Staffordshire is home to some of the best countryside in the whole of England. It’s all vibrant green fields, gently sloping hills and acres of well kept woodland. We love exploring the county on food which most definitely works up a hunger. You can’t beat a great meal somewhere special after a hike so I put together my list of the best country pubs Staffordshire has.
The Meynell Ingram Arms
Starting with one of the big hitters. The Meynell Arms is so good in fact it has been awarded “Pub of the year” by Enjoy Staffs. Located in Hoar Cross near luxury Hotel Hoar Cross Hall this is a place to while away a couple of hours next to the fire or catch up with your girlfriends in the beautiful restaurant.
The front bar of the Meynell is very relaxed and cosy, it’s traditional in style and the bar serves a great selection of ales, lagers and gins. The main restaurant is a little fancier with an extensive menu of beautifully presented food. Sams bar at the back of the pub is where to head to to watch the sport and enjoy a pizza with friends. There’s also a large outdoor seating area and several outdoor “pods” which re cosy enough to enjoy outdoors in winter.
We’ve always found the food to be delicious. Sunday roasts at the Meynell are a particular favourite of ours and if we want to be a bit healthy, they always have a good selection of salads. They have an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu along with some non alcoholic drinks options for the drivers or non drinkers.
The Meynell is both dog and child friendly with water bowls and treats for your four legged friends and a great children’s menu for the kids.
You can read my full review of the Meynell Ingram Arms here to discover why we return time and again.
Meynell Ingram Arms Address
Abbots Bromley Rd, Hoar Cross, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 8RB
Duncombe Arms
The Duncombe Arms in Ellastone is a fairly new discovery for us and I am so very glad we found it! Located in the charming village of Ellastone near Ashbourn which is home to some gorgeous walks across the Staffordshire countryside. We love visiting this pub after completing the ten mile Ashbourne to Dovedale circular walk.
Inside the pub you’ll find cosy nooks and larger tables to suit all party sizes. The main restaurant is light and spacious with luxurious dining furniture and attentive service. When the sun is out the good sized terrace is the place to be with great views across the Dove Valley.
They have several menus to choose from which will suit all tastebuds and appetites. We opted for the lunch/bar menu which offers all the pub food classics such as burgers and fish and chips. These were all somehow elevated above pub grub to something truly indulgent and delicious. The seasonal main menu which changes regularly is more foodie focussed with options you’ve never heard like Cep Chawanmushi and tantalising favourites like lamb rump, all of which you’ll be desperate to try.
The Duncombe Arms is currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They have restricted times for food service so make sure to check and book a table before you visit. The Duncombe arms offers a great kids menu and is dog friendly. Be sure to let them know if you will be dining with a dog.
Duncombe Arms address
Ellastone, Ashbourne, DE6 2GZ
Whittington Arms
The Whittington Arms on the outskirts of Lichfield is a great country pub in Staffordshire on a sunny day. It has a fantastic beer garden overlooking green fields and a large car park.
Inside the design is very much rustic chic with long bench seats for large parties and cosy round tables for intimate dinners. The bar serves a wide range of real ale and wines and there are plenty of cosy sofa areas to curl up with a glass in hand.
Food is very high quality pub grub, the rotisserie pork belly is divine, as is the buttermilk chicken. Plus they serve a cracking Sunday lunch. Those with a sweet tooth must save room for their extensive desert menu.
They have a brilliant kids menu and a specific vegan menu with options such as spiced coconut curry and root vegetable bake.
Whittington Arms address
Tamworth Rd, Lichfield, WS14 9PS
The Seven Stars, Brocton
This is our favourite Staffordshire Country pub to visit after a walk on Cannock Chase. The Seven Stars at Brocton is a brilliantly family pub with a large outdoor terrace and even some football nets for a kick about. The design is relaxed but stylish with plush velvet seating and quirky, colourful details.
The pub has bright open spaces and also cosier areas for private dining. The pub may be over 400 years old but the decor most definitely isn’t. It has an area near the bar if you just want to drink.
The menu includes several sharing platter options, old pub favourites and fancier options. The focus here is on high quality ingredients and preparation. Favourites of ours include the asian duck salad and braised pork belly, it’s melt in the mouth delicious! The kids menu is extensive and reasonably priced with mains for under £6. If you have the time and the transport then I highly recommend booking in for the bottomless brunch every saturday which includes a 3 course meal and endless prosecco, cocktails and beer for under £40.
