Stanley Arms in St. Helens

[Remains one of the best quintessential english pubs] , great food and pleasant atmosphere. Continues over time to produce great tasteful food from professionals who ensure with the help of staff that you have a positive visit. Has over time had loyal customer base who enjoyed excellent available beverages throughout the day or [evening, convivial and positive in friendly atmosphere], all are always welcome to taste the fayre [drinkx] spring: it would seem prices for drinks have risen, in a sluggish economy with low consumer spending/changes customers are going to be reluctant to visit and spend, such a shame when loyal regulars had pushed to promote this establishment, ?

Food was nice staff where lovely and pleasant and attentive. Would have been 5 stars except £5.20 for 2 pint glasses of lime and soda the mark up on that is criminal. Otherwise lovely pub

Excellent meal. Staff went the extra mile all in all, and we really enjoyed it. Will definitely be back. From entering the establishment to leaving was well worth the experience.

We booked The Stanley Arms for dinner with friends, they had never been before, as always the food was delicious. We all had something different and every meal top class. My husband is vegetarian and loves vegan food, the choice was excellent. Keep up the good work guys, you never fail

Family of six for a well deserved catch up. Everyone enjoyed the staters especially the black pudding salad and bang bang cauliflower bao buns. Star of the show was the ‘thatched lamb shank pie. Just delicious. Was very busy when we were seated, but young staff were conscientious and lovely. Will definately be back soon , highly recommend .

An amazing meal at the Stanley! I ordered the Ploughman’s and it was perfect, Fresh sausage rolls crisp salad everything was delicious! My partner had the Pie which after trying was equally as tasty! Thoroughly enjoyed and will be back

Something has changed. Food was awful. Hanging kebab with a SMALL sauce pot of curry as the chicken madras. Bizarre. Dry meat. Salty curry sauce and appalling presentation. My partner had mushroom bougignon. 5 mushrooms in it. A salad that was the size of a large spoon and a dry dome of rice. We have been going to this pub for years. It's the worst pub meal we have had in a long time and we won't be going back. In fact, I normally can't be bothered to fill these things out but we were so shocked how bad it was, we had to say something. My partner calmly complained about her meal and asked to speak to the manager but nobody was presented to us, despite bringing it up again when we paid the bill.

The Stanley was our the “go to” for Sunday Lunch. Yesterday was well below standard. The service was poor, staff walking around the pub trying to find tables for orders. Our order was wrong when we eventually got it. The beef was hard. I did mention when I paying the bill that I wasn’t happy with the meal. Hope you get back to the high standard you had

I haven't been there why send me this?

The food was really good. It was plentiful and reasonably priced. Young staff worked hard. You probably need to get your dog policy sorted. Google says you are dog friendly, when we booked for five and a dog we were told we couldn't have the dog AT the bar we didn't know this meant nowhere inside and you booked us a table outside but it was a cold day. During the meal, a member of staff knocked two sets of cultlery off a table. A few minutes later, she picked them off the floor and placed them on the table. A gentleman in his eighties then sat at the table and was about to use them before I intervened.

Went for a family funeral, we had buffet so can't comment to much on the bar staff as I didn't go to the bar. They food was really good tasted like home made hearty food. They staff I did see were friends with smiles on, being helpful. I would like to visit on better circumstances.

A great spot for food or just a drink. Pub gardens great too

Had a great night in the Stanley, lovely food, great atmosphere 👌

Service was impeccable from every member of staff. Food was beautiful and the desserts were very moreish. Very beautiful interior and great views while you eat their incredible food.

Quite a varied menu and we had another top notch tea of battered fish and chips cooked by an excellent chef which was still piping hot half way through meal. We’ve experienced amazing service from all the staff… well done! This time we even made room for dessert and WOW now fully stuffed and can’t wait our next visit. OOPS sorry no photos as meal cried out to be eaten first 😋

If you like a nice cosy country pub away from loud and rowdy crowds this is your place! The staff are amazing and helpful, very busy tending to tables and always smiling! The food was amazing and at a quality I would put at a level alongside several high end restaurants we have visited and at a very reasonable price. I had the spicy belly pork bites for a starter which I would recommend, for mains I had the cod and chips with mushy peas which was cooked perfectly. We eat out regularly when we are out and about and would safely say this is the best pub serving food we have visited within a 50 mile radius of Liverpool! 10/10........ only the 1 picture of food unfortunately as was too busy eating it!

