My sister Toni and I took a quick overnight trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon for a bit of culture and sightseeing. After a lovely day of bus tours, wandering through historic spots, and popping into pubs for a bite and a pint, it was time to find dinner.
Our first stop was The Dirty Duck, a well-known spot we’d heard was “the place to go.” We wandered inside, hoping to be greeted or seated—but no one paid us any attention. We eventually sat ourselves and waited. And waited. Just as we were considering flagging someone down, a group approached us with a warning: “Don’t do it!” Confused, we asked what they meant. “Don’t eat the food—it’s awful,” they said, even showing us photos as proof. That was enough for us. We left—unnoticed—and followed their recommendation to try The Opposition instead.
We checked out The Opposition’s menu first—slightly pricey, but it is a tourist town, so we were ready for that. Inside, the vibe was warm and charming, with dark wood, cozy cottage decor, and little nooks perfect for dates or quiet dinners. The main dining room seats about 30. We were placed near a rustic brick wall and a quirky little fireplace decorated with a vintage sewing machine, a modern lamp, and a basket of wire balls. Eclectic, but somehow it worked.
We ordered a bottle of Chenin Blanc (our unofficial vacation wine) and started with the Duo of House-Made Chicken Liver Pâté and Country Terrine. Toni had never tried pâté before, but she was pleasantly surprised. The pâté was creamy and flavorful, while the terrine was more rustic and slightly crunchy—both delicious on toast points with a dab of hot English mustard.
For mains, I had the Lamb Provençal with Saffron Mashed Potatoes, while Toni went for the Grilled Cajun Chicken Breast with Salsa and Chips. My lamb was incredibly tender, falling apart in the best way, and served in a rich tomato sauce. The saffron mash was a welcome change from the ever-present chips—creamy and delicately spiced. I cleaned my plate with no regrets.
Toni’s chicken dish was bold and spicy, balanced nicely with a chopped pepper salsa that added freshness and calmed the heat. She was equally pleased.
We lingered over the rest of our wine, people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere of this lovely little bistro.
If you’re visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon, The Opposition is a charming choice for dinner. Bonus: they also own two other nearby spots on Sheep Street—Lamb and Vintners—which also get great reviews from both locals and tourists.
