The Malt Shovel in Wakefield

Cracking pie, struggled to finish it but it was too good not to

Food was delicious, portion size was very generous. Beef was very tender and juicy and the pastry is the lightest and crispiest pastry I've ever encountered

Excellent food and a good selection.. their fresh made pies are worth every penny..

For£16 50 expected better then frozen veg and Yorkshire pudding and a mcvities ginger soup I'm afraid I won't be going again

Just had a couple homemade pies here. Absolutely gorgeous and very generous portions too. Excellent warm welcome/service. Highly recommend quiet atmosphere good food.

I recently visited this charming local pub with my parents and was absolutely delighted by their brilliant pies! With about 20 different varieties, you can choose from three topping options: pastry, mash, or dumplings—a unique twist that caters to all pie lovers. The food is fresh and home-cooked, which really shines through in every bite. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make the dining experience even more enjoyable. The only thing that could make it better is if they offered gluten-free pie options, but this is only a minor note. Nonetheless, I'm sure we'll be returning soon for a dumpling-topped pie!

Food is proper home cooked comfort food! PROPER chips! Pies to die for!

Previously, on several occasions, we have eaten at the The Malt Shovel Carr Gate, we have always had beautiful home made meals which we fully enjoyed. Tonight we went, a party of 4, 2 of which chose the salmon, I wish we hadn't, we could not eat it, very dry, texture awful and neither of us could even eat it We spoke with the staff who said they would speak to the chef. They never came back to us and when paying for the meals we were told the chef said there was nothing wrong with it. Obviously he would say that he'd cooked it!! Even though both meals were not eaten we still had to pay for them!! Not impressed at all with your customer service The Malt Shovel, we will not be back!!

Brilliant food the pies was gorgeous nice play ground in the back for the kids etc and had ran out of steak on the day we visited but the woman cooking was more than happy to try and sort that by using beef brisket instead overall very nice and will definitely return at some point

We were a big group of families so not necessarily easy to cater for, but the efforts to ensure we were looked after were great. Communication, before, was courteous, as was the service on the day. Not 5 stars due to price increases every time I visit, it seems. This time you had to pay to have topping on pie... A pie with no casing = stew or casserole, no..? That being said, the food's portion sizing, quality and flavour were as good as always and the children enjoyed playing outside (although my daughter got a little upset in a tower that you can climb up into but no longer has a door to exit from). I always am keen to support local businesses so will still keep The Malt Shovel in the mix when planning the next big summer get together, but will be looking to see if improvements have been made.

Awesome steak and Stilton pie 🥧 x

Just been group of 12 lovely food staff were lovely also

Not ‘ home cooked food ‘ PING food - microwave meal Ordered 2 meals lamb & brisket Was told it would be 45 mins - 1 hour ….no problem Food eventually came and basically the meat is the what you get in Asda / M&S / Aldi in their meal deals Small pot of gravy then the veg came out If you order 2 meals I expect 2 meals but the veg came out in small bowls They’d put both lots of veg into 2 bowls one for the potatoes and 1 for the veg ‘ The Veg ‘ - basically microwave sweetcorn carrots and a few greens I believe it should’ve came out as 2 meals not mixed together and the quantity is very small Not worth £19 & £21 Would we go back again - NO ! was it worth it - NO limited menu and the pies didn’t look that nice after seen one brought out to someone For half the price we could’ve gone down the road to silkwood and got proper meat and veg not microwave - PING food that was tasteless It wasn’t worth £15 for both let alone £40 what we spent then drinks on top Place looks tatty & grubby Will not be returning

What a disappointment! Heard good things about this place so decided to call in today as couldn't book online. Young manager was very rude and said would have to wait (which I expected - I then asked how long was the wait and she looked at me as if I was stupid) the pie isn’t on the Sunday menu and cost £10 for a pint and Diet Coke. Also place is run down and the toilets are so dirty and don’t flush. Would not go back again.

Amazing for kids with huge outdoor play area. Unfortunately lacking drinks. Recent visit. No ale, no good cider, shorts are poor/cheap, no coke.

