Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, boasts a rich culinary history that evolved through the centuries. In Shakespeare's time, dishes would have been prepared with local ingredients and would include fresh bread, cheese, pottage, and a variety of ales, as well as fruits and vegetables from the region. As a market town, Stratford-upon-Avon drew in diverse foods and influences, which have helped to shape the town's contemporary cuisine. Today, Stratford-upon-Avon honors its history by merging traditional British dishes with modern gastronomy.