One Elm, The

The One Elm is part of a small chain of high quality gastropubs in the Midlands that are making a name for themselves among the cognoscenti. Concentrating on tight but discrete management they are run by a young team for whom quality is king.

The pub, in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, is built on two floors with a bar and informal eating area at ground level. Upstairs there is a slight lift in the formality - but not too much - with a lot of lofty space and feeling of great warmth achieved by the décor. Actor-types from the nearby theatre have been known to lend a sense of the drama to proceedings.

Outside a secluded courtyard provides a haven in the summer for those who may wish to avoid the bustle of the riverside, and in winter are protected from the weather by an ingenious device. In or out The One Elm is designed with a diversity that offers the right environment for a cheerful party, or those with more romantic activity in mind.

A nice starting point is the deli board, with all items £1.50 each, drawn from Cheese, Charcuterie, Antipasti, Hot deli, Fish, Indian, Bread and fresh fruit or raw vegetables. To make life easier you can get them to make up a board, including a mixed one, at £8.75 a go.

This is a splendid way to chill out after a hard day before getting down to the meal, with starters such as salmon gravadlax, horseradish cream and caper dressing, beetroot carpaccio, blackberry and goat cheese salad (an unusual and delightful combination) or razor clam with tomato and white wine linguine.

Several of the starters can be taken as main courses, including the smoked chicken, courgette and lemon risotto, the summer ratatouille pancakes with creamy Gruyère sauce, or a convincing Caesar salad made with free range chicken, crispy bacon and anchovies.

Star of the show for many is an item from their noted chargrill, with a 28 day dry-aged 8oz Aberdeenshire rump cap steak with chips, watercress and peppercorn sauce, or the by now classic brasserie stand-by of surf and turf, with steak brochettes, King prawns, garlic butter and fat chips. But nothing beats the Jimmy Butler free-range double pork cutlets with game chips, grilled sweetcorn and barbecue sauce on a board for two.

For our vegetarian friends the roast pepper stuffed with spicy courgette, aubergine and chickpea and Harlissa sour cream strikes the right note.

Puddings are straight from heaven - expect to find, in season, treacle tart with vanilla ice cream, baked bananas, lychees and passion fruit coulis, or fresh strawberries and cream. Cheese buffs will rejoice at the certainty of a plate of artisan cheeses, with apples, grapes and chutney.

A well-chosen wine list, with interesting international connotations salutes the best efforts of the kitchen brigade, and service is cheerful, and brisk without being hurried. Where did creamy hot chocolate and marshmallows go? Or Irish coffee? Answer - The One Elm at Stratford upon Avon.

The à la carte menu and a selection of great Sunday Roasts is also served  noon - 4pm and 6.30 - 9.30 on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The all day menu is not available on  Sundays.

Further information, including their menus, is available on their comprehensive Website.