12 Sheep Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6EF
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A popular, long-established bistro on Sheep Street close to the RSC theatre and river, located in a fabulously atmospheric Tudor building – all oak beams and ancient accoutrement” (“mind your head on the ceiling… part of the charm of an old building!”). “It’s very useful for a meal before a performance”, with “staff who are welcoming, friendly and highly efficient”; and “a good menu, including a few seasonal dishes as well as old favourites”. “We eat here regularly, about five or six times a year, and always for pre-theatre meals. We have tried other restaurants in Stratford but always return here: there’s never the slightest danger that diners will miss curtain up and the pre-theatre set menus are exceptionally good value. The first floor dining room is particularly atmospheric, being in one of the oldest buildings in Stratford. The only downside is for diners of limited mobility, who have to negotiate two flights of steep stairs in order to access the toilets”.
Summary
“Situated in a fine historic timbered house (one of the city’s oldest), Lambs of Sheep Street has been satisfying its customers for about a quarter of a century”, with “more of a feel of authenticity to it” than the many eateries in this tourist-trap town. The reasonably priced fare may be “a little predictable” but is reliably “pleasing” – and you won’t need to chase the “attentive” staff to make curtain-up at the nearby RSC.
Summary
One of the oldest buildings in Stratford – this beamed house in the town centre is convenient to the RSC, and one of the better options in town for a meal, with a competitively priced set menu.
Summary
Pre-dating Shakespeare, this atmospheric beamed house in the centre of town serves “consistently good” and “enjoyable” meals in a space that is “Tardis-like – every table seems to have its own little space”. The notably good-value set meals make it an attractive pre-theatre option.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Lambs?
Owner's description
12 Sheep Street is one of the oldest buildings in Stratford. It dates from the early sixteenth century, probably the reign of Henry VIII and is now a stylish yet cosy restaurant. This incredible building lends itself beautifully to the role it now plays and Lambs’ stunning ambiance is the talk of the town. With its original features and open beamed ceilings it looks as impressive now as it must have in its sixteenth century heyday.
Popular with locals and visitors, Lambs prides itself on offering great food, quality wines and friendly service. Simplicity, reliability and consistency are the name of the game. We offer our a la carte menu, supplemented by our fish specials and the two- or three-course Set Price Menu, designed to offer good value and speed for lunchtimes and pre-theatre dining.
We are only 5 minutes’ walk from the world-famous Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres, home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Our central location on Sheep Street offers convenient access to most of Stratford’s attractions.
We look forward to seeing you at Lambs soon.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £21.50 | £26.50 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £8.50 | £24.10 | £0.00 | £7.95 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.25 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
12 Sheep Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6EF
Opening hours
| Monday | 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