What a beautiful menu spoilt for choice. Lovely old environment. Beautiful out door area. And good selection of beverages. They have a different specials menu every week. And a normal menu with like fish and chips and pie and burgers on.

It's really great food at the Stanley Arms. Lovely atmosphere and fantastic service. I'm looking forward to our next visit.

Lovely couple hours… very enjoyable Guinness and chips after a lovely walk on Formby..

Lovely country pub, excellent service with homemade food

Food wasn't really worth the money spent staff were in some sort of disagreement with each other which ruined the mood

Food first class, female chef is fit!

My wife and I both enjoyed our visit. The staff were very friendly and helpful showing us to our table with space for her wheelchair as requested. We both had the Sunday lunch, mine the beef my wife ordered lamb. Both meats very tender with plenty of fresh vegetables. Fully recommend. Thank you all

Beautifully presented food, roast beef very tender with great choice of veg and served on hot plates. Was really impressed and will certainly be returning

Saw reviews & requested a table for Sunday Lunch via a message I had a reply within a few minutes . I was met on arrival by a lovely lady who showed us to our table explaining what specials they had handing both a normal menu & a special menu I chose the onion soup which was excellent my partner had prawn cocktail which she said was the best she ever ate. I had roast beef my partner roast chicken we both agreed 5 star the beef, yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes excellent our waiter was very attentive ensuring drinks etc was kept up . All in All best Sunday Dinner we have both had in many years and will certainly be back 100% we'll recommended. Thank you.

This is a lovely place to eat. Meals are large, but they do small plates if you ask. Cooked and presented beautifully. Staff are young, but so well trained. They are a credit to themselves and the person who manages them. Excellent experience all round. Thank you.

Guarwnteed good home cooked meals, great for Sunday roast. You will need to book as it gets really busy. Can book larger groups for birthday celebrations etc Staff all friendly & helpful

Lovely staff, great atmosphere and amazing food!!!

Friendly staff, hadn't booked, fit us in at bar area. Food was lovely. Thank you.

Attended my Aunty's funeral wake. The food was exceptional and the service was professional and friendly. Beautiful surrounding.

Great roadside inn,serving lovely meals in the restaurant and bar Friendly and chatty staff,very helpful

Lovely pub/ restaurant thanks for the birthday cake very thoughtful of you, hope to be back soon 😀

Had a busy day Christmas eve day so when we got to the resturant on the evening I was in need of a chill out. The atmoshpere was lovley. Very pleasant staff and the young lady who served on is, Ruby, was lovley and so helpful from start to finish. The food was delicious. My partner had the fish and chips and I didn't want a large meal so opted for a starter and chips. I'm vegatarian. It was the nicest starter I've had for a while. Breaded porchini mushrooms and stilton dip. I asked for the recipe of the dip it was sooooo tasty. Not only did the chief give me the recipe he gave me a sample in a tub. How kind was that. We felt so chilled when we left. We visit the Stanley Arms often and even had my husbands birthday party there last year. Never disappointed. Thankyou

Lovely service and food was excellent.

Great pre Christmas Sunday dinner meal with the family.

Lovely staff, food and surroundings, reasonably priced

Another amazing Sunday lunch. Food is really good quality. Service is fantastic with very friendly staff. Love coming here

Exceptional meal this afternoon. Roasts all round. Lovely starter, mains and desserts! Thank you!

Came here today for a family meal for my mum's birthday. The food was excellent - roast beef properly cooked and delicious. Service was excellent, with attentive host and waiting staff. We have been coming here for many years and today did not disappoint. A lovely family restaurant with delicious food and a homely atmosphere.

Fantastic food, proper country pub. Will definitely come back, the outdoor seating area will be great in the summer!

