Shire Horse in Stafford

Nice venue, great food, great service, great selection of drinks and very nicely decorated. My only criticism is the aroma in the gents toilets, apart from that, well worth a visit.

Second time visiting here, but first time eating as first visit we were turned away as table of 7 which they didn’t accommodate for (previous management rule). Visited on a Sunday 2pm sitting. Took 45 minutes for food with no service in that time for replenishment of drinks or explaining of delay. Trio of meats dinner was not the best - beef overcooked, most of it cold, Yorkshire pud was inedible. To be honest the worst Sunday dinner I’ve had.

Came here for an impromptu meal with my husband, have never been before but will definitely be going again. Lovely pub, amazing food and very friendly staff.

Family ate here on Sunday afternoon, not local just passing. The good - Lovely looking place with loads of parking, toilets were nice. Food arrived quickly and the chips with the main meal were good The Rest - Acoustics where we sat were really poor. Three separate tables of diners and we could not hold a proper conversation as the other conversations totally drowned us out and we had to keep asking each other to repeat things. Also not good as everyone else can listen to what you are saying. Meal was paid at the time of placing order. Order arrived, we were asked if we needed anything else at that time, eg sauces etc, but no servers came to check on us after this point - forget “is everything ok with the meal?” It wasn’t! Avoid the Barbers Smothered Chicken Wrapped in Bacon with seasonal salad. This was tough as old boots and was black/charred. It wasn’t actually one full breast but 2 flat slices of overdone dry chicken smothered in sauce to disguise the look. The bacon was like a flappy uppers of an older pair of brown leather shoes. Onion rings were cold and although they tasted of onion it was like eating day old McDs fries. Cheese was pretty sparse. The salad was 3 ribbons of cucumber, 2 minuscule slices of radish and a heap of limp green leaves that had been sitting out on the plate for ages - hardly a salad! The chips saved the day Drinks ordering at the bar was not good either. One person serving one customer with a further 2 people waiting to be served. As there seemed to be a lot of staff milling around behind the bar round the pilar and wondering whether I had suddenly become invisible, I popped my head round the corner and asked if I had to stand there to be served “no was the reply, we (4) are all waiting to go on shift”. We finished off and had we not paid up front when we placed the order, we would have complained about the meal, but for the sake of the kids embarrassment we left it. When we left there was no “thanks or bye” acknowledging we had just dined there and spent more than £50. Also - if you are not regulars, don’t expect the staff to tell you to enter your registration number at the bar to make sure that you don’t get a hefty fine from their ANPR cameras in the carpark - because they don’t even mention it The rating of 1 was the minimum rating that can be applied We recommend - you save stomach, your ears and your money and choose to eat elsewhere

Really good Sunday lunch. Duty Manager ( only been there 7 weeks , glasses and finger tattoos) was very good. Pub was well controlled and comfortable. Well done

Visited with my husband for our monthly lunch date. We were not overly impressed by our table even though we had pre booked but our choice of food certainly made up for it. The food was well presented, hot and tasty with good portions. My lightly battered fish was perfect. Complements to the chef!!

Amazing service, Amazing food and overall an amazing experience. 10/10. Not too expensive for the portion sizes. Definitely will come back at some point!

We haven't been for a few years after last experience. Tried it as under new management and was very happy. Waiting in Stafford excellent, worked very hard. The food was great. Ambiance Good. Will return

Booked breakfast as a group of 8, meeting friends who'd stayed at the Premier Inn next door. It was empty and we were the only people here so sat outside. These building itself has lovely decór and was clean and tidy. Service was a little frosty to start with, almost felt like we were an inconvenience, however I can appreciate it would have been a nice quiet morning for a sole worker until our previous late night booking! Food was lovely, presentation was great and even the service perked up at this point. We at the time said how we'd definitely go back and more regularly. However….. Beware of the parking, today received £100 fine despite us mentioning parking at the time and asking if we were ok to park for breakfast and did we need to register anywhere, disappointed.

