Royal Shakespeare Company to launch new restaurant and café
Theatrical group the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is to launch two new food offerings, a restaurant and café, at its newly transformed riverside location in Stratford-upon-Avon in November.
The new eateries, the 150 seater Rooftop Restaurant and the 40 seater Riverside Café, will be overseen by head chef Nick Funnell, former executive chef of the Goodwood Hotel in West Sussex, and head of catering Rob Frederickson, formerly of Hilton Hotels and the Clapham Picture House.
The RSC is also set to release details soon of three further food offerings in the newly updated building, in the Upper Circle Bar, Circle Bar and Swan Theatre Bar.
The openings form part of the RSC’s £112.8 million transformation project at its site in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Frederickson said: “We really want to be an integral part of the life of the West Midlands as well as a destination for UK and international visitors.
“We are establishing a seven-day a week in-house operation which I hope will offer something for all customers, budgets and occasions – whether it's a pre-theatre meal, a coffee and snack during the day, a family weekend lunch or a special celebration.
He added: “It's a building for everyone and I want to create a welcoming atmosphere in our Rooftop Restaurant, Riverside Cafe and bars, with great food and friendly service in unique surroundings."
Offering
Open daily and offering “freshly prepared, simply cooked food in informal surroundings”, the Rooftop Restaurant will use seasonal ingredients, featuring produce from the nearby Vale of Evesham and the Cotswolds.
Sample dishes include Slow Braised Daube of Beef with Pommes Mousseline and Roasted Roots; Venison Casserole with Roast Baby Pumpkin and Salsify Chips; and Fillet of Bass with Celeriac Purée, Roast Chicory and Cockle Dressing.
The drinks list will include local ales and a selection of wines from Berry Bros & Rudd.
Situated on the third floor, the Rooftop space is designed in an Art Deco style, and features a circular 20-seater private dining room.
Meanwhile, the Riverside Café will offer all day service from 9am to 7pm and features a terrace overlooking the river.
Sample dishes range from Tea Soaked Soft Fruits with Fromage Frais for breakfast, to Locally Picked Wild Mushrooms with Soft Herbs and Cracked Wheat Salad for lunch. Evening offerings include Handmade Lamb and Coriander Faggots with Smoked Paprika and Flatbreads.
