Review: Nichola Hirst
Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon is set in the heart of the historic town Stratford-Upon-Avon. Due to 2020 being the year Covid19 descended into the world we were a little unsure how hotel stays would now be orchestrated, but as soon as we entered Hotel Indigo we felt at ease with hand sanitisers readily available and masks worn by everyone, along with lots of notices on how to stay safe and protected.
The check-in ran smoothly with explanation on how things differ as we live with Covid19; we were advised that the rooms would not been cleaned unless you requested it, fresh towels, toiletries and refreshments including fresh milk and tea bags etc. would be left outside your door in a plastic bag daily. Prior to setting off toward our room we were given a selection of soft drinks to take with us as well as a mini hand sanitiser.
Our room was modern room with an historic twist, it comprised of a double bed, an elegant suede emerald green and gold sofa with matching chair. Our bathroom had a spacious shower cubicle, rainfall shower, with a traditional nod to Victorian, with blue and white tiles.
After we had unpacked we headed for a stroll around Stratford-upon-Avon which is a beautiful historic town and the birth place of William Shakespeare. There are plenty of museums, quirky shops, and a wide range of pubs, restaurants and street cafés – it’s well worth a visit. Our favourite spot was the lovely riverside where you can buy an ice cream from the canal boats or enjoy a vino sat on the grass whilst watch the street performers.
For dinner we were booked into The Woodsman restaurant which sits within Hotel Indigo Stratford and is owned by Executive chef Mike Robinson.; which had a warm cosy glow by candle light, a large wood-fired oven and the charcoal grill is the focal point where you can watch the chefs cooking using the finest British sourced cuts of meat, (executive chief Mike Robinson has a passion for British, locally sourced produce). A fridge stands within the restaurant stacked with juicy steaks where you can handpick according to your personal preference, and appetite! Your chosen cut is then handed to the chefs to be cooked to your liking.
The menu has a good selection of starters and we both opted for the whipped chicken liver parfait with grape chutney and brioche which was light and packed with flavour. After reviewing the mouth-watering mains we decided on a special share main of Shoulder of Deer which simply melted in your mouth, it was delicious! this paired with Waldorf salad with pine nuts, creamy mash, courgette and aubergine drizzled in olive oil. Having indulged for our main we couldn’t squeeze in a dessert but the choices were lavish and included treats such as passionfruit soufflé, dark chocolate pera cake and a refined selection of artisan cheeses.
To finish the evening off we sampled a cocktail (or two !) and then retreated back to our room for a good night’s sleep in the supersize comfy bed.
Morning arrived and we could not wait to tuck in to the delicious breakfast menu, I opted for the super yummy buttermilk pancakes with apricots, goji berries and crème fraiche. My husband opted for the English breakfast – Old Spot pork sausages, back bacon, field mushroom, grilled tomato, black pudding and fried egg both washed down with copious amounts of tea. I then sampled the continental breakfast enjoying mini pastries, fruit and seasonal berries, Slice cured meats and cheeses, Bircher muesli, yoghurt pots, cereals and a selection of fresh juices.
I would highly recommend Hotel Indigo for upstanding safety measures in the current climate, the fantastic central location of Stratford-upon-Avon for exploring and the delicious food in the Woodsman Restaurant.
