Alex S.
Yelp
The Fuzzy Duck!
Doesn't the name alone give you warm-and-fuzzies? The silhouette of a mama duck and several wee ducklings are displayed in several spots at The Fuzzy Duck. And, although just opened in 2013, there's a feeling of roundedness, of permanence and history here. The balance of modern-with-tradition is a tough one to strike, so it was nice to see this so well-mastered at The Fuzzy Duck.
Double perk: it's a way to take in Stratford-Upon-Avon without having to stay too long in the tourist hubbub. Escape to the land of gravel driveways and local ales and (in the chilly months) mulled wine, my friends!
I would absolutely come to The Fuzzy Duck again, with its Hunter boots on offer for stay-over guests (even a teeny weeny pair for mud-loving toddlers) and thick-knit wooly blankets.
The dining room is done in "Farmhouse chic" with neutrals, but also some punchy edgy touches - see: Madonna (the cone-bra-one, not the religious one) captured in art in the women's bathroom. The bar area has some big chairs, a fireplace, and a bar on tap from the local 'shire.
I can strongly recommend the coffee (it's Monmouth from London, which brews especially nicely into an americano). "Best of beef" was a delicious entree including some perfectly cooked sweet breads. The burger was bizarre; mayonnaise-y and with a raisin-studded apple compote on the bottom. It suited me just fine, but if I wasn't one to love the combination of fruity toppings with protein the lack of forewarning about burger toppings would have been an (unpleasant) surprise. Pork belly was perfectly - and deliciously - cooked, and sitting aside it a crispy fried ball of black pudding. Desserts include the option of made-to-order financiers; I didn't opt for one, but it's top of my list when I return.
Yelp note: leave some time to enjoy this pub leisurely, and be sure to make time for a walk 'round the charming Armscote afterwards.