Sunday, Limited menu, only one vegetarian option, not as described. Didn't bother with starters or sweets, had spent enough by then.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot recommend the Stanley Arms in St. Helens highly enough! From the moment we arrived, the service was nothing short of impeccable. The staff were welcoming, attentive, and genuinely cared about ensuring we had the best experience possible. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, blending traditional charm with a modern twist. The food was absolutely top-notch—delicious, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavour. The menu caters to all tastes, and every dish we tried was cooked to perfection. What really sets the Stanley Arms apart is the attention to detail. Whether it’s the perfectly poured drinks, the spotless environment, or the friendly smiles from the team, every aspect of this pub is clearly managed with pride and professionalism. If you’re looking for a venue that delivers exceptional food, drinks, and service in a welcoming and relaxed setting, look no further than the Stanley Arms. It’s a gem that deserves every bit of praise it gets. I’ll definitely be back.

Very nice 3 course Sunday roast

Great place, friendly, helpful, good food and 'just right' service.

Food was good but disappointingly still only one vegetarian dish on the menu . Tiramisu dessert looked like one straight from the local wholesalers and not worth the money charged, as it was same price as the all the other desserts on the menu!!

Had family meal last Friday and everyone had a roasting hot meal

First time I've been here. The staff were lovely. Food and service was good. I would definitely return..

Wonderful food. Very pleasant and helpful staff.Recommended.

Always used to rate this place but wow it’s gone downhill. Booked for my son’s birthday. On booking, asked if they had gluten free menu and was told most things including sauces were gluten free. Asked if could bring birthday cake was told yes fine not a problem. Menu had one gluten free meal on for mains. Had to negotiate with waitress to speak to chef and make something gluten free which was done granted. But don’t lie when I book. When I asked for cake to be brought out was told we couldn’t cut or eat the cake on the premises. Decided not to bother. Needed to cut cake to give sliced to family to take home, asked for a bit of tin foil which was a palaver so reluctant to provide this. Oh and chicken was disgusting way over cooked can tell had been sat in sauce and had dried out. Paid bill and left, thanks for spoiling my sons birthday we won’t return. Can’t see a problem providing our own cake as dessert when the meals are costly enough and drinks bought with meals. Seriously loosen up and stop spoiling people’s fun. Almost everywhere allows cakes !

Great food and nice relaxing atmosphere. Helpful friendly staff.

I picked The Stanley for a family meal and catch up. The food was outstanding as usual and the service was friendly and professional. I would have no hesitation in recommending this place.

Amazing building in the middle of farmers fields. Classic British pub/restaurants. Lovely art, decor, and atmosphere. Staff were super friendly and were often chatting with the customers. Reasonable prices too which I didn't expect!

Just had a lunch with my Dad and Uncle, great food and I am gluten free and fructan free. Good service and friendly staff .

Although not a lot of choice for vegetarians my requests for a variation on the menu was met willingly and the result was excellent. Great staff too.

Food good plenty of customers , lots of families there with young children who were very noisy. Not us prefer somewhere less crowded and not so loud.

Great choice for a birthday meal. Young, welcoming and competent staff. Improved greatly since I was last hear many years ago. Glad I came back and will definitely come back for more.

Truly a delightful place, and the staff was just lovely! I had my first ever Sunday Roast here and it was delicious.

We had not been to the Stanley Arms for some time. We were not disappointed. The food and service was excellent. The prices are fair and the restaurant is lovely and clean. Staff brought my Mum's birthday cake and everyone clapped, Mum was made up. We'll definitely be back.xx

No designated disabled parking, the access is OK for a wheelchair but no accessible toilet unfortunately. The food was first class an excellent Sunday lunch. The service was just right no rushing.

Came here on Sunday,it was our first visit but won't be our last. Food was amazing, homemade,hot and plenty of it. Service was second to none, very attentive. Would recommend a visit.

Thought we would treat ourselves to a cheesecake to realise asoon as we ate it it’s a £12 Costco cheesecake they’re selling for £7 a slice! Thought better of this place! Eat here a lot too, will think twice now.

Great gluten free selections and attention to detail re celiac disease

We have attended the Stanley arms so many times that we can't fault it. Family owed & family run. Yesterday we held our Mum's wake there, absolutely fabulous service & the most beautiful buffet. Very attentive but not intrusive, great young man on the bar. 5 stars & thank you from the Leyland family.

