Eating Out in Staffordshire

The Ultimate Guide to Eating Out in Staffordshire: Savour the Local Flavours and Delights

Staffordshire is a beautiful English county known for its picturesque landscapes and charming towns, but it’s also a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of pubs, restaurants, and cafes to suit every palate. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share our favourite establishments in the area, along with essential information on local taxi services, caterers, and accessibility. So whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a cosy family meal, our guide to eating out in Staffordshire has got you covered.

Relying on Local Recommendations:

At Foxtwood, we take pride in trying out local pubs and restaurants, but we also value the feedback of our guests and friends to keep our recommendations up-to-date. Our selection includes only those establishments that we believe offer exceptional menus, service, and overall dining experiences, ensuring that you enjoy the best of Staffordshire’s culinary delights.

No Car? No Problem:

If you prefer not to drive, you can rely on local taxi services to get you to your dining destination. Call 01538 266343 or 07971 100457 to book a taxi and enjoy a hassle-free dining experience.

The Luxury of Catered Dining:

For those who prefer a more intimate dining experience, consider hiring a caterer to create a delicious meal right in the comfort of your accommodation. Ann’s Catering is a local favourite, offering a range of delightful dishes and the added convenience of providing (and clearing away) all cutlery and crockery. Alternatively, you can try Peter Lymer, a renowned butcher in Leek who provides high-quality meats for a delicious home-cooked feast.

Now let’s dive into our top picks for eating out in Staffordshire, listed roughly in order of distance from Foxtwood, starting with the closest.

Pubs:

• The Fox and Goose, Foxt (01538 266415): A stiff but pleasant uphill walk (0.75 miles) will lead you to this charming pub, which boasts fabulous views from its conservatory and patio. Dog-friendly in the bar, the Fox and Goose offer a welcoming atmosphere and a delightful menu. Please ask for the latest information on the menu and service.

• The Marquis of Granby, Ipstones (01538 266462): Located 1.5 miles away (not recommended for walking in the dark), this pub offers a recently refurbished bar, restaurant, and good food and beer. Enjoy Sky Sports in the bar and special Monday evening pie nights.
  The Marquis of Granby also offers a collection service for clients wishing to dine in their restaurant (subject to availability). Takeaway fish and chips are available, but please note that dogs are not permitted.

• Thornbury Hall, Kingsley Holt (01538 750831): Situated 2 miles away, Thornbury Hall is a Georgian manor house that houses a Pakistani/Indian Rasoi restaurant. Enjoy a pleasant dining experience with a reasonable choice of beers and lagers, good service, and reasonable prices. They also offer takeaways.

• Black Lion, Consall Forge (01782 550294): Accessible via a beautiful level 2.5-mile walk or bike ride along the canal towpath, the Black Lion is approximately a 40-minute walk away (or a 7-mile detour by car). This pub offers excellent real ales, ciders, pub grub, and memorable nights. Its beer garden, bordered by the canal, river, and the restored Churnet Valley steam Railway station, is the perfect setting for a summer evening drink and meal or a bracing winter’s day hike.

• The Queens at Freehay, Near Cheadle (ST10 1RF, 01538 722383): Located 5 miles away, The Queens Arms is more of a restaurant than a pub, offering delicious food, excellent service, and a great selection of beers.

• The Greyhound, Warslow (01298 687017): Situated 9 miles away, this tastefully refurbished village pub serves delightful food and welcomes dogs, making it an excellent choice for a scenic drive and meal.

• The Bridge Hotel, Alton (01538 703088): Just 5 miles from Foxtwood, The Bridge Hotel offers relaxed dining in a beautiful setting, with fantastic options for outdoor dining. Although it can get busy due to its proximity to Alton Towers, it’s well worth a visit, especially for its delicious pies.

• The Reform Inn, Thorncliff (01538 300325): About 8 miles away via a stunning drive, this cosy pub offers a great combination of good food and beer.

• The Lazy Trout, Meerbrook (01538 300385): Also approximately 8 miles away, this establishment offers good food, beer, and service for a memorable dining experience.

Cafes and Farm Shops:

• Hetty’s Tea Shop, Froghall Wharf: Located just across the road from Foxtwood, Hetty’s is open from 10 am to 4 pm (closed Wednesdays), with hot food served until 3 pm.

• The Cottage Kitchen, Winkhill (01538 308505): This newly-built establishment is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, serving delicious food. Dogs are welcome outside, and blankets are provided for human guests if it’s chilly.

• The Ramblers Retreat, Red Road, Alton (ST10 4BU, 01538 702730): Set in a lovely spot near a popular walking area, this tea room offers a fantastic selection of cakes and meals, with outdoor seating available for guests with dogs. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and early evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Denstone Hall Farm Shop, Denstone (01889 590050): This smart farm shop and restaurant, located 10 miles away, offers a delightful dining experience, though booking is recommended due to its popularity. Open every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, except for Sundays when it opens from 10 am to 4 pm.

Conclusion:

With such a diverse range of dining options in Staffordshire, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste and preferences. From traditional pubs to cosy cafes and farm shops, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. So go ahead and explore the culinary delights that Staffordshire has to offer, and make the most of your time in this beautiful and vibrant English county.