The Black Lion Pub in Staffordshire Moorlands

Lovely spot to stop off for a drink. Friendly place. Serves wide range of drinks. Dog friendly. Didn't have food on this occasion

I had heard how good it was and so rang to enquire about wheelchair access. I spoke with a Katie who tried her best to describe the two ways into the pub, both had steps but her uncertainty led me to go and see for myself. The front was too big a step for my small powered wheelchair and the step at the rear was to the garden only and was just about doable with assistance. Katie went to some length to assure me that the owner was getting a ramp for the front, but in my experience if it's not in place in 2024 after years of there being a need for one, then I don't expect to see one any time soon. Lovely helpful staff, nice food and choice of beer but unless you're okay wrapped in a blanket to keep warm and surrounded by umbrellas to keep the rain off you as I was, then don't go if you use a wheelchair.

Amazing place especially with good weather. The food was delicious (especially the chips), the staff were lovely and the cherry bakewell cider was a revelation. We saw the steam train and relaxed in the sun, I would definitely recommend it. Ps mind the potholes one the way there.

What a great pub, friendly landlord and great beer.👍 a fantastic location by the canal and train tracks. The pies were amazing and reasonably priced.

The Black Lion Consall Forge is a fantastic traditional pub set in an idyllic picturesque location and is a great place to wind down, eat, drink, relax and smile. It truly is special. The landlord and staff are genuinely friendly and serve an ever changing variety of beers and ciders, together with low or non alcohol alternatives, hot beverages and soon to return Daltons dairy ice cream. My own regular favourite beers include those from Falstaff and Lymestone breweries and the jewel in the crown is Consall Dark Ruby Extra Mild (known as Consall Mild) which is brewed nearby. To draw a comparison, I personally would pick Consall Mild in favour of the highly rated Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby! Foodwise, I especially enjoy the hot meat baps, quality pies and pizza. These are excellent value and included on a limited menu whilst the kitchen is currently being refurbished.

There are many things in this world that are a joy and the Black Lion is amongst the best. The Staff are great, the Landlord a gem, and the atmosphere is one that is sadly lacking in 90% of pub in England. Special mention should be given to the beer which is always varied especially the “Consall Mild” which contrary to some reviews, is brilliant, a challenge but brilliant and is what should beer should be full of flavour, colour, strength and the knowledge that’s it’s been made by a person rather than a machine, long live Consall Mild and the mighty lion, much light xx

Absolutely fantastic. Great selection of beers and hearty home cooked food. Stunning location and a proper traditional English pub feel to it. Well worth a visit...highly recommend.

One of the local beers 'Consall Mild' was unpleasant to drink. Esterification occured during fermentation.

The food was really high quality. The service was great. We were a large party and it felt like we had the place to ourselves.

Quite a journey on a tricycle to get there but well worth it for the view. The beef and horseradish buttie was very nice and the staff friendly. There was a lot of mess outside but I believe they'd had a few problems with a fire and then a flood so I can't be critical as work was going on while we were there and I'm sure in a few weeks they'll be up and running as before. The setting by the canal is lovely and an old train coming past was a bonus.

Great friendly pub; serving a very moreish cider and irish stout, lovely atmosphere. We really enjoyed our visit on St Patricks Day listening to the Salty Dog Band play

A lovely out of the way pub. Landlord is very friendly. Pork and apple baps are lovely and so are the chips. Can’t wait to go back again although I visited five days in a row!

Very much a drinkers pub, but nice bar snacks and light bites. No thrills, bells or whistles. Lovely location and great place to stop after a walk from getting off train or walking up the canal

Great atmosphere with friendly staff

Great pub , good selection of beer and cider

Always a great stop on a walk. Great selection of beers and ciders

Nice countryside pub away from it all, with nice walks by the canal and if you're lucky will see some trains going past.

Dropped in for a beer and ate afternoon snack on the quiet Saturday between Christmas and New Year. Even tho' the landlord said they were short of food by then, having been so busy, the service and the lime flavoured scotch egg were excellent. the locals/other customers were friendly, adn there were or 4 nice dogs to say 'hello'.