Very enjoyable experience with helpful, pleasant staff. Food was very good, well presented and good beautifully. First time but won’t be the last.

Food amazing, freshly cooked service top of the shop. Surrounding nice calm relaxing feel, we were in the snug as it was really busy, which was great for us, going back to see what the roast dinner is like 👍

Lovely staff lovely home cooked food

Me & husband went on Sunday evening. The staff were very welcoming & polite. We both had Sunday roast, the food was absolutely lovely & well presented. Couldn’t fault a thing. Very pleasant surroundings will definitely be returning.

Really enjoyed the food & service was excellent 👌

Lovely atmosphere and great food.

Just called as passing. Lovely atmosphere

Had a lovely meal in Nice surroundings. Friendly staff.

I have just come back from a Sunday lunch. I’m so upset. We watched the table next to us waiting for their meal and the woman in a pink top and checked trousers apologise and give them a free dessert. We were asked if we wanted to see the dessert menu by our waitress which we said yes to. 15 mins later I asked for it from the woman in pink trousers as it hadn’t arrived. She brought it and took my order. It didn’t arrive so after a further 15 mins I asked someone else. This was after the woman in pink walked past but despite catching my eye ignored my ‘excuse me’. I then had to hang about to actually find someone. When it was brought the ‘hot’ fudge cake was stone cold with the sauce having a skin on it. I asked for it to be changed which they did quickly. It still was cold and I didn’t eat it. The table next to us told us they come often and didn’t recognise the woman in pink. She appeared again and got their bill and card payment. I asked her if we could have our bill which she agreed to. 10 mins later she walked past and again pretended not to hear me or see me despite locking eyes again. The manager in a white dress with a red pattern on was lovely. I asked her for the bill and she sorted it. As we left I saw the woman in pink eating a meal!! I get it was her break but why not just say that and I’d happily have waited. Really bad service and I won’t be going back on the basis of the woman in pink who was cloyingly creepy to the people next to us whilst totally ignoring us. Terrible service.

On 12.03.24 booked the conservatory for 30th birthday meal in July for family 25 people. They took Deposit, contact number and email address and advised that they would send through the menu to choose from as we needed to pre book. (no Problem for me). 2 months later still no contact from them, phoned and explained the situation I was advised no problem they will get someone to send it over, another couple of weeks later and still nothing, so went in (I don't live close to it) spoke to another different person who said they will get someone to contact me as the boss wasn't in. Guess what "NO ONE CONTACTED ME" I sent a message on the face book page which I received an automatic response from, so I replied to that and was told you need to come into the pub. Beginning of July 3 months after the initial booking I went in again as you can image quiet annoyed at the lack of communication and still no menus, I was given a physical copy of an old menu and they wrote down someone's email address for me to sent it to. I asked if they could still email a copy over to my email address which was wrote in the diary. Also spoke to a cook about me needing gluten free as I am a coeliac she was lovely explained all the different things she could make gluten free for me as long as she had notice, Thank you to this cook she was brilliant. I then got peoples choices from the old menu as they still hadn't sent the new menu and tried to email them to the email address given it just bounced back. Went into the pub again to advise and was told someone will email me then I can just reply to that as they don't know which email address to send it to. The Monday before the meal was booked I got a phone call asking why I hadn't sent the food order through, so I explained all of above and said that I would yet again come to the pub and physically pass them the list. When I passed the list in I asked about bringing in decorations etc for them to put on the tables, I was told that was fine. I was also advised that they wont take the payments from separate people its to much hassle they prefer someone to pay in full , so another thing for me to arrange was for my bank details to them be passed to everyone for payment. The day of the meal I dropped the decorations off only to be told where are your table cloths we don't provide them and when would I be coming to set them up as they don't set things up, I was then advised that we was being put in another room with other people (we booked a separate room for a reason),which I expressed to the women I spoke to. So I was told ok you can have the room but there is a room charge.... no one has ever mentioned a room charge, the lady I spoke to said its here on the bottom of the menus we sent you...(they never sent those I was given a old menu). Anyway the night of the meal and I am one very stressed person because of all the above, we get there and all sit down early as they advised, they started to bring out the starters but missed several people out, so when a waitress came back in I asked where the rest of the starters where she said oh are you still waiting for some? we then had to advise what was missing. The kids had there main meal with the starters at our request, when they brought the adult meals again meals where missing and I had almost finished my meal and ended up going to the bar to ask where the other 6 meals where, after sometime they where brought through and we where told sorry there was a mix up when the order was written down by the staff. After a while we give in waiting for anyone to clear away any glasses or plates and I went to the bar to ask for someone to clear the room and bring desserts. Spoons where brought out and put in a pile on one of the tables so everyone had to get up and there own spoons, then the desserts came out. I can honestly say that I was ashamed for them they made the whole experience before and during totally stressful and I can honestly say the food was ok but nothing special. When I then asked for the bill they tried to overcharge me by over £100, spoke to one girl who tried to fix it and came back with a lower number but still not correct, I had the figure worked out as it was me that was paying. Eventually someone else came back with a different figure and apologised and said the other girl was new and should't have worked the bill out, they had knocked £30 for the inconvenience of the night, I paid and left as quickly as I could and told the poor waitress we would never be back. If you are thinking of booking for a party don't do it go somewhere else. How these people run a business I don't know. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