I took my 16 year old granddaughter for dinner. Food was excellent as was the service from Jane. If I find myself in Stafford again I will definitely pay the Shire Horse another visit :)

First visit for us tonight at the Shire horse and I can definitely say that it was a very pleasant night! The atmosphere in the restaurant was warm and welcoming. The choice of food on the menu was variegated and tasty (especially for vegetarian options!). The staff was attentive and knowledgeable. A particular praise has to go to Caoimthe (hopefully I've spelt it right 😊) who looked after us all night in a professional and kind way. She always had a smile on her face and she was very knowledgeable as well as easy to approach to ask queries about the food and drinks. Thanks to her service and the good quality of the food we'll definitely come back again soon!!

Good was great and amazing service from Caoimhe couldn’t ask for better customer service from someone so well mannered and helpful will be coming back

Excellent service from caoimhe such a lovely well mannered girl was I credible helpful and polite even tho she was so busy absolutely amazing

I've worked in hospitality and never know anything so crazy! We were a group of 8 who had to order in groups of 4 our food came out at separate times as they went through as separate orders! I just found it really bizarre and disappointing. Won't be returning as we felt really uncomfortable and we always so out for food as the same size group.

Great food and atmosphere Caõimhe made us feel welcome and was a great host throughout the night so big shout out. I will definitely visit again when in tye area.

Been coming here for a couple of years staying in the hotel next door. Food is always good but the service is excellent. Caoimhe served me tonight and she is so polite and cannot do enough to help you out. Will be back again.

Visited Friday 12th April 2024 for supper; genuinely warm and delightful service from Caoimhe who was so joyful, helpful and efficient. We all enjoyed our food which was tasty, well cooked and presented perfectly and quickly. We were about to order desserts when a major problem occurred which was completely beyond anyone’s control. The duty manager, Chris, kept us all up to speed with the issues in a calm, measured manner. As a result of the problem, we had to cut short our visit but we will be back to enjoy more times in this lovely restaurant/pub. Absolutely outstanding in every way - beautiful place, classy refurb job- so comfortable and relaxing and great service from well trained and caring staff. Thank you Chris and Caoimhe.

Food was very disappointing and chicken breast was way over cooked. Dried out and inedible. Crispy chicken strips were ok though. Sherry trifle was nothing like a trifle should be. Only a piece of dry sponge (definitely hadn’t seen any Sherry) and was topped by a lump of cream only. Told the waiter when asked if everything ok. He apologised and said he would tell chef, both times! Nothing done to rectify the matter. Will be telling everyone not to go there. We will not be making anymore visits.

We went for Sunday Lunch. The best part of any roast is the roast potatoes, but not here. You don't get any boiled potatoes and the "roast" were more like cubes of sauteed potatoes, such a disappointment. We won't be returning. The Waitress was a lovely girl who couldn't do enough for us.

Friendly welcome and great service from Jane. Glazed pork belly and steak and ale pie were really nice. Will be coming again!! Really great interior too. 👍

Newly refurbished. The staff were all very polite and friendly. Our waitress, Amy, was extremely helpful and accommodating, adapting dishes to suit our fussy needs. Nothing was too much trouble. My only negative was many of the specials were not available which was a shame as they sounded delicious.

Very welcoming and friendly staff. A newly refurbished shire horse. Dog friendly. Excellent food. Our first ever visit but it will not be our last. Highly recommend you give it a try.

Staff was really helpful . I chose of the lunch menu . I had the salmon. Fish cake . Poor taste it looked like a fish burger that flat . Served with a side garnish of rocket and 2 slithers of cucumber . Won't be coming again . Not impressed

Visited this week with my Husband and in laws. The refurb decor is absolutely stunning! Lovely attention to detail. The staff were very attentive and explained at the beginning their delivery hadn't arrived, so they had a few missing items from the menu. The motorway was closed on this day so we fully understood. The food prices have increased but it was justified in the portion sizes and quality. Our only criticism is the size of the new tables. There was 4 of us and we all felt the round table we were on was more suited to 2 to 3 max, especially when we had wine and other drinks on there. This wouldn't put us off returning. I'd probably just ask for a bigger table.

Popped in as a one off, but will definitely be back. Admittedly when I saw the menu I thought the prices were a bit steep, but tasting the food it is definitely worth the money. I tried the duo of chicken, and was not disappointed. Jane, the lady that took our order and brought our food, is an asset to the company, very friendly, professional and welcoming. Will definitely recommend the venue and the food, and will be back. The garden looks amazing and will definitely be using it in the summer 😁.

