Warwick, meaning 'dwellings by the weir', sits on the River Avon in the historic county of Warwickshire in the West Midlands. Home to the famous racecourse and numerous restaurants and guest houses.
Founded in the early 10th Century by Ethelfleda, sister to the King, Warwick was fortified as a defense against the Viking invaders. Warwick is perhaps best known for its magnificent medieval castle, the origin of which stems from this time. The division of Anglo Saxon England into shires in the early 11th Century resulted in the area known as Warwickshire which later gained status as a royal borough.
During medieval times, Warwick came under the jurisdiction of several Earls of Warwick. Notably, the Earldom of 1088 allowed the title to be passed down a female line of descent so different family names inherited the honour but the Beauchamp family were a consistent presence.
The Earls of Warwick were usually the inhabitants of Warwick castle and this has been the case until recent times. Warwick Castle, having protected the town for nearly a thousand years, is now one of the towns major tourist attractions and is owned by the Prestbury Group.
The town's architecture was very well protected and preserved until 1694 when the Great Fire destroyed most of the streets and buildings in the town centre. Major rebuilding took place in the 17th and 18th Centuries but some important medieval buildings still remain including the town's Guildhall.
Warwick is town of immense charm, character and individuality with a growing reputation for good food and fine dining. There is a wide selection of pubs, restaurants, wine bars, bistros and cafes and a choice of eating whilst soaking up the atmosphere in buildings dating from the 11th right up to the 21st Centuries.
Warwick dining has master bakers who produce mouthwatering cakes and pastries, spice blending specialists who produce cuisine to stimulate the most jaded of palates and contemporary Thai, Spanish tapas, Italian, Greek, Mexican, or Chinese all in unique and stylish surroundings.
With so much quality, the choice of where to eat will be a difficult one. Warwick Restaurant profiles six of the very best to help you get started.
