Ostler at The Borough Arms Hotel in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Our first visit to the Ostler restaurant after recommendations from friends and what a lovely surprise it was. We couldn’t fault a single thing, from the friendly greeting at reception, being escorted to our table and the service from there on in was impeccable. The menu was varied and both our starters and main meals were cooked to perfection. It was the best crispy pork that I’ve ever eaten and as it’s a favourite of mine I’ve had quite a few. It’s a ‘traditional’ hotel restaurant but the menu has something for everyone and I’d happily recommend it to anyone. Looking forward to sampling the Christmas menu soon.

This evening my party of six friends enjoyed an excellent two course meal with wine in the Ostler restaurant.The dining room was very comfortable and we found the atmosphere to be relaxing and the staff attentive and friendly. We extend our complements to your chef and we will be sure to return in the very near future ..Thankyou all : )

An absolute hidden gem! You really must go. Fabulous food, excellent service and a lovely atmosphere at a reasonable price.

Gifted my parents a 2 course meal with wine and they absolutely loved it. The food was amazing and the service fantastic. The staff couldn't have done more for them. Lovely surroundings and a very enjoyable experience. Thank you so much

My wife and were amongst more than 50 other mourners at a wake held at the Borough Arms. It was a very cold day but we were able to park easily in the hotel's own free car park and take our place in one of the restaurants and be served with tea or coffee whilst the bereaved family went to the crematorium. For those wanting a longer drink, there was a well-stocked bar in the restaurant. When the family returned, a cold, serve-yourself buffet was opened in an adjacent room with a very wide variety of sandwiches, on both brown and white bread, all well-filled, not just on the front edge. There was also a salad and hot French fries, plus buttered scones served with jam and cream. Returning to our seats in the restaurant we were again served as much tea or coffee as we wished. The service and food were very good and I cannot think of anywhere which would have provided a better venue for a wake.

Visited here for evening meal last week with my adult daughter. It was meant to be a Christmas treat. I booked via Groupon which was supposed to be £20 worth of food for £7 which sounded like a good deal, I had assumed that I would have to add a little extra on but was shocked at the prices on the menu however I don't mind paying more if something is really tasty - it wasn't! I had a 'salmon fillet' it was a thin, tasteless dried up (obviously cheap frozen) piece of salmon supposed to be in a watercress sauce (couldn't see any watercress in it) with 2 dry reheated 'roast' potatoes. My daughter had beef/Yorkshire pudding which was a huge slightly burnt yorkie and some dry meat - she had to ask for extra gravy. The food was nothing like the photos online, I would have taken photos for the review but I was trying to be jolly and make the best of it as I was meant to be treating my daughter so I didn't want to let her know I was unhappy with the standard (she clearly thought the same as me though) We had a drink in the bar before hand which was empty with no atmosphere and not made particularly welcome. The only positive was that the lady on reception was lovely. Regarding the décor, it is very, very dated indeed, it looks like it was last decorated around 1985! Even the toilets were not very pleasant, you really wouldn't think that you were in a hotel. I went out with a group a few days ago and before I had told my experience as soon as I mentioned the Borough Arms they all gave me a look as if to say, 'what did you go there for' they then proceeded to tell me that it has a very poor reputation. That is the reason I am writing this review for those who may not be aware as for some bizarre reason the reviews are fab! I am wondering if they treat Groupon customers differently because when we first walked in dressed up, smiling and being pleasant the owner looked down his nose at us and proceeded to tell us what we could order off the menu until the lovely receptionist interceded and told him that we had ordered a different type of Groupon offer so we could order anything off the menu and just add the difference. ( He thought we had ordered a glass of wine and meal deal) he didn't crack a smile at us once. If this is true and other people have had genuinely good experiences either this place is hit and miss depending on who is cooking or they lure Groupon customers in which is very short sighted business wise as if it had been good then I wouldn't have hesitated to return and pay full price in spite of the dated decor, in comparison I ate out at a hotel bar in Alsager a couple of nights ago and our meals were the same price point (£20 ish per main) and the food was absolutely delicious in beautiful surroundings. Also, whilst we were there, there was only one other couple in the restaurant and nobody else at all in the bar in December so what does that tell you? I would compare the food to a very cheap carvery that you would expect to pay about £6/7 for - but smaller portions. This was my first and last time using Groupon lol!