Visited shire horse a few times before the referb (which looks amazing) however we returned again once it reopened and I must say the food was fantastic we could not of complained about a single thing! We were served/ waited on by the staff who always had a smile on their faces, also had a good laugh with one or two of them, even tho they were all run off their feet!, with how busy they were! Darren and Jess ( managers) you have done so well with the place and the staff are a credit- well done shire horse!!

We visited this nearly refurbed pub and wow it looks amazing inside and out, not only that they had a new menu and the food was delicious, some of the tastiest I’ve had in a while and portion sizes were massive. We will definitely be venturing back very soon to visit again. Also staff were so friendly and polite not to mention prompt with drinks and food. Fantastic job by all.

We both had a really beautiful meal. The pub has been totally refurbished and the new menu was really well presented and gave tasty options.The staff gave very good attentive service and even though the place was full of customers the food came out quickly. I'd recommend this place to anyone who likes tasty food and a nice atmosphere.

The refurb has totally transformed both the inside and outside of the pub. The menu has changed too. All the staff - lead by Darren - were very attentive and the food quality was excellent. Well done Greene King for making such a huge investment

Came with friends and family. Refurb is fabulous lovely decor and ambiance. Great menu with lots to choose from along with good prices. Top service too. Will definitely be returning.

Just had an amazing breakfast at The Shire Horse, Stafford. Really good quality food. Would have to say the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time. They will be serving breakfast on Saturday and Sundays from 0930-1115. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed 👍

It looks amazing great service and food you all have do a excellent job and well done to you all my family all love it and thank you

Really good. The food was good, the staff were friendly, the service was quick, the décor was nice and they allowed dogs in. Overall really good.

Very nice pub, food was amazing and Jane made us feel very welcome. Had a lovely meal and will definitely be back. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Amazing food with 5 star service from our waitress Jane. She made us feel very welcome and our first visit very pleasurable.

Great experience, very welcoming staff throughout the meal. Food was excellent and well cooked. We were very comfortable. Jane looked after us very well.

My wife asked me where would I like to go on my birthday and I chose here! Everything was perfect, service from all the team is excellent as always and the food, was perfect! Can't wait to come again after March after the revamp.

On Saturday I was amongst a coach party that stopped at the Shire Horse. Everyone was well behaved, relaxed and enjoying a quiet drink. Out of nowhere a member of staff aggressively approached a 12 year old lad who was with his grandfather (a retired policeman) and accuses the boy of drinking and threatens to throw him out. Now I’m on the adjacent table and he’s only drank coke and given where he’s sitting there was no way he could be seen from the bar. His grandfather, myself and other customers all protested he’d done nothing wrong and he’d behaved immaculately. His grandfather further pointed out that his father is a Muslim and the whole family don’t drink. We received no apology, although the manageress came over and said there’d been a misunderstanding. What prompted the original accusation I don’t know but I couldn’t see a white child being spoken to like that. My perception was it was about colour as the staff member made no effort to ascertain the facts, or to ask him his version of things. I’d further add that this should not have been raised with a child at all, a quiet polite discreet word with the responsible adult (his grandfather) was all that was required. We will not be going back !

We were meeting family for a meal as we were going to a funeral the next day, there were 7 of us and they only do tables for 6 persons but they booked us two tables for 4 persons and said that there was a...

I live within walking distance and so I really wish this place was as good as it was back in the day, but it just isn't. Last night, my husband ordered a meal that contained 'maple glazed carrots', only it didn't. The pie was soggy...

We called in while on a stop over at the Premier Inn, we were greeted by Caoimhe who gave us a very warm welcome. We had the smothered chicken and the Korean duo chicken, both meals were served quickly , the Korean chicken was especially...

We had a lovely meal for our daughters 9th birthday, there was a few items off the menu but it didn't effect our experience. My son is autistic and was chatting away to the staff who were absolutely fantastic and had so much time and...

Having given a poor review last year for a greene king establishment on the south coast, I am pleased to turn that on it's head and give the Shire Horse a five star rating . The staff were friendly and welcoming , the food arrived...

