By 
The Red Lion at Bridge Foot is one of Stratford-upon-Avon’s best-placed pubs. It’s a Grade II listed building beside the canal basin, a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, with one of the biggest pub gardens in town. After more than a year closed, it reopened in September 2025 under Heartwood Inns following a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Here’s what to expect, from food and the garden to dogs, parking and Christmas bookings.
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The Red Lion at a glance
- Address: 1 Warwick Road, Bridge Foot, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YW
- Pub opening hours: Monday–Saturday 12pm–11pm, Sunday 12pm–10pm
- Kitchen: Monday–Saturday 12pm–9.45pm, Sunday 12pm–8pm (Sunday menu all day). Lunch menu Monday–Friday 12pm–5pm.
- Seating: 182 inside and 386 in the canalside garden
- Dogs: Welcome, with their own dog menu
- Contact: 01789 613770, redlionstratforduponavon.com
From closure to comeback
The Red Lion closed in August 2024, when Heartwood bought it from Whitbread. After a multi-million-pound refurbishment, it reopened on 23 September 2025 as Heartwood Inns’ 33rd pub, with the town’s mayor at the opening. The refit kept the character of the listed building while giving it a more upmarket gastropub feel. The garden, always its best asset, now seats nearly 400.
Food and drink
Expect a seasonal à la carte menu (an autumn menu has just launched), a weekday lunch menu, a kids’ menu, and Sunday roasts with bottomless trimmings served all day. CAMRA’s listing notes four real ales on the bar. It’s priced as a gastropub rather than a budget chain, so check the current menus before you go.
Regular nights include steak night, happy hour, a quiz and games night, and live music. Heartwood’s Treats app offers loyalty perks such as complimentary drinks and 15% off food.
Before or after the theatre
The Red Lion sits at the town end of Clopton Bridge by the canal, a short walk through Bancroft Gardens to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which makes it a good alternative to the busier pubs on Waterside for a pre-show meal. Book ahead on performance evenings and weekends.
Parking
The pub has its own car park, but you must register your vehicle on arrival or risk a parking charge notice. If it’s full, Bridgeway Multi-Storey is nearby and the first hour is free. Use our parking calculator to compare options.
Christmas 2026 at the Red Lion
Christmas party and Christmas Day lunch menus are out now. There’s an early-bird offer: parties of up to 15 booking a Monday–Friday date between 28 November and 11 December get a complimentary glass of fizz each with the Christmas party menu, if booked before 31 October 2026 (terms apply). If you’re coming for the Stratford Christmas Market, remember Bridge Street is closed on market weekends.
The Red Lion: quick answers
Is the Red Lion in Stratford dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome and there’s a dedicated dog menu.
Does the Red Lion have parking?
Yes, but you must register your car on arrival to avoid a parking charge notice.
Who owns the Red Lion in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Heartwood Inns, which bought it from Whitbread in 2024 and reopened it in September 2025.
More ideas: the best pubs in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Alex Harrington
Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.