We ordered our meals just after the 6pm opening, assuming we'd be able to leave for the theatre by 6.45pm. Unfortunately the food didn't arrive for half an hour (there was only one other pair of customers). When the food did arrive, the cook came out with her own dinner, sat opposite us and conducted a speaker-phone conversation with her potty-mouthed boyfriend. The food itself was nice enough, but having to bolt it down in that environment before dashing up the hill to the theatre was not a healthy experience. People who work in hospitality really shouldn't treat the paying customer as an inconvenience to their working life.

Although the Borough Arms does not have the greatest of reputations in Newcastle under Lyme. I can only say that all should give it a visit for themselves. We had a 40th birthday celebration for my daughter and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. All the food was excellent. Beautifully presented and tasty. It was chosen because it had roast duck on the menu. It was superb, as was my Lamb Shank. The attention to detail was such that they even produced a birthday card for my daughter to accompany the cake we had taken with us when it was served. Please give the Ostler restaurant a look when you consider an evening out in N-U-L. I will certainly be visiting again.

Fantastic dinner before the theater. Thank you to the staff for going above and beyond to serve us quickly to enable us to get to the show on time. The food as always was amazing . This place is a hidden gem of Newcastle.

Lovely meal with friends. Food was par excellence and cooked to perfection . We had a lovely evening.

We visited on Saturday 1st April after receiving a voucher from our niece for Christmas . A really wonderful lunch time treat, food amazing, service great staff really welcoming and helpful. Even better local crockery. Can’t wait to go back again. 5 star service.

Visited here Saturday 18th March for a treat with my mum... absolutely fantastic service was incredible every member if staff wanted to serve and help great service and superb amazing food served timely... Great job guys thank you

Lovely family lunch, excellent choice of main menu and children's menu including desserts!! All staff were welcoming and helpful. Great value for the money!! Second time we've been for lunch and we will be going again!!

I love Ostler restaurant. I've always had great food here and tonight was no exception. The food was fabulous, prawn starter for me, followed by a hearty chicken n veg pie and passion fruit creme brulee, all cooked to perfection. Party of 5 and we all thoroughly enjoyed all three courses. All the staff were so lovely. Highly recommended. Will be back again. Ps no photos we couldn't wait to tuck in. 😊

We visited on a wintry Wednesday evening. We received a warm welcome and were offered a choice of a booth or a regular table in the spacious restaurant . The restaurant was not very busy but they still had plenty of waiting on staff. Service was excellent. The menu offered an excellent choice. The food was superb, nicely presented and served hot. Different potatoe dishes were provided with each dish which was a lovely touch. We had three courses plus coffee and everyone enjoyed all the food. Great value for the quality. Highly recommended.

We came to celebrate an 80th birthday of a friend from our Church. There were 13 of us and we mostly had different starters, mains and deserts, which all came exactly as ordered. The food was excellent as usual very tasty, hot and well presented. The staff are very attentive and pleasant. We had a wonderful evening and the birthday girl enjoyed herself and her meal. Thanks again.

We visit the Ostler Restaurant regularly as we love it there. The Staff are always polite to us & cater for all our fussy requirements! The food is really great.. We have never had a poor meal. I would recommend the fillet steaks- they are the best steaks around our local area (many friends & family have said this over the years). The bar menu is great for lunches & also as a light evening meal too. Today we had omelette, fries & salad for our lunch which we really enjoyed! Also, Sunday lunch is very reasonably priced and tastes delicious. Our 99yr old Uncle who has sadly passed away recently, loved his Friday evenings at the Borough arms. He was always made to feel most welcome & all of the staff really made a fuss of him which he always enjoyed! He always loved the liver & onions down to the cheesy oatcakes. Thank you for looking after us over the years! Much appreciated!

