The Dining Room At Cotswold House

After attending a matinee at the theatre in Stratford, we thought it would be good to have a full afternoon tea before our 2 hour drive home. We couldn't find anywhere in Stratford, so looked a little further afield and booked it at The Fig. Fortunately they will accept bookings later in the afternoon (up until 5pm, I think). So although it is a bit of a drive from Stratford it was the best option we could find. We enjoyed it very much the sandwiches were fresh, and the cakes were good. I would probably say, that on balance, the cakes could have been a little larger and then we could have just had one, rather than two, scones each. In the end we took our second scones home as we were too full to eat them at the time. The staff were pleasant and friendly, and the restaurant was a calm space.

We were staying at the sister hotel Noel Arms hotel across the road which was fantastic (I would suggest booking there instead it’s so much better). We had use of the spa which was really lovely. Sadly we went for a meal at The Fig Restaurant which was so disappointing. The service was not good, even when there were only 3 tables seated. The meal was so tiny but was listed with potatoes and vegetables so we hadn’t ordered a side dish. I don’t know why the waiter did not advise that we should order a side. We would have happily ordered a side dish each but you don’t expect that it’s necessary when potatoes and vegetables are listed on the menu, especially as we don’t tend to eat a lot. We had to send our meals back to be kept warm while they cooked us some vegetables to go with the meal. We have never sent a meal back before so really disappointing. The couple next to us walked out having seen our meal I wish we had. Other tables we could see had ordered steak, I think, which at least came with a nice amount of chips, so why did our chicken and cod come with the potato equivalent of 2 chips? It seems portion sizes were a bit hit and miss. Our waiter seemed inattentive (even though there were only a few tables), at the end of the meal after the issues we’d had he never asked if we enjoyed our meal. We were so disappointed that we spoke with the receptionist as we left, but he seemed disinterested in our feedback. His response that the portions are small as it is fine dining was insulting. We have been to plenty of fine dining restaurants but have never been so disappointed with the meal or the service.

Fantastic visit to the fig today for afternoon tea, service was fantastic, all the waitresses were so friendly and attentive, food was excellent and the setting was lovely. Visited for a special birthday treat and we were all so impressed. Definitely return

Went for an Afternoon Tea at the Fig Restaurant yesterday at 3pm, December 22nd. It was a Birthday present for my husband I believe I did say that on the booking form when I booked it but nothing 'special ' was produced. Anyway, the two young people serving us were very pleasant and the afternoon tea itself was faultless (it really was delicious fresh light we loved it) but the atmosphere was ZERO. No fire in the grate, virtually no Christmas decorations, except one artificial bower over said cold fire place and no music for the first 20 minutes (which we needed because we were the only ones there so no 'buzz ' of fellow afternoon tea drinkers). So, all in all, a lovely, lovely tea spoiled by sitting in a dull, cheerless room surrounded by empty tables. Not sure whether to recommend or not even if the tea was generous, tasty fresh.

Really enjoyed afternoon tea today. Great selection, polite attentive staff and lovely setting. Accommodated my daughter with a seperate lunch menu too. She loved the sausage roll and chips. Will return