I really don’t know how this place has so many reviews in the last few years of walking this area im yet to see this place open, Until today we saw a sign stating they were open serving hot drinks oatcakes etc So off we went On arrival the decor of the black lion on the outside is messy it could really do with an update and just a general tidy There was a waitress another lady and a gent and not one person said hello to me Just looked up and carried on what they were doing I felt so awkward that I went back to my husband to ask if he’d ask for drinks as I felt so unwelcome My partner went to order us a cup of tea and hot chocolate Walked over to the gent and lady who again didn’t even look up at him He asked if he could order some drinks to be told they wasn’t opening for half an hour That’s fine I can adhere to opening times Maybe some opening times on your little sign Maybe a polite hello. Anything. The waitress was doing a good job of wiping the same table though! Keep up the good work black lion Really looks like your business and customer service is booming.

Brilliant little pub .A hidden gem .Would highly recommend

Just a shame it's all outdoors at the moment due to a fire but still a great place to visit.

Needs a bit of an update but can tell the bar staff are interested in delivering a simple honest pint! Would visit again

Lovely setting will be again when it's all up again after fire damage. But still a great place for a pint when it is open check to avoid disappointment. But still worth supporting so they can get fully open asp.

Great place to go if you can find it

Fantastic place brilliant landlord fantastic staff and food

Brilliant pub by the side of the canal and railway. Even though they had a fire in September 2022, they were still working hard with a little outside bar and kitchen to keep folks fed and watered. I can highly recommend a pint of Black Hole.

Lovely outside bar with lots of seating overlooking the train line, there is a really lovely atmosphere when the steam trains go through. The food is basic (as they can only cook outdoors) but was tremendous! You know it's freshly cooked to order. The owner and staff are really working hard to keep this lovely place alive.

Lovely wander in the beautiful sunshine to the Black Lion, it's been a tough time for this small business yet the Landlord still manages to smile and carry on. Service is swift with abit of banter, food is a temporary menu but tasty and plentiful, there's a drink to suit most tastes. The steam trains, views and sunshine make it easy to forget the time but why hurry, life's to short. Looking forward to the re-opening party when inside is all good again.

Fantastic pub nestled in the beautiful Consall Valley. Jason and his team are superb and do their best to ensure you feel 'at home'. Brilliant range of beer and ciders, cocktails and the food is excellent. They are currently open outside only due to a fire which sadly caused the pub to close but this hasn't dampened their spirits and they're doing a cracking job. The review Stephen Mills has written below is absolute rubbish, the inside of the pub isn't open, only the outside bar due to the mentioned fire.

Great unspoiled place with heaps of character!

Brilliant place, so scenic and interesting. It's a real shame that the actual pub isn't open due to fire damage, but the staff do a fantastic job with the outside bar. Food is available, too. Cracking place to visit xxx

Lovely atmosphere in a great setting. Wasn't expecting live music so that was a bonus. Great oatcakes and ales. Can't wait to return!

Good beer, better cider, good food. No net access.

Cracking pub in great location.

Everything was grand! Great local cask ales, amazing burgers!!! Excellent service with a smile. The pub is truly a gem!!! 😁🍻 We will definitely return.

Fascinating collection of industrial heritage, nature walks and, a great pub all in one place

Great pint of Dave's black hole 👍

Brilliant country pub very friendly with great food and beer

Christmas Lunch as a group of 20+, lovely and so much better than I expected for a Small pub, service was ok, served with a smile with just a few hiccups which did not spoil it at all in fact raised a few laughs. Would definitely recommend it and go back again.

Great for a lunch stop while walking along the canal, plenty of covered outdoor sitting so suitable for dogs. Great value food, especially the hot meat baps on Sundays.

Lovely pub, great staff and excellent food and ale.

Very enjoyable experience food & drinks very good

What a great place and thanks for some great food.