Excellent speedy service from Jane,Drew and Lina. Food was well presented and lovely.... I've used this place for a stop over to avoid the rush hour traffic.... great selection of food and drinks....

The food was lovely, the staff were attentive. I had a 3 course meal and each course was tasty and a big portion. Being coeliac I don't eat out much as I worry about being ill, but I was fine after this - just very...

Enjoyed a lovely meal with my husband and little boy. Staff were lovely especially a young girl called Caoimhe who was very patient and friendly.

Birthday meal out with my partner. Fantastic atmosphere. Lovely ambience about this place. Relaxed atmosphere. Service was great, served by Jane. She was friendly and attentive. Food was fantastic, reasonably priced,will definately be visiting again.

Jane & Dann gave us a great evening, a warm welcome, delicious food and really excellent service. It really was an excellent evening; highly recommended.

We have used the Shire Horse on numerous occasions and have only once been disappointed when the tender stem broccoli was so aldante that it was inedible. On our visit on 24 November the meal was very good. Jane was very attentive, friendly and helpful...

Relaxed night out with friends, friendly atmosphere great choice of drinks served to perfection, staff went the extra mile to make you feel welcomed especially Jane and all her colleagues on the night Lynne, Liv Matt & Drew.

Super friendly staff, lovely food at reasonable prices, we had the rump steak ciabatta and chicken blt ciabatta, we were served by Jas & Jess, highly recommend and we will definitely be back.

Great atmosphere, lovely local pub. Staff very friendly. Dog friendly too 😀 🐾 😃 shout out to Jane, Drew, Mat and Lynne 😊

Overnight stay in Stafford and went to The Shire Horse for beers and dinner (only chosen as it was the nearest pub to the hotel). Pleasantly surprised and would highly recommend it. Menu was typical Chef & Brewer (proper pub grub which I like). Food...

Lovely clean place, food was very nice, and Jane,drew and mat were so lovely and helpful, lovely atmosphere

Food was wonderful, with an excellent choice on the menu. Exceptional service! Staff were helpful and friendly!

Amazing service, brilliant food and the drinks are bob on! A lady called Jane looked after us, and she was so welcoming, accommodating and a credit to the place! She definitely deserves some recognition! 5 star!

Lorna served us and she was very friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. Meal was lovely, great portion sizes.

Myself and my family were staying in the premier inn just behind the pub and I have never had such rude service at a restaurant. We were sat outside and it seemed to be like such a chore for a member of staff to come and take a drinks order and they seemed completely disinterested and passive. One of our group had problems ordering via the app and so called a member of staff to assist but to our shock the response was “what’s wrong, why can’t you do it? It should be simple” clearly if we were able to do it we would of! After a short delay the staff member actually decided to take our order at the table. We were also told to scan the QR code inside the pub to fill in track and trace which we had no problem in doing, but before we even had a chance to open the link we were ushered out the door into the rain to fill in the online form at our table. I understand these are hard and challenging times but the least you can expect is a good customer service and to be spoken to with some manners! Reading other comments I’d have the same feeling of the pub wasn’t interested in our custom just that of the tables inside the pub! So disappointing.Will not be returning.

I went to the shire horse for a family meal, and was welcomed with open arms. As the service was excellent, partially Tim who excelled my experience and made me come back many times during the week. The food was amazing and I will not hesitate to recommend the pub to someone else!

We have been trying to book a table of 8 (which is 2 households) and have been told we can only book for 6 what shall we do leave two of the children outside the person on the phone was so rude I asked if it would be possible to book two tables then to be told yes I could but they would purposely sit us at opposite ends of the restaurant so I asked well if we just turned up and risk the chance of getting a table next to each other to be told that we could do this however if we was seen talking to each other then one of us would be made to move to be told if we’re going to book a table it would be separate tables away from each other and we could take it or leave it as they were full and didn’t need our business well we will go somewhere else and celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary regardless of this I myself work in a restaurant and would never dream of speaking to a customer the way I was spoken to and seen as pubs have only been open for three week since the pandemic I would of thought you would of been glad as a business for the support we will never eat here now and I will definitely be spreading to word of how unhelpful and rude your staff are

Many drinks out of stock and horrible customer service from one certain staff member, refusing to give us a table