Never been before. Pleasantly surprised how good food was. Children loved beer garden

Kids love playing in the castle

I used to live close by this pub and it was grotty at the time, 30 years later, hoped it may have improved, and called in with the grandchildren as the garden with play fort looked good, and we hoped it may have improved. Unfortunately it has gone further downhill, first problem, I ordered 2 pints of Shandy and was charged £10, I didn't realise until I asked for the card receipt, I queried it with the girl serving, surely half a pint of beer and half of lemonade wouldn't be £5 per pint?!? She assured me lemonade prices have gone through the roof.... We have a very expensive pub in our village where we live now, and everyone moans a pint of Shandy is £4.25. We had intended trying their extensive pie menu, but at £16.50 for a 'pie' with a frozen pastry topping - not an actual 'pie' and £1 cheaper if you had a macaroni cheese pie, the kids portions are £11.50, which would have amounted to £66 (before we bought any kiddie drinks) for tea and 2 pints of shandy, at stale old pub. I have a rule whereby I always check the toilet facilities before eating somewhere different, the one ladies' loo door wouldn't shut, cubicle old, dated, smelly, no hot water to wash hands and a wet germ infested old brown towel at the side of sink for drying your hands on. (I still feel sick at the thought) Old cobwebs and years old grime everywhere. We left the remainder of our drinks and left, what a horrid place, with extortionate prices.

Excellent food and plenty of it. Service very good.

Absolutely outstanding pies Never had a pie like it anywhere in the country. Real home cooked food and plenty of it Highly recommended

Nice place, amazing playground for children. Dog friendly (but only in certain areas). If you have a dog and a child, not the best place though since dog friendly and children friendly areas are separated. Which is a bit of a shame, but then I suppose makes sense 🤷‍♀️

The pie was absolutly outstanding, if ya have a big appetite then this is for you. Chips were done just how i like em, crispy and with a little bit of oil still on them. The pastry on the pie lid wow🤤🤤🤤 Beer garden is massive if ya go with kids theres plenty to keep em amused whilst ya take in the sunshine and have a few drinks If ya havent been before get yasens in Very nice food to say the least 👍

Lovely food but very big portions.

Rude manager, went in the other day with my friend and our babies , I had a Greggs sausage roll on the outside table for my 1 year old son !!!! And his milk she came matching over and said why are u eating in here you wouldn’t do it in McDonald’s even tho was for a 1 year old ! And we’d bought couple of pints each me and my friend wasn’t like we was sitting there and not buying anything , her response was I bet ul leave your rubbish aswel , her response again was I won’t be telling you next time , al be sending you out then waddled off , disgusting rude rude woman ! Then I went back inside for my drink that had been paid on for her to give me a dirty look ! Very unprofessional and rude ! No need to speak To people like this , I’ve heard other people complain about how awful she is ! Will never go in here ever again !!!!

Lovely little boozer with great outdoor space. Often used for a post work wind down!

Food was the best ever however the girl serving was shocking. Not a welcoming face and not a welcoming attitude either. Her attitude stinks. A smile wouldn't go a miss too.

Very very upset and annoyed!! We have eaten lots of times here and enjoyed our meal, we rang up to book our Motorhome outside half an hour later we arrived to 2 cars parked where the Motorhomes usually park!! Very very upset will never go again.

Food was really nice staff was excellent thanks and I will be returning

Booked a table and turned up on time and there was no table ready for us. Food was alright nothing special. Gammon was more like bacon. Peas and salad looked like they had been prepared hours before. We were told they had everything available on the menu but then got told they didn’t have enough belly pork for everyone who ordered it after we had all ordered and paid. We were told we had the choice of beef brisket or lamb instead of belly pork but they charged us the difference after telling us they had everything available in the first place and taking the order! The waiter came over with a bill for the price difference and started clearing the table before half of us had even finished eating! Won’t be returning any time soon.

Went for lunch to meet up with a friend it was my first time at the Malt Shovel I was not disappointed. My friend recommended that I tried one of the pie's on the menu which I did it was amazing ! They are enormous and you get a choice of topping eg. Mash or pastry or one of the others available let me just say that I am a big eater but I couldn't finish it , it tasted wonderful, will definitely return 😀

Just popped in for one while waiting to be picked up. No prosecco available so that made me sad but I had a half decent glass of rose in the sun instead.