I could not rate the food and service any higher. We had 3 courses as couldn’t resist all fresh, tasty and well presented. The restaurant was quiet which didn’t bother us but a shame it’s not recognised for what this restaurant offers Would highly recommend

What a nice meal we had. Renovation has been done since we went there last. Very nice dining room. Cold evening and the room was pleasantly warm. Staff very nice Nice menu. Will be going back soon

What a horrible place. Extremely old decor, don’t let them fool you with website and photos , it’s not what we’ve expected. Food was a disaster, had fish and chips and pie. Not even a wine list or cocktails. Asked for Pinot Noir but was...

The communication to arrange the party, the food, the waiting on staff all excellent. We were a party of 16 plus 5 children and all were catered for perfectly. The waiting on staff were very friendly with my grandchildren and took the time to acknowledge...

Once again another lovely meal we had soup and belly pork bites for starters delicious, ribeye steak cooked to perfection, steak and ale pie which was great, home made chips a bonus, the cheesecake was plentiful but very light and tasty, cheese selection which again...

we were in the ostler restaurant, we had a three course meal followed by coffee and warm mince pies then a dj, we were able to dance the night away. we all said the food was piping hot and delicious, nobody was hungry afterwards, we...

I visited the Borough Arms on boxing day lunchtime with a friend. We were subject to a warm welcome, a cosy atmosphere, a 3 course meal to die for and lovely service. Just perfect. We will be back. Many thanks

We visited The Ostler restaurant for our Christmas lunch on 25th December 2022 and had an excellent experience. The food was amazing as usual and the staff were all very attentive. Needless to say it was well worth it and we will definitely be returning!...

A very enjoyable meal . Although we were 19 persons in total everyone was served quickly and efficiently, The food was excellent and hot. Vegan, vegetarians, pescatarians and omnivores were well catered for and the staff were very pleasant and helpful.

Beautiful food, excellent service and a lovely festive atmosphere. The quality of the ingredients was exceptional and the whole party thoroughly enjoyed their meal. We were all very impressed with the organisation and would happily visit again to celebrate Christmas. Thank you all for a...

We recently celebrated my father's 80th birthday with family and friends. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the manager and asked to wait for the other members of our party in the bar area. The Festive Lunch Menu was varied and delicious, providing vegetarian options...

Last night I attended a surprise anniversary meal at the Ostler. the service and friendliness off the staff was exceptional and every need was catered for. The meal itself was delicious. Home cooked, tasty, succulent beef and delicious crumble. All in all a great place...

I have been to many restaurants in my time but the food here takes SOME beating! Everything was well presented beautifully cooked and tasted wonderful. The one comment I would make is that the young waitress was a little inexperienced and somewhat casual. However, this...

Visited here for the first time today for lunch With my dad and it won't be the last Absolutely amazing food and fantastic hosts In a lovely restaurant within the Borough Arms Hotel Newcastle under Lyme The staff were so attentive and could not do...

stoped at this hotel for 1 night the staff were amazing we didnt have to complain about anything would recommend this place to anyone and the breakfast was really good plenty on plate and service was good rooms very clean we stoped may 17th with...

I booked a table for 5 for a family Mother's Day Meal. It was our first visit and the food was excellent. First class service, hot and very delicious. We will definitely be attending again. Thank you to all of the staff xx

Came here for Mother’s Day meal,the food was so tasty enjoyed every bit of it,the food came out fast so we weren’t waiting long,my little boy had a meal very generous portion and nice,staff were very friendly and helpful,I will definitely be coming again

Taken here by my husband , son and daughter for Sunday Lunch . Very friendly staff . Menu limited but not a bad thing as what was served was very well cooked and presented . Plenty of meat and variety of perfectly cooked veg ....

We've visited here a few times now having found it with the Groupon offer. This really is a hidden gem, there is nothing negative i can say about it. From entering, there is always a lovely welcome from Phil or any of the staff. The...

Having been here once , albeit about 8 years ago l was hesitant at returning as previously the food was bland, setting was cold and empty and staff were average. However l bought a 2 course Groupon with drinks and it was wonderful. We ordered...

Good food , friendly and welcoming staff we very much enjoyed our evening . Very convenient choice for our visit to the New Vic theatre up the road.. All 12 of us were very satisfied with our choices...

