Nice
1 / 10

The Opposition

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A historic bistro in Stratford-upon-Avon offering modern European cuisine, known for its charming ambiance and pre-theatre convenience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Nice

The Opposition

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic bistro in Stratford-upon-Avon offering modern European cuisine, known for its charming ambiance and pre-theatre convenience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A superb lunch at this beautiful characterful restaurant with kind staff and superb food."

TIP

Book for Weekends

Reservations are recommended for Friday or Saturday evenings to ensure a table.

Must-Try Dishes

Don't miss the duck starter, Dauphinoise, Tiramisu, cod, pork fillet, and slow-roasted pork belly.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Modern European / British

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 1789 269980

Address

13 Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EF, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance, Modern Twist

Historic Ambiance, Modern Twist

Dine in a charming 16th-century building blending traditional elements with modern design for a unique atmosphere.

Pre-Theatre Dining Gem

Pre-Theatre Dining Gem

Perfectly located near the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, offering a delightful pre-theatre dining experience.

The most booked restaurants in Coventry and Warwickshire according to OpenTable
Praised Local Favorite

Praised Local Favorite

A highly recommended bistro by locals and visitors, known for its hearty English and international dishes.

Culinary Delights in Stratford-upon-Avon: Top 5 Places to EatThe Best Restaurants In Stratford-Upon-Avon
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Here's how to spend a weekend away in Stratford Upon Avon, less than 2hrs from London. Such a beautiful English town - it really is like stepping back in time 😍 #shakespeare #shakespearetiktok #uktravel #weekendgetaway #weekendaway #stratforduponavon #placestovisit #traveltips #travelreels #England #foryoupage #fyp #daytripsfromlondon
@postcardsbyjackie
355 likes • 24K views

Book for Weekends

Reservations are recommended for Friday or Saturday evenings to ensure a table.

Must-Try Dishes

Don't miss the duck starter, Dauphinoise, Tiramisu, cod, pork fillet, and slow-roasted pork belly.

A notorious black swan called "Mr. Terminator" has been apprehended in Stratford Upon Avon! What a silly bird! #UKNews #BreakingNews #News #stratforduponavon #MrTerminator
@newsuktoday
155 likes • 3.6K views
A day trip to the birthplace of the world’s greatest playwright 🎭📜✨ Stratford-upon-Avon is one of Britain’s most important literary towns — charming, historic, and full of Shakespearean stories. About 2 hours from London, it’s like stepping into a living storybook. Here’s how to spend the perfect day: 🚂 Around 2h from London Marylebone 💰 Train tickets from ~£40 return Here’s what to do in Stratfo...
@heyreiko_
288 likes • 15.5K views

Consider the Specials

Mussels specials are popular and worth trying if available.

Visit Off-Peak

Easter weekend is noted as a less crowded but still excellent time to visit.

Stratford-upon-Avon has to be one of my favourite places to visit! #thingstodo #thingstodowithprices #attractions #stratforduponavon #weekendaway #warwickshire #shakespeare #placestovisit #placestosee #weekendawayinstratforduponavon #weekendawaywiththegirls #trip #travel #fyp #viral #trending #cheapthingstodo #affordablethingstodo
@visitshakespearesengland
2.4K likes • 85.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book for Weekends

Reservations are recommended for Friday or Saturday evenings to ensure a table.

Must-Try Dishes

Don't miss the duck starter, Dauphinoise, Tiramisu, cod, pork fillet, and slow-roasted pork belly.

Consider the Specials

Mussels specials are popular and worth trying if available.

Visit Off-Peak

Easter weekend is noted as a less crowded but still excellent time to visit.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Opposition Bistro is often praised for its charming atmosphere and the quality of its hearty English and international dishes, with many highlighting its perfect location for pre-theatre dining. While the ambiance and food quality receive frequent commendation, some diners have noted inconsistencies in service, with occasional mentions of inattentive or unfriendly staff. However, most reviewers express a desire to return, citing the overall enjoyable experience.

"Great old building, had a number of locals eating which is always a good sign. Food was gastro pub style, really tasty and plentiful. Crab salad was delicious as was fish of the day…Wine was great. Staff were lovely, really nice atmosphere. I’d definitely eat here all the time if I lived local. Definitely book if you are there Fri or Sat"

tina hh

"Went here for the first time last night. Really good, tasty food. Lovely glass of white wine. The Pork fillet and slow roasted pork belly with dauphinois potato and savoy cabbage was spot on.

Only thing I felt let this experience down was our young waitress. Not very warm or friendly. No smiles. No personality or charisma. Very young, which could be the factor, just could have been given a smile or two."

J B

"I would label my experience at The Opposition as disappointing. Perhaps because I ordered the special, the restaurant seems poor to me, but it failed to meet the expectations the reviews made it. The dish's name escapes me; however, the attached image illustrates its apparent Mexican influence. The selected fish did not complement the sauce, which was too light. To be honest, the dish overall had a bad combination that left me feeling nauseous afterward. The Pros were the service and the ambiance. I found the service to be satisfactory in relation to the price. The atmosphere at Opposition was charming; I particularly appreciated the homey feel. In general, I am unable to endorse this establishment as a result of the dish I consumed."

