering represents excellent value for money. Available from 4pm-6:25pm (or 11:30am-3pm for matinees), it’s priced at £29.95 for two courses or £35.95 for three.
Harissa cauliflower fritters, served with a vibrant chickpea and pomegranate salad, red pepper hummus, and fresh chimichurri.
For starters I opted for the crisp and flavourful harissa cauliflower fritters. Served with a chickpea and pomegranate salad, red pepper hummus and chimichurri, the contrasting textures and well-balanced flavours made them a refreshing and memorable beginning to the meal.
For main, the beef feather blade braised in red wine was rich and satisfying. The meat was tender, the olive oil mash smooth and comforting, and the seasonal vegetables perfectly cooked. Nearby diners were clearly impressed with their choice of vegan shrimp, which sparked enthusiastic conversation around how convincingly it mirrored the real thing.
Beef feather blade braised in red wine, with olive oil mash and seasonal vegetables – rich, tender, and satisfying.
Service was impeccable throughout, thanks to the attentive and considerate staff. We were asked about the performance we were attending to ensure our meal was timed to avoid any pre-show rush. Every course was delivered promptly and presented beautifully, contributing to the overall sense of ease and attentiveness.
The riverside views added a further layer of enjoyment to the evening. Watching the sun dip behind the water, with swans drifting by and locals strolling along the banks, brought a quiet, scenic close to the meal before the drama unfolded downstairs.
Riverside views and a sunset over the water offered a serene close to the meal before the drama unfolded downstairs.
The Rooftop Restaurant succeeds in offering a polished, relaxed and thoughtfully curated experience that complements the theatre itself. Certainly a tranquil, stylish start to the evening and a dining experience worth returning to.
