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Review: The Woodsman and Shakespeare Distillery Tasting Evening
- amanda03874
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
If, like me, you have an appetite for trying new things on a foodie’s night out, this could be one for you.
Two established names in the independent food and drink sector in Stratford-upon-Avon combined to create an exclusive tasting evening with a difference.
And what a mouthwatering partnership this is.
The unique culinary experience began at Judith’s (so-called after Shakespeare’s youngest daughter) – the charming tasting room of award-winning Shakespeare Distillery. What a delightful opener to the evening as we enjoyed a fun, yet informative mini gin and rum tasting session.
Our host Sam Evans served up the perfect formula of tips and sips as his captive audience soaked up the stories behind each of the distillery’s botanical blends, a commentary that continued throughout dinner as the drinks were served.
Founded in 2015, Stratford-upon-Avon's only working distillery produces a series of sprits including its signature Stratford Dry Gin, Jester Rums, and distillery specials.
With our thirst for knowledge – and botanicals – satisfied, it was then a short stroll to the much-anticipated main event of the evening – a five-course tasting dinner at The Woodsman Restaurant, at Hotel Indigo.
Led by Executive Head Chef Greg Newman, The Woodsman delivers a sophisticated dining experience with focus on sustainability, seasonality, and locally sourced produce.
Only the finest quality ingredients find their way onto The Woodsman menus, all sourced as sustainably as possible and much of it even harvested themselves. All meats are ‘nose to tail so the menu is ever-changing and nothing is wasted.
A huntsman delivers game from their own estates, whist chefs source the freshest seasonal produce from local farmers, makers, foragers and their very own botanical and herb garden.
And it’s nights like this when Greg’s ingredients - and versatility - can truly shine, as showcased in his exclusive Gin and Rum Pairing Menu.
From the Arrival Snacks and Bread through the next four courses, there was plenty for foodies to explore and wow factor to enjoy – and all dishes, of course, thoughtfully paired with gin and rum-based treats to wash them down.
Gin Cured Chalk Stream Trout (with cucumber chutney, burnt grapefruit and smoked horseradish) accompanied by a classic G&T came first.
Then it was Jerk Chicken Terrine paired with Jesters Honey Rum, followed by Glazed Creedy Carver Duck Breast (with duck leg croquette, ember baked beetroot and cherry) paired with Mulberry gin bramble cocktail and closing on an equally high note with Aerated Lemon Verbena Tart (with English strawberries and elderflower ice cream), washed down with – an unexpectedly delicious - Limoncello and Elderflower Meringue Sour cocktail. (I’m not usually a limoncello fan but I’d have quite happily sipped on this all night.
Overall, it's fair to say that every dish was a veritable sensation for the senses, tasting as incredible as they looked and demonstrating the culinary excellence and finesse with which Greg and The Woodsman are renowned in these parts.
While I applaud – and am intrigued by - this concept, for me, gin and cocktails work less well than the traditional wine pairings. I couldn’t quite keep up with the alcohol consumption as the food continued to reach our tables. (Although, in fairness, that may say more about my capacity to hold liquor than anything else!!) Nevertheless, an exceptional evening of flavour, heritage and craftmanship which, whether or not you’re a gin lover, one can’t help but enjoy. An experience to savour – but definitely book an Uber!
More exclusive tasting evenings are planned so watch this space if the idea appeals! But, in the meantime, why not check out The Woodsman’s Sunday afternoon barbecue menus, running from July 20th, from 5pm.
[Items in this article may have been gifted to Chatting Food. No financial payment has been made to feature in this article, and entries to the feature are made independently by members of the Editorial Team. This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases]
Amanda is a journalist of 30 years and now runs an award-winning PR agency based in Warwickshire. When she's not writing about her own clients she loves to help spotlight the great work of other pubs, restaurants and hotels around the country.
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