‘Do you think because you are virtuous, that there shall be no more cakes and ale?’

Food and Shakespeare are intrinsically

linked. His plays are full of references.

Shakespeare used food and drink as metaphors to create accurate impressions of the times he lived in. For example the quote above from the great Othello play Act 2, scene 3 is one of the best. Often meal times were a recipe for drama.

The scene in Macbeth when the new king invites everyone who’s anyone in Scotland to his table to determine who’s with him and who’s against him, is a good example. He fails to be a good host which shows us he’s unfit to be king.

But on hearing this news from the RSC my eyes didn’t smell onions, and I didn’t weep anon, but quite the opposite in fact.

I’ve eaten at The Roof Top restaurant before a few years ago after a play. To be fair the vegetarian options didn’t inspire me greatly and I felt compared to Ruth’s options a bit short changed.

Not now though.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has introduced a new Vegan pre-theatre and dinner menu alongside a Vegan afternoon tea at their theatre venue in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Visitors to the Company’s Rooftop Restaurant, which boasts fantastic views across the river Avon, can now enjoy a three-course vegan fixed price menu.

Starters include warm marinated vine tomatoes, roasted baby beets, basil puree and rocket, or giant couscous with red quinoa, fig, toasted almond and red onion salad and pomegranate molasses.

Mains range from Turkish aubergine and chick pea stew with freekeh pilaf, herb salsa and pine nuts, or fusilli with butternut squash, red onion, chestnut mushrooms, fried sage and creamy walnut sauce.

The meal can be rounded off with sloe gin poached pear served with blackcurrant sorbet or Autumn fruit compote with Calvados custard.

Diners can also tuck into a traditional afternoon tea vegan style which includes scones, sandwiches and a range of desserts including dipped chocolate fruit, tartlets and chocolate cake.

A range of specially crafted vegan muffins and croissants are also available from Susie’s Café Bar based at the Company’s The Other Place down the road from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The Company also offers an array of gluten free dishes.

Executive Chef, Simon Malin, said: “As with our shows – we are always looking to make our food offer as accessible to as many people as possible – which is why I am excited to introduce our brand-new vegan offer to open up more of the RSC to people looking to have a great shared culinary experience.”

For more information on the RSC’s brand new vegan pre-theatre and dinner menu visit – www.rsc.org.uk/rooftop-restaurant/menus/vegan-and-gluten-free-menus/vegan-pre-theatre-menu<http://www.rsc.org.uk/rooftop-restaurant/menus/vegan-and-gluten-free-menus/vegan-pre-theatre-menu>

For information on the RSC’s new vegan afternoon tea check out – www.rsc.org.uk/rooftop-restaurant/menus/vegan-afternoon-teas<https://www.rsc.org.uk/rooftop-restaurant/menus/vegan-afternoon-teas>

Photo caption:

The RSC’s brand new vegan offer which includes Turkish aubergine and chick pea stew with freekeh pilaf, herb salsa and pine nuts and afternoon tea. Photo credit Sara Beaumont, courtesy of the RSC.

The RSC Vegan pre-theatre menu is served Monday to Saturday from 11.30am-3.30pm and 4.30pm-6.15pm. Two courses are available from £21 or three courses for £26.

RSC vegan afternoon teas are available from 11.30am every day except Saturdays where they are available from 1.30pm to 3pm.

www.rsc.org.uk<http://www.rsc.org.uk/>

So ‘call for dates and quinces in the pastry.’

The RSC are set to be good hosts for Vegetarians and vegans!.

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

Last quote from Henry IV Part 2: Act 2, scene 4.

The onions quote from Romeo and Juliet: Act 4, scene 2.

Thanks to the RSC press team for the information and images.