I don't go often go out so it was lovely to go back to where my late husband and I used to go, staff still as friendly and food delicious, we will be going back .

Just visited for a 90th birthday party, with 11 members of the family, great food, fantastic portions, amazing prices, and the staff are so helpful. Roll on the 91st birthday.

Outdoor playground is awesome - lots to climb on and space to run around in. Food is absolutely 100% definitely, without question, home made.

It felt like we had gatecrashed a private party and paid more than £5 a pint for the pleasure.

Even after booking a table way in advance was told there is an hour and half wait for food...

Didn't have food but enjoyed a nice pint of Guinness in the beer garden.

Op doorreis met de camper richting de boot bij Dover en hier naast the Malt Shovel geparkeerd. Na een middag van de zon te hebben genoten hebben we hier gegeten. Eerlijk, vers en zelfgemaakt eten. We hadden beiden een andere pie gekozen en beiden waren voortreffelijk! Het personeel is vriendelijk en ook voor de prijs van het eten hoef je het niet te laten. Zeer betaalbaar en zeker voor de kwaliteit die je krijgt. Een aanrader!

The pies are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G I had steak and stilton and it was honestly up there with the best I've had. My wife had brisket ( so do much on the plate) and my remarkably fussy kids wrapped their full meal while nipping in and out to the play area. We will definitely be back. Also did I mention how nice the pie was. Pies 🥧 well over 15 to choose from

Visited with a friend for lunch midweek. It was nice and quiet so we sat near the fire in the bar area, which was really nicely decorated. Service was great and the food fantastic. You couldn't ask for more choice of pie fillings, not to mention the different toppings to choose from. I had the cobbler (dumpling) topping which was lovely. The pastry topping was equally as nice (so I was told 😁). Portions are massive and we were both glad we forgot to order the starters we'd eyed up previously 😂. No room for dessert either! Recommend a visit for definite. 🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧

So much food,served almost instantly 2 a party of nine, self service in dishes to each table ( Sunday lunch) we were given doggy bags for left over meats. Yes, we will be back!

Always fantastic service, lovely atmosphere and delicious food.

Very good service and good food

Update 09/01/24 - Still a fantastic pub, and equally as good food!! Amazing pub and amazing food!! If you like a pie, this is a must-try place. They have a vast array to choose from (and aiming ro hit 50!). In addition, there's even 3 or 4 options in terms of what topping you'd like on your pie!! First visit and will definitely be returning.

Ive been here a number of times over the past year. I will say the food is pretty good especially the pies and the choice. No Cumberland Ring as not been able to get it for months, nothing suggesting this anywhere. The homemade chips can be nice but the larger ones can be hard still in the centre. My mixed veg and mash were a little cold. Salmon fillets were delicious. However the last 4 times I've been, chosen so I can treat myself to my favourite drink, Inches Cider, they've not had any. Once is fair enough, twice is unfortunate, a third is ridiculous, a 4th means I won't be returning.

Locely place. Locely pie selection need to have this next time. Portion sizes, very generous.

Great place for a family meal.Portion size amazing and a pudding thrown in with the price.Will definitely go back for another.

Fantastic food.massive portion very reasonably priced.

Best pub meal I've had in years.

A very popular place for Sunday lunch. We didn't have food but it looked fantastic.

Could be the best place around for the pie eater. The list goes on forever. They are quality fantastic. Proper chips, not the frozen. The food is home cooked with large portions. Take a visit you won't be disappointed.

I really liked it the pie was nice and a good temperature

Best food ever especially the huge range of pies all home cooked food and fresh highly recommend, friendly staff and comfortable surroundings

We stayed here last night (Late Feb 24 Saturday Night) in our Motorhome. It was our first visit and we found out about them through P4N. Rang ahead as only 2 spots for motorhomes. Staff were lovely and accommodating. Had food in the Pub and consequently stay was free (thank you). Food was amazing proper home cooked food. Kids rated it a 9/10 just because it took a while to come but honestly was worth the wait. Play park for kids. Well Priced. Pudding was lush too. Stayed in the campervan in car park as pre agreed, could use some more gravel here as muddy and boggy. Would also mean we could pull further back and be more hidden. Stay was great. Was an open car park though and no facilities, there was no hassle or issues I just felt a little on edge being open at the front but for context this was our FIRST ever night in the campervan so that could just be me. I would come again if we needed to. Thanks for letting us stay the food was lush and staff were a pleasure to meet. The browns xx