Me and my partner Paul visited this restaurant during our continued tour of the North. Our friend recommended this place to come for Sunday dinner. We were greeted by lovely Jess and her husband. After making sure we safely checked in, we ordered our usual drinks which served promptly. We ordered King Prawn and Avocado then squid for Paul. Both were served at perfect temperatures. Extremely happy with prawn dish as it was a baking hot day and they were chilled to perfection. I then went on to have slow cooked pork belly and Paul had chicken and leak mushroom pie. Both meals were lovely. Roast Potatoes and veg were perfectly done crackling was crisp, just wish there was a little more pork as it was lush. Pauls pie was very generous and again all the trimmings were perfectly cooked. Jess and her husband both took time to make sure our needs were catered for with their wonderful staff. Thanks team firmly on our radar to visit again when up that way.

Very friendly pub nice food would recommend didn’t have to book either. Took the dog I bar area and gave him a bowl of water.

Just had a family meal after visiting Alton Towers. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful to ensure all our family needs where catered for. Thank you, see you tomorrow

Had a great meal and time at the Shire Horse. Great food (battered halloumi and dessert to die for!). Really good service from our server Jane who helped make it a special night. Would definitely recommend this place. Great menu incl. for fellow veggies, lovely food, friendly service and top customer service.

This was very convenient from Premier inn where we stayed one night.Initial inquiry about an evening meal, was told "we are extremely busy and you are advised to book a table" so we did for 7 pmWe had a platter for starter to share which was good.My wife had chicken pie and I had Fish and chips. We only finished half as the quality was not that good.Looking around it was nearly empty only two other tables were occupied. Definitely not "extremely busy"The furniture showed their age rather old and worn

We went and visited the venue last week! Instantly when we walked through the door we were made to feel welcome! The ambience was just beautiful! A great host Darren reassured us as this was our first experience out. He did say what we needed to do and all the different measures in place for our safely. A lovely waitress called Lorna came and took our drinks order and told us what the soup of the day was. She was so nice. We had some lovely starters and some equally tasty mains. We enquired who had cooked our food and a lovely server called Jess explained that it was a chef called Mike! Compliments to the chef and the whole team! We shall definitely be returning!!!

A nice comfortable restaurant with a fairly good menu served by friendly efficient staff. It got very busy and it's certainly advisable to book your table in advance, at least during this interim stage of 'un-lockdown'.

Lovely food as always, we only live round the corner and it's on our regular dog walk, so very easy to pop in. Our host Lorna has served us many times and is such a fab host and ever so friendly and helpful. Would happily recommend the Shire Horse.

We visited The Shire horse for lunch. They were very accommodating with us choosing our own table (due to having a baby and pushchair). The food was amazing. We had a sharing platter to start and a main meal each. The ingredients were high quality and fresh and the food came out in good time. Medium rare steak was cooked perfectly. We always choose calamari everywhere we eat (in other countries too) and this calamari was one of the best we’ve tasted!!! Drink orders were taken and arrived very quickly. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the food/ drink. It’s the first time we’ve eaten here but it definitely won’t be the last!!!

A smooth experience to venture out again. Booking was easy, all Covid safety measures observed in the pub. Our server Gina was friendly and fast and our food lived up to our expectations.

We had a lovely meal along with a few drinks, our first outing after lockdown. Fantastic service from Lorna, who was really friendly and helpful. We will be back very soon.

First visit since the second lockdown lifted and allowed us into pubs for meals . Have to say was very well organised food was amazing and our service by a young lady called Becky was second to none . Food was tasty and value for money. Will be visiting again Jackie

Excellent service and friendly staff thoughtful and happy to help with a great manner beer was tasteful and food good

Called in at 2.30 today. Both had the lunchtime menu and the quality was excellent. The atmosphere was very friendly and all the staff were following the government guidelines. A very pleasant experience. Well done to Darren and Jess

Had lunch today and was greeted by Darren the manager and could not fault him and his team for looking after us.. the food was excellent and we will certainly be back as soon as they reopen in December

Visited early afternoon and decided on the lunchtime menu. The choice was very good and the quality was excellent. Our table had been sanitised and the staff were wearing ppe. We felt very safe and enjoyed the experience. A special thank you to Jess who looked after us.