Great food great service lovely atmosphere 👌🏻

Fantastic Country Pub, great Welcoming Staff, Aaron, Dan & Charlie are a credit to The Stanley Arms.

Went for lunch for a friend's birthday super friendly staff and the food was absolutely delicious proper fresh home cooked food highly recommended 👌

I had a great evening for my birthday.

We live in the area, this was the first time we went to this pub. Very pleasant atmosphere, delicious food and friendly service. We will definitely go back there.

Visited many times but worst service ever! Booked for Sunday lunch to take my mother in law out, we have eaten at The Stanley Arms for many years but today was a shambles, the waiting staff were so inexperienced that it became the blind leading the blind, none apart from one young lady had a clue, I asked for extra gravy 3 times, eventually after a ten minute wait I had the gravy, we were not asked if we required any sauces, drinks, there was a lack of interest from anyone. The food was a mixture of the good, the bad and the terrible, my starter of salt and pepper chicken was very good, my main of roast beef was average, the meat was dry and the rest was a little tasteless, then to add insult to injury my dessert was sent right back to the kitchen, we were given the wrong dessert menu, so my choice had to change, I ordered as a second choice the jam and coconut sponge with custard, it arrived with ice cream, after mentioning this I was told to scrape the ice cream off and they would bring some custard, oh my….. the custard was solid and the coconut sponge was undercooked and disgusting, I wouldn’t mind but I waited over five minutes for the custard which was inedible, my meal turned into one big joke! The staff, only a handful must have all been new as they were shadowing each other but never actually seemed to finish the task in hand! I’m not sure what has happened at The Stanley Arms but things certainly need attention. Shame!

Very friendly service, convenient parking, and the best fried mushrooms I have ever eaten in my life. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of it.

We visit this place often, the food is generally good and the service is always good. However we had a bad experience booking our table, the lady we spoke to was rude, abrupt and actually lied to us. We requested a round table if available, and she snapped that all the round tables had been moved to the conservatory. Simply not true, there are 2 round tables . She was rude taking our deposit, and generally gave the impression we were inconveniencing her. This is a shame, because the service staff are always so pleasant and helpful.

Always great Sunday dinners here with great staff

Went with family for our anniversary today service and food excellent friendly atmosphere would recommend we all had a good day

Fabulous midweek meal... husband had prawn cocktail, which he said was excellent, followed by brisket with chips and onion rings, which was all also amazing! I has the black pudding and chorizo starter, followed by salmon with king prawn and new potatoes, again incredible! I would only go midweek as the inside appears small but beautiful big outside terrace which looks like it would get busy. Fresh San Miguel on tap too! All round great meal, staff and service, glad they're not part of a chain. Going back very soon 😋

Plenty of menu options and a good kids menu. Food is always of great quality. Staff our great.