Seven Stars Brocton address
Cannock Rd, Brocton, Stafford, ST17 0SU
The Waterfront, Barton Marina
The Marina at Barton under Needwood is a great place for a day out in Staffordshire. Home to walks around the lake, independent retailers, a cute cinema and a great pub. On a warm day the huge outdoor terrace offers brilliant views across the canal boats moored in the marina and is a lively, vibrant place to enjoy a pint. They have several outdoor seating pods for when the weather is less than ideal.
If you fancy eating indoors then the design is welcoming and cosy. They also have a large conservatory area which is a lovely bright place to enjoy your meal.
The menu is absolutely huge so you’ll be sure to find something to suit all tastes. We love the freshly baked pizzas and spicy vegetable curry. Plus the huge Sunday roasts with all the trimmings. This was also my go to place for take out lunches during the past couple of years.
The Waterfront also serves the most amazing breakfasts between 9.30 and 11.30am. The perfect place to ease a hangover.
The Waterfront Address
Barton Marina, Barton Turn, Barton-under-Needwood, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 8AS
The Red Lion, Newbrough
If you’re after a cosy pub with a family feel then head to the Red Lion in Newborough. Small but mighty, this gorgeous country pub has a super welcoming feel with a separate bar and restaurant area. It’s a lively place for after work drinks on a Friday night or a long, relaxed Sunday lunch.
The pub always has local ales on tap and a roaring fire over the winter months. design is traditional and homey and there is a small garden area next to the carpark or a few tables out the front where you can watch village life go by.
The rotisserie chicken which you can enjoy in the bar or restaurant is a firm favourite, as are the bar snacks such as halloumi fries or honeyed mini sausages. Food is always seasonal, fresh and all meat comes from a local butcher. We’ve never had a bad meal at the Red Lion.
The Red lion deservedly won the best pub and bar award in Staffordshire in 2021.
Red Lion Newborough Address
Duffield Lane, Newborough, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 8SH
Saracans Head, Weston
Another country pub, Staffordshire with scenic views is the Saracens Head in the small village of Weston. They hold regular themed evenings such as fish fridays and quiz nights. They also host regular live music events.
This is a rustic country pub which somehow manages to combine elegance with tradition.
Many ingredients on the menu are locally sourced and freshly prepared on site. The tandoori battered cod is a must try as is the truffle man n cheese. True gastro pub indulgence!
This pub is dog and kid friendly with a great child menu, pet llamas, plenty of water and even doggy dinners or “happy meals” for your furry friends.
Saracens Head address
Stafford Road, Weston, Stafford, ST18 0HT
The Swan at Walton
The delightful village of Walton on Trent is home to our next favourite country pub in Staffordshire. This is a great place to escape to all for an afternoon enjoying some delicious food and real ales.
Their extensive menu include fabulous hanging grilled kebabs called stacks which are easily big enough for sharing. They also have an onsite wood fired pizza oven offering a wide selection of flavours and toppings. The Swan has a huge selection of ales, lagers and gins and plenty of refreshing soft drinks if you’re avoiding alcohol.
The Swan has a small outdoor tiered terrace and is very dog friendly. Dogs are also welcome in the bar area.
The Swan at Walton address
Main St, Walton-on-Trent, Swadlincote, DE12 8LZ
The Shrewsbury Arms, Kingstone
This delightful little pub is located in the tiny village of Kingstone between Uttoxeter and Abbots Bromley. It’s tucked away so a little hard to find but the food definitely makes it worth the journey. This is a village pub at it’s best, it’s warm, welcoming and absolutely somewhere you wish you could call your local.
Everything is homemade on site apart from the locally sourced bread and ice cream and the passion for food is really reflected in the dishes.
Like The Red Lion, the Shrewsbury Arms serves a great roast chicken which is a massive hit with diners of all ages. Plus plenty of other pub favourites such as fish and chips and steak. It’s all brilliantly cooked and tastes delicious. If you can, I highly recommend visiting on a Sunday for one of their epic Sunday roasts.
The pub is dog friendly (in the bar) and they have water, snacks and cosy corners to keep your pooch happy. The Shrewsbury Arms is a community owned pub which I think makes it even more special.It is closed on a Monday and Tuesday.
The Shrewsbury Arms address
Uttoxeter Rd, Kingstone, Uttoxeter, ST14 8QH
Here’s a handy map of all the pubs so you can quickly see where they all are.
Have you tried all these Country pubs? Staffordshire has many more, I’d love to hear all your favourites.
Make sure you join the Marvellous Midlands Walks Facebook Group where you can share your favourite routes, photos and recommendations for walks in the Midlands. It’s also a great place to ask for recommendations and find inspiration for your next hike.