Food was average, we had beef and gravy bap, bread was past it's best unfortunately

Visited with group of 18 Probus friends travelling on nearby Churnet Valley Railway. Pre-ordered meals were served quickly and proved excellent, both in flavour and value. Made very welcome by the friendly staff. Lovely situation!

I LOVE this pub! A couple of miles away it goes single lane and it looks as if you’re entering private land (keep driving). Then an old wooden sign directs up a hill along what I would call a bridleway (I’m being generous here). Stay in first gear and drive around the potholes. There are mercilessly few passing places. Half a mile or so later...just when it looks like all is lost....as if arising from the ashes is this picture postcard pub. Park. Walk across the canal, over the train line and into one of the very best traditional pubs I’ve been to in a long time. Clearly I’m not the only one who loves this place. Nicely busy.

Visited the pub as a stop off from the steam train experience. It was very busy with a large pre booked group but Jason still made sure that we also had the chance to get our order in. The food didn't disappoint, good belly filling pub grub (the most massive roast pork, stuffing apple sauce bap with beef dripping fries) Friendly banter and happy faces. Look forward to our next visit. Best to book.

Good place to visit on a sunny day . Good food and a good Sunday lunch. Dog friendly.

After reading some of these reviews I feel I have to have my say. This pub is something else! Home cooked food, family friendly, superb location, dog friendly no clickiness everyone welcome we visit here regularly since lockdown was lifted & have never had any issues. The food is just amazing. Nothing better than proper chips these days, I had the gammon egg chips & peas & much to my disappointment couldn’t even finish there was that much. It was absolutely delicious. There has been issues recently I’ve seen about a water problem but they keep people updated regularly via social media etc. (Obviously not complaining at all this is something unfortunate & out of their control). Moving on to some of the previous reviews about parking I have followed their page on facebook and seen posts from the manager asking people not to park on there unless they are going to the pub as at busy times people are struggling for a space. The car park isn’t exactly massive I mean its not like you’re fighting for a space at all hours but can imagine if every Tom Dick & Harry parked there because they wanted to visit a separate establishment the other side of the canal before hand or take their pooch for a walk its preventing people being able to park who actually want to support that business (I mean the sign clearly states its their car park 🤷‍♀️) and keep them going I’d not be best pleased either. You wouldn’t park on Morrisons & walk 10 mins away to visit Tesco would you 😂. So for anyone wondering whether to visit because of the absolutely ridiculous negative reviews on here….where someone is livid that they have been told they can’t park there for 2 hours while they visit a tea room take my word do not be put off, I am the Queen of shouting from the rooftops if I have an issue somewhere & can honestly say hand on heart I had no issue whatsoever & my young children (and dogs) will 100% be returning whether that be for a cheeky half or some fab food from either the kitchen or the BBQ 🥳 10/10 from all of us

We don’t live too far from this area and always had good service when visiting. Normally we walk from Froghall stop have lunch and walk back. Today we decided to park on the pub car park opposite and walk to Hettys tea room and back for our lunch. We crossed over and I was asked if we were walking and I said yes but we were coming back for lunch and I was met with ‘everyone says that’ which I sort of understand. Then I was that ‘there’s a nice concrete car park not too far away ‘… which was completely condescending…. Which I treated it with the contempt it deserved and said nothing. I walked back to our car and said to my husband shall we pay for our food then he knows we’re coming back. So walked back over and spoke to the rather abrupt person and offered to pay for food to be met with more rudeness and abruptness saying I don’t even know if we’re doing food as we’ve a water leak yadder yadder yadder at which point I walked away whilst he was spouting off not allowing his obvious lack of manners and self awareness to spoil my day It’s very disappointing to be treated in such a way particularly when we were offering a reasonable solution to the problem to be met with a condescending tone abruptness and rudeness. My only annoyance is that I mistakenly returned despite my initial treatment and allowed him to be rude yet again to me. We shall definitely be giving this place a wide birth from now on which is such a shame We had an amazing lunch served with a smile in Dilhorne thanks to you we’ve found an even better place to visit 😊

Can't beat it, out in the sticks but always busy. Friendly and efficient staff, good food and drink.