8 of us went for a midweek meal. We were delighted with the service and the food delicious with a friendly and pleasant atmosphere throughout. Really couldn't have done anymore to make are evening. Highly recommend visiting

First time using this venue for our Christmas event, even though we were a party of 60 this didn't phase them and the service and food was excellent. From my original meeting with Mr Sheikh to paying the bar bill at the end, every request...

We have eaten here several times & had excellent food & service. There is a friendly,relaxing & capable feel & a sense that nothing is too much trouble. Some of the fittings & fixtures could do with an update but everywhere is freshly painted &...

We dined as a group of 4 and all had different starters and mains. All of the food was excellent = freshly prepared, beautifully presented (on hot/warm plates) deliciously tasty & cooked to perfection. The staff were very welcoming, friendly, professional and really helpful. The...

Reviewed last month for lunch this time we went for Sunday lunch, I would still give this restaurant 5* the food is very good and excellent staff, the only downfall this time was the fact I ordered a gluten free meal in advance and felt...

Treated my partner on our Friday night date night. From walking in here all staff were really welcoming. The receptionist was very friendly asked us wait in bar area before shown to the table. A gentleman greeted us to our table, very friendly giving us...

Four of us went and we were impressed with the variety on the menu. The food was amazing, (non of your pub chain mediocrity here) and the service was great too. We will visit again soon.

First of all I would like to congratulate the manager Mr Sheik, I asked quite a few questions on the telephone and I was treated in a very friendly, professional manner nothing was too much trouble and on arrival Mr Sheik was on reception and...

Our second visit and our second fantastic meal. Wonderful evening at the Borough Arms tonight, food excellent and plentiful, we had to cancel our previous booking, we had to change this one last minute from a 4 to a 2 we have asked for a...

Sunday lunch!!! £9.95 for what we consider to be a child's portion! Really small meal. Two small roast potatoes, 6 green beans, some carrot, swede and turnip chunks and a small chicken breast! Wouldn't recommend it ar all. I can never eat 3 courses but...

We had an excellent meal very friendly welcoming staff very smart & attentive the starters & mains were delicious perfectly cooked & presented, the desserts were very very nice we likes the food that much we've booked again.

Popped in for a quick lunch with colleagues and decided to to dine in the bar... what a mistake! Even though the food was beautiful it was ruined by the bar staff. Julie was on duty and did nothing but bad mouth other members of...

A good variety of food on the menu, well cooked and presented. The decor is rather uninspiring, but it's a pity more people don't know about this local asset. During October prices of mains have been reduced, but there are still very few customers. I...

Visited the Ostler restaurant yesterday and had a lovely and relaxing lunch. We were very looked after from the moment we arrived and were placed at a table in the window which mum thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you for a great lunch and we will be...

Visiting this evening after hearing great reviews. Food was amazing and the service, you couldn't fault. So welcoming on arrival and the waitor, Philip Boon was amazing, couldn't of done anymore. Will be back and definitely recommend

We went today to have lunch in the restaurant. On arriving the staff were very friendly and professional ensuring at every point we had everything we needed. The hotel is clearly signed for covid requirements making sure guests feel safe in the hotel and restaurant....

The hotel was old fashioned somewhat tatty and grimy . Could do with a overhaul and redecoration. The food was OK for the money but not great at all. Nothing like advertised on their site or Groupon. The service was excellent and staff very friendly...

As soon as you walk in here you feel welcome., reception staff brilliant, restraunt staff amazing, not to mention the chef cos the standard of food is first rate. This is a very under rated place, it needs a shout out. It’s the best food...

Caitlin is a fab waitress and always gives good company service with a smile and Katy is a great barmaid and Hannah also they make my day!

The atmosphere is friendly with a calming and serene ambience. The food is amazing as is the service. The room I stayed in is comparable to a 4 star hotel with a huge comfortable bed, TV private bathroom, ironing board, hairdryer as well as tea...

We had a delicious, reasonably-priced 2-course early evening meal in the bar rather than the restaurant, where they had laid a table especially for us. From the outset, beginning with the welcome by all the friendly staff,including the very pleasant Mr Sheikh; they could not...

