The word 'Warwick' conjures up images of a world-famous castle, Medieval buildings and cobbled streets packed with history and folklore.

But there's even more to this quintessential English town than a haven for history buffs or culture vultures. Alongside all this, Warwick is a food-lovers paradise with everything from fine dining to great gastropubs and global cuisine, along with brilliant bars, CAMRA pubs, and cafes and produce to rival any other foodie haven.

Here are 10 reasons why Warwick should be top of your list for great food and drink:-

1. Enjoy fine dining at Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant Hem

Hem sits in the heart of Warwick, in the town's Market Square, taking up residence on the same spot that was previously home to restaurant 'Tailor's', and run by former front of house manager-turned-owner Sebastian Hargreaves, with previous owner Dan Cavell on board as chef.

Less than a year after opening in February 2024, Hem was listed in the Michelin guide, which describes it as "simple and unpretentious", commending its food as "hearty and satisfying dishes that are classic in their origins but executed with refinement and a playful touch".

Hem opened for the first time in February 2024 (image by Nub News)

2. Tuck into perfect pizza

For perfect pizza, you've come to the right place.

Local independent Dough and Brew was listed in food guide 50 Top Pizza for the second year running, alongside 10 English eateries.

The guide said: "Not far from Birmingham, Warwick is home to an interesting facet of the English pizza scene, Pizzeria Dough & Brew. The dough is made using a direct method, with a 72-hour fermentation period and cooked in a wood-fired oven.

"This ensures excellent digestibility of the pizza coupled with the high quality of the ingredients used."

And it's not the only place for a pizza - local group Red Hot Mamma has a venue in Warwick, showcasing its Instagrammable interior and Neapolitan pizzas to hungry locals and visitors alike.

Dough & Brew has been praised by 50 Top Pizza (image by James Smith)

3. Visit great gastropubs - including one of the top 100 in the country

Warwick's got plenty of pubs, with one recently named among the 100 best gastropubs in the country.

The Four Penny Pub just a stone's throw from Warwick Racecourse, was listed at number 94 in the 2024 Top 50 Gastropubs list.

There are plenty of other great food pubs in Warwick. Try the Rose & Crown for a seat in the heart of the Market Square, or the Globe, which offers Sunday Roast and brunch alongside a Mediterranean menu.

The Four Penny in Warwick has received yet another award (image by Nub News)

4. Take a trip around the world without leaving Warwick

Warwick might be a quintessentially English town, but serves up cuisine from across the globe, meaning you can eat your way around the world without even leaving.

From traditional Spanish tapas at Tasca Dali to Thai at the Art Kitchen, or a trip to Mexico via recent addition to the town, Mexicanos, there's plenty to choose from.

Take a trip to Italy via Happy Puccia, or Vietnam thanks to Yum Yum Vietnamese Kitchen on Smith Street, or go for a classic Indian meal at Warwick Spice, one of the town's longstanding eateries.

Or fancy some fusion? Then head to Fusion Clan on Smith Street to experience the tastes of Kerala. Perfect timing to snap up an anniversary offer as the restaurant celebrates its first anniversary.

There are plenty more to choose from, click here for a full directory of places to eat and drink.

Tasca Dali opened at its new location in Market Place at the start of July (image by James Smith)

5. CAMRA pubs

Warwick is home to plenty of historic pubs, including six featured in the CAMRA 2024 Good Beer Guide - no mean feat for a town of its size.

From the cosy cellar bar The Eagle in the middle of town to the canalside 'Cape of Good Hope', along with four others.

There are plenty of other pubs scattered around town, and perfect to pop into while you're exploring, from The Old Post Office near West Gate - which was once a real postal building - to the Old Fourpenny Shop near the Racecourse, The Rose & Crown, The Globe and the Old Coffee Tavern just off the Market Square, and The Roebuck Inn down on Smith Street.

On Smith Street, The Craftsman boasts an extensive beer menu, including 16 rotating beers on tap plus more than 50 product ranges in the bottle shop, with drinks available in third, half and two third pint servings.

The 52nd anniversary edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide includes six local pubs (Image by James Smith)

6. Traditional Tearooms

What better to enjoy in a town packed with history than a traditional tea.

Visit The Oken Tearooms for its renowned cream teas and afternoon teas, or try the Apple Tree Tearooms for tea whilst looking up at the impressive tower at St Mary's Collegiate Church.

The Warwick Arms Hotel is recently revamped and serves up a sumptuous afternoon tea to enjoy after a day exploring Warwick, and don't forget to seek out Warwick's oldest traditional tearooms, Wylie's Tearooms, which is packed full of Victorian curiosities.

7. Café culture

Warwick has a thriving café culture, so whether you tuck into a cosy corner for a coffee or sit al fresco enjoying the stunning surroundings, there are plenty of places to choose from.

Stop at Jack's Shack on the High Street for coffee, toasties and treats, or head to the café at the Lord Leycester for cake, tea, lunch and snacks in this unique medieval attraction.

8. Tuck into local produce at Warwick's charter market

Warwick has a traditional market in its historic Market Square throughout the year, with plenty of local produce on offer.

On top of this, there are regular food-focused events throughout the year, providing a packed calendar for food and drink enthusiasts.

See more here.

Visit Warwick Market every Saturday! (Image via CJ's Events Warwickshire)

9. Brilliant bakeries

Warwick is home to some brilliant bakeries with the freshest bread and pastries on offer.

Try the croissants and cronuts at Two Brothers, which came second in the UK's Best Croissant awards 2024, or head down Smith Street to Bread & Co. for everything bread-related, and tuck into brunch or baked goods at Warwick Street Kitchen bakery.

10. Independent bars

As well as traditional pubs, restaurants and cafes, Warwick has some great independent bars for a cocktail or evening tipple.

Try That Gin Company for cocktails and no fewer than 100 different gins, or independently-owned The Square, whose name gives its location away.

For live music, late nights and cocktails, head to Ronnie's Bar.

To find out more about what Warwick has to offer, head to the Visit Warwick website or visit Warwick Chamber of Trade's website for a full directory of services and businesses.

For live music, late nights and cocktails, head to Ronnie's Bar (image by Nub News)