We had a great walk then went to the Black lion pub lovely place .They now do breakfasts we only had a drink. But so many say the food is excellent .Its in beautiful surroundings on the Canal . The staff were very friendly and helpful .Well worth a visit .

Excellent food as always. Cooked to order so lovely and hot. Portions generous but prices not expensive at all. Sunday lunch is brilliant but need to book. Startin a takeaway service just take a plate

We camped here for 2 nights, no charge as long as you use the pub. They have a great selection on the bar, craft beers, cider (good cider), gin and rum. Excellent value food too! Lovely to sit outside and wave at the Steam Trains. Highly recommended.

As stated on signs the black lion is open Thursday till Sunday for breakfast at 10am. We arranged with some friends breakfast and a dog walk as they have a nice outdoor seating area and dogs welcome. We arrived at 9.55am to be greeted with a man shouting from the pub why are you parking here. I said we are coming for food and a walk. He shouted back you cannot park here, you were here last week for hours. Yes myself and mum went on Monday for a walk and we had lunch there after, the reason we went back today. Absolutely disgusting to be greeted in such a hostile way. Myself and friends went for a walk but none of us went for food or will be returning back there for food at all. I will not be spending any money on a business who cannot be kind and civil. In this day and age you do not know what people are going through. Although you did not ruin our t day, someone else's day could have been ruined due to this man's lack of respect.

Lovely little pub. Me, my partner and his friend regularly come here. Lovely scenery and staff are very friendly and attentive. See you again soon

Fantastic food and drink and welcoming people xxx

Stunning location, food even better, with more than generous portions for the price. Strongly suggest.

Lovely little pub in an outstandingly beautiful setting. The lunchtime baps are enormous and the homemade chips are delicious. Well worth driving along the dirt track to get there!

Not been for a while, nipped in for a spot of lunch around 1pm a few people there but still managed to get a table. Good to go back.

What a fantastic pub!!! Plenty of outdoor seating some in the sun but plenty in shade for those that need it and for it it's raining. Real ale pub which does lovely cocktails and a great choice of cider too. The food was really good fast friendly service good potion sizes amazing chips and a few vegan option just ask for them. We camped on their field for 2 nights and it was fantastic lovely walks on the doorstep and of course no need to carry supplies as the pub has everything you need.couldbt fault them!!!

Bit out the way but loverly place and great value for money

You can camp for free as long as you support the pub. Good selection of drinks and cocktails, and very good meals & breakfasts!

Lovely old, quirky pub.. Great place to visit. Staff friendly. Fantastic choose of ciders, ales. Food superb. Well worth a visit.

Beautiful Spot, a must visit, get the ale train from Foxley, walk along the canal or just Drive

Very good food staff are very helpful

Food excellent. Plenty of smaller items plus full meals. Service at bar very very slow. Don't know if it's the till or the lady serving. Wanted another drink but not to wait 10 minutes at the bar.

Lovely isolated pub, good food and ale. Very friendly too. The view from the garden.

Such a nice pub and fantastic staff and owner, food is great and good value for money If you are traveling along the canal definitely stay and visit A warm welcome awaits you

Great little pub, great food for lunch and nice beer. Sitting outside in the sun it's hard to beat this place. There is a car park, but it's also a nice place to stop if you're walking along the canal.

Nice coffee great location and remote

Price service all very good especially as we were tourists

Really nice pub, good food and in a stunning location

Such a lovely afternoon spent in the sunshine having some lunch. Burgers were fantastic as was all of our previous meals there. Would 100% recommend a visit, scenery is beautiful