Very pleased with the welcome and general atmosphere. Everything was done efficiently, and the meal was delicious and very well-presented. The staff member who brought the meal to the table was very poised and professional, though the waitress who did most of the service seemed...

We went earlier this week and used a groupon voucher for £25 - the food was amazing, we had duck and pork for mains and liver and crab cakes to start. The staff were so friendly and welcoming and the service was always with a...

A really lovely meal had by my mother celebrating her 80th birthday with friends and family. The staff were incredibly attentive throughout the whole process, and we could not have asked for a more lovely experience. The food was delicious, on time and a good-sized...

Excellent service, food and staff. All wonderful. Thank you so much, will be coming again soon! Really recommend visiting

I had our work party here food was amazing service was excellent definitely be interested in going again

We were staying overnight in the hotel & thought we'd try the restaurant, and glad we did. Really good steaks for both of us, cooked just right, home cooked chips & good extras. Recommened

Booked a table for a family meal using the groupon vouchers we had for Christmas. Never been before and didn't know what to expect. When we arrived the restaurant was really quiet which was such a shame as the food was absolutely lovely, could not fault it at all. Steak cooked to perfection, staff were great and very welcoming. A little gem which we have overlooked in Newcastle for years. We will definitely be returning.

Again we had a delightful family Boxing Day meal at the Borough Arms. Mr Sheikh

We came on 04/12/2019 for Christmas meal and myself and our entire support group really enjoyed ourselves. The food was lovely and the team looking after us were amazing. The restaurant was beautifully decorated as well, had a lovely Christmassy feel to the whole afternoon.

Have been having our work Christmas lunch in the Ostler Restaurant for many years. This year was excellent, as always. Thank you to Mr. Sheik, Emma and everyone involved for everything you do to make it an enjoyable occasion for all.

We have been having twice yearly reunions for our year at Hanley High School for quite a while now and have been starting the afternoon off in style with lunch at The Borough Arms Hotel. The venue was originally chosen due to its proximity to the venue for the main gathering from 2 o'clock onwards.

recently had a family wedding at the Borough Arms Hotel and as we had to travel we were lucky enough to stay there. would highly recommend for both the wedding and the facilities

We have been tonight for a two course dinner. Ann had the crab cakes with a sweet chilli jam which she said was delicious. I had the chicken livers. The balance between the slightly coppery tasting chicken livers, the salty bacon lardons and the sweet balsamic dressing on the salad leaves were beautifully balanced. Ann had the beef medallions with a rich red wine gravy which she loved. I had the duck cooked slightly pink exactly as I love it on a sweet swede puree with potato croquettes with a slightly sticky delicious gravy. Fabulous. All served by Maisie, a lovely, helpful young lady who managed to be attentive without being intrusive. A real skill nowadays. A great meal. We'll be back.

We visited the Borough Arms on 29th September for Sunday lunch for a belated 80th birthday celebration for my mum. The food and service was good. Most of our party had roast beef which was tender and plentiful.We had a table for 10 in the Ostler restaurant which had been decorated with some ' happy birthday' sprinkles and my mum was presented with a birthday card and a small gift which I thought was a lovely personal touch.

Visited Ostlers restaurant Sun 29/09/2019 and greatly enjoyed the delights from the lunchtime menu.Ambience,food and all the staff i can only describe as excellent.Nothing was too much trouble to ensure we had the most perfect dining experience.Main course topside of beef was to die for........

The dining room was ok, but could do with a little TLC and updating. Tables are arranged very formally. The food was nice but nothing spectacular.

Me and my family wanted to celebrate my wife's 80th birthday and we were glad that we chose the Borough Arms as it is central for those that had to travel, the organisation was very good as were the attentive staff during the event. The Ostler Room was perfectly adequate for the fifty plus family and friends that attended and the separate bar across the hall was very well staffed and situated. Thank you Emma and all the staff for looking after us so well!

Great value with good choice. Tasty food,with enough choice.

There was no patè on the a la cartè menu, but when i requested a patè starter it was happily provided and i thoroughly enjoyed it. My husband ordered black pudding & poached egg which he also enjoyed.