Kyle

What People Like

Charming historic atmosphere
Hearty and delicious food
Convenient pre-theatre location

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Occasional disappointing dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, The Opposition is ideally located near the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, making it a popular choice for pre-theatre meals. They are known to cater to diners needing quick service before a show.

Culinary Delights in Stratford-upon-Avon: Top 5 Places to EatThe most booked restaurants in Coventry and Warwickshire according to OpenTableGoogle Review

It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings, to ensure you can secure a table.

Google Review

Diners often recommend the duck with watercress starter, Dauphinoise potatoes, Tiramisu dessert, cod, pork fillet, slow-roasted pork belly, and hazelnut parfait.

The restaurant is housed in a 16th-century building, offering a charming and historic atmosphere with a blend of modern design.

The Ultimate Guide of 26 Places To Eat in Stratford-upon-Avon

Yes, The Opposition offers vegetarian options, including a highly-rated Veggie Curry mentioned in reviews.

Google Review

While specific hours aren't listed, it's known to cater to pre-theatre and post-theatre dining, suggesting evening service aligns with showtimes.

The most booked restaurants in Coventry and Warwickshire according to OpenTable

Mentioned in

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Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Heart of England

Hearty, warming meals are offered at this informal, family-style restaurant in a 16th-century building on the main dining street near the theaters. The English and international dishes win praise from the locals. There’s a good range of light options and fixed-price menus as well.

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It’s a great spot for food that you’ll find on Sheep Street in central Stratford. They’ve got 20 years of experience serving up quality food here, and are the number three rated restaurant in the town. They’ve had a good write-up in the prestigious Harden’s Guide.

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Culinary Delights in Stratford-upon-Avon: Top 5 Places to Eat

The Opposition Bistro, affectionately known as “The Oppo,” is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Located just a stone’s throw from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, this intimate bistro offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, The Oppo’s welcoming atmosphere and excellent service make it a standout choice.

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Nestled on Sheep Street in the heart of Stratford, The Opposition Bistro is a beloved choice for theatre-goers and food enthusiasts alike. With an impressive 20 years of culinary experience, they have earned their spot on many lists of the best places to eat in Stratford-upon-Avon. Houses in a historic building the bistro’s interior seamlessly blends smart modernity with historical charm.

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The most booked restaurants in Coventry and Warwickshire according to OpenTable

The Opposition is a bustling bistro in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. For over 20 years, it has been a fixture in Stratford, serving a locally sourced, seasonal bistro menu in contemporary surroundings steeped in history. The restaurant caters to everyone and specialises in pre-and post-theatre meals as it's only a stone's throw away from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

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Ideal Magazine

The Best Restaurants In Stratford-Upon-Avon

Ideal for comforting bistro classics at neighbourhood-friendly prices…. When a neighbourhood bistro has garnered a ubiquitous pet name, you know it’s a place that will welcome you in with open arms and feed you capably. And so it is at The Opposition, known locally – affectionately – as the Oppo.

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prestige-cottages.co.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon local area information

In Stratford you have a wide choice of restaurants, some of our favourites include; The Woodsman, Lambs, Loxleys, Salt, The Opposition and Vintners, booking is advisable for all. Anything of the places in Bell Court are good, I really like Veenos. Italian has to be Sorrentos.

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shanylou - UK based Travel & Ethical Lifestyle Blog

5 Places To Eat At In Stratford Upon Avon - Travel & Lifestyle Blog

This was our first meal in Stratford and it was so delicious. I had the most yummy Veggie Curry which was cauliflower, sweet potato and spinach in a crispy pastry type shell. For dessert I had their Homemade Banoffee Pie which is an absolute favourite of mine.

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visitstratforduponavon.co.uk

Eating Out in Stratford-upon-Avon | Visit Stratford-upon-Avon

The Opposition restaurant, Oppo for short, is a natural meeting place. The restaurant is situated in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, serving a locally sourced, seasonal bistro menu in relaxed surroundings steeped in heritage.

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butterflyfarm.co.uk

Useful information for Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

There is something for all tastes and budgets at the fabulous three sisters on Sheep Street, Lambs Restaurant, The Vintner Cafe & Wine Bar and The Opposition Bistro. Lambs has the addition of a gorgoeus courtyard dining area.

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Moving to... Stratford-upon-Avon | Area Guide

The Opposition serves modern dishes in a relaxed setting with exposed timber and brick. While Loxley’s Restaurant & Wine Bar is a cosy spot with an open fire, terrace seating and Sunday roasts.

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restaurantji.co.uk

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We went without a booking and they managed to find us a table even though they were extremely busy. All the staff were friendly and professional. The food was exceptional.

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