Lovely meal, everything was cooked to perfection, fast friendly service and great atmosphere. Can't wait until I'm next in Stafford and can visit again!

Popped in for lunch with a friend and we were immediately greeted with a warm welcome from the staff. Every accommodation was made for us as I am heavily pregnant and on crutches. The staff were attentive and friendly during our entire visit. The food was excellent and was a good sized portion. I look forward to returning and trying Head chef Mikes specials.

Lovely food, nothing too much trouble, Jane was very attentive and knew the menu well. Will definitely go again.

Slow service , aware we had to vacate by 10pm but felt uneasy from 9.10pm staff collecting our glasses asking us to pay the bill and rushed us out even though they took an hour to deliver our food, belly pork was just pure fat...won’t be returning

Popped in for a coffee & cake today. Manager is welcoming and on the ball re COVID. Very nice and relaxed atmosphere with real fire burning. Coffee and cake very good. The quality service makes the difference.

Good food lovely place and staff welcoming in particular our server Jess who was excellent and thoughtful thank you we will be back

The food at staff at this restaurant are excellent value for money, I travel around the country a lot with my job and I have to say this is one of the restaurants I enjoy the most. The staff have managed to prefect the art of being completely professional but friendly at the same time. Special thanks to Lorna, who the amazing ability to remember customers names which is really nice and gives that personal touch.

Called in last minute for a lunch and had a very nice thick beef burger. Staff were great and its still nice inside. Great place just off M6 Junction 14.

The front of house team were brilliant, but that is as far as any positive feedback goes. Waited an inexplicable amount of time for the kitchen to produce what was certainly one of the worst meals out we have ever had. Tasteless, instant fare that could’ve been ready in minutes (microwave pizza for example) yet it somehow took an hour and a half to be produced. Some of the items were inedible (mashed potato that had sat for so long it had a hard skin across the surface, Mac n Cheese that was akin to a packet of pasta and sauce you would only consider eating as a student)! The waitress was very helpful, apologetic and doing a great job. We were given a discount for the delay, but sadly that doesn’t make up for the disgusting standard of food we received. After such a long wait to find that none of the meals reflected any kind of time spent producing them was very disappointing. We will not be returning, and I would certainly suggest thinking twice before parting with your money to eat such dire offerings.

Lovely, friendly and helpful service. Thoroughly recommend. Easy parking. Covid friendly. Great for family gatherings.

Excellent food the lamb pie was superb, great friendly service From Sarah. I can highly recommend The Shire Horse

Good Sunday roast made more enjoyable by a very attentive Jess,nothing too much trouble. All precautions taken, everywhere spotless.

Our food was amazing, we were served by Becky and she was extremely helpful and polite. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be coming back again.

We called in for Sunday dinner and we both had Signature Roast dinners. Food was hot and very tasty. One of us is dairy intolerant but this what not a problem as they tailor made the meal to suit - they also have a tablet where you can view allergens and ingredients to help with meal selection. Service was very good by the very efficient Gina. She was very knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. Covid measures are in place and strictly followed, they have a dedicated staff member monitoring and cleaning surfaces around the building which was reassuring. Thank you, we will return x

Great food as always, customer service was fantastic and thanks to Gina who was really attentive & professional.

A big thank you for making our visit safe and for looking after us. The food was fantastic and the staff were really helpful and friendly.

Olivia, Gina, Buckie, Darren, jess and Oliver were all fantastic and looked after me all afternoon thank you shire horse

Just been for a lovely family meal. We were looked after by Tina who was great couldnt do any more for us. The food was fantastic. Couldn't fault the place well definitely be back.

Since the restrictions it can be hard to enjoy a lunch out but the shire horse in stafford was brilliant. Clean,warm,safe and friendly plus an excellent meal. Well done to Tina

Very safe and friendly, The host Tina was fantastic and very helpful x would definitely recommend and visit again.Food was also excellent.

Great food and excellent service by Tina. Pub was very clean and well spaced out. We'll be back thank you.

We had a wonderful visit, excellent food and wonderful service! We had a lovely visit Jane was exceptional and made our visit so pleasant we will definitely return!

came in for a quick drink and the service was brilliant by all staff. Beckiiee was very polite and attentive.