If you're bored with the carbon-copy pub template then The Black Lion is for you! No fancy fixtures here, pubs like they used to be, log fires, guest ales, home to cider and a good menu. Food is unpretentious, honest and priced fairly, there can sometimes be a wait, it gets busy, facilities are small so there aren't twenty people in the kitchen but what's the hurry in such beautiful surroundings? Steam trains and the canal surround the little step back in time, wildlife is all around, the colours of through the season really are something special in this beautiful part of the Staffordshire Moorlands. The Black Lion has it's quirks, water occasionally runs out, the well literally runs dry, can't be helped, you're there because you wanted something a little different remember, the Landlord's a little quirky lol he's a good bloke who puts the hours in and who obviously has a genuine love for the pub as he's been there for years, would have been much easier to walk away particularly during the Pandemic but he continues to bring life to the pub through many events, check the fb page for info. Don't assume that the pub is open long hours every day, pick up the phone and check. To be sat in the sunshine or by the cosy log fire you can't help but be drawn in to the Black Lion state of mind, slow down, leave your worries at the door, chat, laugh and enjoy.

Great pub, great staff extremely polite and very resnoble prices. Aswell as being right on the canal it's a great place to stop after a day out on the boat.

This pub is even just worth a visit to behold its location. With the river, train track and woods around it, it is purely idyllic. This pub serves good food, albeit a bit basic. Definitely make a reservation if you want to have a proper lunch or dinner meal, or you may be disappointed that they don't have availability. They used to and might still serve blue cheese chips that were to die for! What's more, the people who run the place are incredibly friendly and personal. A very nice atmosphere overall.

Really enjoyed my first visit to this pub, the staff were very friendly we had a good laugh. Food, very large portions and really nice. My son goes there regularly with his family. The scenery is beautiful. Must visit again.

Good drink & food very friendly

Lovely friendly pub with a great selection of ales and ciders, which the husband really enjoyed...

One of the best locations of any pub ... once you've found it! Sits beside Caldon canal, river Churnet and preserved steam railway - what could be better!

Great place, great people and the bonus of steam trains at weekends plus barges on the canal

Amazing little pub. Very nice and helpful staff, they even did take out on our lunch as we couldn't stay long.

Fine food, great selection of ales AND ciders interesting location and friendly staff. Defo not too posh, just a great pub.

Tucked in beyond the Consall RSPB walks along a winding track. This pub is nestled beside the canal and just along from Consall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway. Great food in huge portions. A jewel.

Great pub and beer. Food was well priced and delicious. Will take something special to beat here on a nice summer day/evening.

Great hosts, really enjoyed the food, great location. Must be 20 + years since last there but certainly will not be that long next time, more like a couple of weeks.

Wonderful location, great beer and fantastic chips!

Friendly staff, great settings and wonderful chips done in beef dripping. Don't tell my wife!!!!!

Lovely pub, nice menu friendly staff. Difficult to get to if walking like for me is a problem.

But if a drive and certainly off the beaten track. But we’ll worth it with a lovely atmosphere, great view and superb food and drink.

This pub is brilliant, a lovely area and great walks, when the trains are on even better! Food is fantastic well worth a trip 👍

Very good quality food an service

Amazing location , steam trains stop to let the passengers call for a drink , canal boaters too

Wonderful location, excellent food and drink at reasonable prices and excellent service and friendly staff

Always a good place to stop for a drink and a bite to eat beautiful spot 🍺

Filthy ladies toilets with a scrawled memo/rhyme in each cubicle asking people not to flush the loo if you've only had a pee ! Only one hand-wash basin, the left hand tap gives a tiny dribble of cold water, the right hand tap completely falls away ! Seemingly the pub has a spring well for water. Makes me wonder how well the staff wash their hands before touching food during prep, touching plates, cutlery etc ? The pub might be a rough & ready walkers pub, but there's no excuse for tardiness. Won't visit again.

Quaint pub on the banks of the canal and alongside the chutney valley railway so you can see steam trains passing whilst having food / drink. Didn't eat on this occasion but what I saw others having looked decent pub grub, tried a Rhubarb cider which was really different and refreshing. Would definitely recommend on a summers day when you can sit out and enjoy the views

Character pub with food and good selection of beers considering its remote location. Well worth a visit if you are walking, boating, or passing on the steam railway. Use it or lose it 🍺👍

Location, location, location! Nice beer also, the Export is a must try.