Excellent correspondence whilst organising the event. Nothing was too much trouble.

Staff were nice but the food was expensive (£50) per couple, small portions and the starters were cold very poor will not be going back better value at Weatherspoons

Breakfasts are excellant, lots of choice. A choice of bar menu or the Ostler restaurant which is what I recommend lots to choose and first class. The beefburgers are home made and not bought in frozen all the food is 1st class

Many people of my generation were regulars at 'The Borough' years ago. It was the natural place for friends to meet, to chat, to have a sociable drink together , to dine and to relax. Members of local theatrical societies of fond memory, such as Newcastle Players, always repaired there after rehearsal and AGM's and annual dinners were never held anywhere else!

We enjoyed a lovely family meal here for Easter Sunday Lunch. I had a lovely three course meal, which I thought was excellent value for money. I have stayed at the Hotel before and it is noticeable how friendly and helpful the staff are. I would not hesitate to return!!

Loving again not been back since my wedding which was October 2017 which was very good! Food was lovely and staff where helpful and friendly

My wife and I have visited for our wedding anniversary and had a wonderful meal. I had the chicken liver with bacon and the duck breast followed by a delicious crème brulee and my wife had tempura prawns, beef medallions followed by a knicker bocker glory. All of this food was made using high quality ingredients that was superbly cooked and presented which was then served by a friendly, helpful and welcoming staff. We're definitely coming back. See the menu attached.

Excellent. We return every year for a Valentine Meal, the food is wonderful, is cooked and presented to perfection as is the service, we shall be returning again next year.

Menu had sufficient choice. Portions were a bit small. Presentation of food was good. Service was good. Billing was chaotic and all over the place, took ages to sort out, was charged for other people's food order etc.

Enjoyed a lovely meal, great food and excellent service. Would highly recommend and we can't wait to go back.

Went to this hotel restaurant with Groupon... fabulous food, service and atmosphere. Very professional pleasant staff. Moderate potions, beautifully cooked and presented.(then men needed the two courses though) We will definitely return and recommend to others.

Been to the ostler restaurant for the past 3 weeks on a Saturday night with my partner can't fault it, food excellent, staff very attentive, restaurant very comfortable. Must mention Mr Sheik on an excellent restaurant.

I organised my works Christmas do and decided to choose The Borough Arms due to its dinner and disco aspect as on previous years, older staff members have not continued the night in the bars after a meal. This way we could all have a laugh and a dance together.

My family and I visited the Borough Arms tonight to celebrate my Mum's 60th birthday. The food was brilliant, reasonably priced and the staff were really friendly and helpful. They bent over backwards to accommodate us, especially Mandy who gave a fab service.

We had our family boxing day meal here for 16 of us. The staff were all very friendly,esp the chap that oversaw the restaurant, also the bar staff. The food was lovely. Im sure we will come again next year.

Recently visited for our work Christmas lunch!

We had a very enjoyable visit for our Annual Christmas Lunch. Everything was just as we had planned and a request for an extra pudding to our original order was immediately provided. The food was delicious and the table was attractively set. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff and we were re-assured we could take as long as wanted over our event.

The Tunstall Probus Club held their Annual Xmas lunch in the Kings Room on the 4th December .Having the Kings Room to ourselves was ideal.

We booked a table for 8 people for the Festive Fayre dinner. We are a group of 4 ladies who grew up together and now meet up occasionally. On this occasion the husbands came along too! We enjoyed a lovely evening here. The food is good and the staff are very friendly and helpful. i would certainly recommend The Ostler restaurant at The Borough Arms Hotel.

79 retired Tesco hooligans descended on the hotel at noon.

Took my 3 year old son who passes this restaurant every day on our way to nursery. I called ahead to ask if it was ok to bring such a young child and booked for 5.45, the earliest they do dinner bookings.

Very welcoming on arrival, with efficient attentive service throughout the meal. All the food was perfectly cooked, flavourful and well presented, with some interesting and different combinations on offer e.g. celeriac with honey and orange accompanying the confit of duck. The wines were of good quality; the Merlot in particular was excellent. It was also a nice touch to be given chilled water with lemon with the meal. Would recommend.