For bed and bard, you won’t find better than the Eden Collection’s child-friendly, dog-friendly, Georgian red-brick hotel (see also Mallory Court and Brockencote Hall). Official partner of the RSC, it stands opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre. Air-conditioned bedrooms in five categories, some with a river view, range from ‘classic’ with a small double bed, to family-size ‘feature’ with king-size/twin and sofa bed. The interiors are smart contemporary in style. Black-and-white photos of famous thespians adorn the walls of the Club Bar. In the brasserie, a short menu features popular staples such as fish and chips, risotto and burger. In fine weather, food and drinks are served outside, and you can dine early, from a set-price menu before the curtain goes up.