Went for lunch last Sunday for my birthday, 6 of us. We all had a lovely meal, and the service was very good. Staff very attentive, would recommend

Three people visited one roast chicken dinner, one roast beef dinner and the beef and mushroom with pepper sauce all meals were piping hot and well presented the roasts were delicious and the beef and mushroom was first class best meal I have had Dining out for a long time. We have visited here a good few times for Sunday lunch and evening meal and food has always been top class

Dont know if this place has been tsken over the last few years but that roast dinner was the worst roast dinner i have ever had thinly sliced bland meat i ordered a leg of lamb for it to turn up sliced instead off on the bone watery gravy the carrots smelt like smelly feet 🤢 no extras that can be ordered worst 60 pound i have ever spent in me life i will not be returning the dinner was on par with jail food

This is a lovely spot with great views from the window and a large conservatory which turned out too cold for us. The Sunday evening menu is extremely limited in scope and there was only one vegetarian ‘choice’ which was disappointing. However what really ruined the evening was the lack of service. There was a surprisingly large number of staff mostly standing in groups chatting or cleaning tables but we couldn’t get any attention. We had to chase them for menus, my sister had to interrupt her meal to go to the bar. We had to search for them to get dessert menus and honestly it was the worst service I’ve ever had. They even failed to bring back our change (only a few pounds but still). The shame of it is the food was really enjoyable and the general ambience was nice but I would really hesitate to return under the circumstances.

Very nice pub, come across it as we were on are way home, had a bit to eat and drink, would like to go back in the evening

Really good tasty food, friendly atmosphere, good value for money, freshly cooked, good portions, will definitely be back,

Good tasty fresh food, good service, nice atmosphere

Excellent pub with excellent grub!

We went with my wife's relatives never been before, wow what a great meal it was, service first rate staff very friendly. Going back again soon got the card in my phone case, can't pass up a place that's so good.👍👍🙏

Incredible food and a lovely place to relax for a few hours.

Gorgeous meal tonight at The Stanley Arms! Very cosy vibe and staff were lovely particularly Paul!! Will definitely be coming back!

Visited here recently on a Sunday for a birthday meal with family and sat in the conservatory which is spacious and bright. The Sunday menu is a small selection of roast dinners and a few other meals such as Cumberland sausage, vegetable lasagna and pie of the day. I found the Sunday menu particularly disappointing in terms of selection compared to other days. There was a small selection of specials on the day. I ordered salt & pepper chicken starter, which came as 4 chicken goujons in a kind of sweet chilli sauce with onions, small salad and single prawn cracker. My wife ordered garlic breaded mushrooms which came with a white sauce on the side. Both starters were tasty, and a decent size costing around £7/£8 each. For mains I got the chicken roast dinner, which was a small chicken breast, 2 roast potatoes, a lump of mashed potato, a small ramekin of stuffing and lots of gravy. Vegetables come in shared bowls, which doesn't tend to work well for large tables. I ended up without any at my end of the table, when asked for more was told that enough was on the table and no more would be brought out. One bowl was brought closer - which is fine but it wasn't what I expected to hear when paying £15 for a meal. I'd prefer vegetables to be served on the plate. My wife got a sweet potato curry pie and chips from the specials menu which she enjoyed. We personally didn't order any desserts but there looked to be a large selection priced around £6.50 each. Other people on the table who ordered them were pleased with their selections. The young staff members waiting on were pleasant, helpful, and did a great job managing multiple tables. Overall I enjoyed the starter, the main was ok but I would have expected better for the price. I personally would like to see more choices on the Sunday menu.

First time here food was lovely service was fine only one complaint wife had the trifle and it came out with flaked almonds on but didn't say it had almonds on .

Amazing food good size portions , well presented, staff went the extra mile to make us feel welcome excellent service, We went for pre theatre meal with the family.. Only 10 mins from St Helens theatre, perfect location no restaurant in St Helens to this standard.. Maybe they could introduce a pre theatre menu.. Just a thought 🤔

Lovely friendly service, fabulous food. Quiet atmosphere as we were sat in a nook for 5 of us. Will go again