We stayed here last night (Late Feb 24 Saturday Night) in our Motorhome. It was our first visit and we found out about them through P4N. Rang ahead as only 2 spots for motorhomes. Staff were lovely and accommodating. Had food in the Pub and consequently stay was free (thank you). Food was amazing proper home cooked food. Kids rated it a 9/10 just because it took a while to come but honestly was worth the wait. Play park for kids. Well Priced. Pudding was lush too. Stayed in the campervan in car park as pre agreed, could use some more gravel here as muddy and boggy. Would also mean we could pull further back and be more hidden. Stay was great. Was an open car park though and no facilities, there was no hassle or issues I just felt a little on edge being open at the front but for context this was our FIRST ever night in the campervan so that could just be me. I would come again if we needed to. Thanks for letting us stay the food was lush and staff were a pleasure to meet. The browns xx

Very good meal nice and hot plenty of food at good price we will be back Dog friendly, we had the gammon very nice with egg and pineapple chips and peas

Came for food and for my daughter to enjoy the outdoor play area! She really enjoyed her kids meal and it was large portions. The outdoor play area was good but needs updating.

Sunday lunch is exceptional value for money. Proper homecooked meat and veg and loads of it . Includes a dessert for the amazing price of £13 .

Great atmosphere, gorgeous home cooked food, great portion sizes and friendly staff. Will definitely return and recommend to others

Lovely food, plenty of it and great service

Fantastic meal very large and tasty fast friendly service just of the m1 with ample parking clean and pleasant premises I would definitely recommend the pies the chips are very good

We decided to go to the Malt Shovel for a meal it was my Birthday, myself my wife in our 70s and my cousin in her 80s after waiting the best part of an hour the food finally came, vastly overcooked chips and scampi impossible to cut with a knife, we ate what we could, the girl said would you like to speak to the manageress we stood there for another 10 minutes and out came this lady that said your plates were empty and you can not have a refund this was said loudly in front of all the other customers in there, to which I replied we do not want a refund we just want to point out that the food poor, her attitude stunk she kept ranting on and showed nothing but pure ignorance my wife said we will not be back and her reply was it`s your loss, no it`s your loss we paid you you didn`t pay us, AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

Fantastic service amazing food and great value

Had a fantastic Sunday lunch .plenty of meat and lovely fresh veg. Will definitely be back.x great value for money . Definitely recommend.

1st time visit to the Malt Shovel. There's a great range of pies on the menu which taste superb. You do need to be hungry as the portions are large. Dog friendly pub also.

Was too late for food on Sunday, but I did stop for an overnight park in the campervan. Costs £10 to charity if you don't or can not have food, which is very reasonable. Staff friendly and pub as great atmosphere.

Comfortable. Pleasant, good food generous portions.

Good food great service fab evening The others went for pies steak and kidney and two different chicken pies myself a seafood sizzler. Pies were as brilliant as always and i decided to try something else. Every one happy, the food was tasty, well cooked and plentiful. Sticky toffee was delicious light and fluffy no need for custard and/ or ice cream

Unbelievable We just come from London we went to Durham for a funeral. And by my lord Jesus 🙏 must have lead us of motorway to find such a chusti dinner I had pork belly 😋 absolutely 💯 best I've had In my life. If passing again I 💯 be popping in again. There was 5 men and we all said the same.

I popped in a week ago to experience the most amazing food and staff! Very friendly and helpful!

I had the beef brisket with meat gravy there and I’m still debating whether it’s just the best meal I’ve ever had in any pub or if it goes on the list of best things I’ve ever eaten 👌

If you like a variety of pies then this place is for you!! Excellent choice of food especially pies which come with 3 choices of toppings, freshly cooked with giant chips. Pie, Chips & Peas with a pint that's all you need!

My Wife had Salmon Fillet,s Jacket Potato and Salad. I had Steak and Stilton Pie,Real Mushy Pea,s and Doorstep Chip,s,Pie is huge only ate half of everything,so Doggie bag sorted,Meal,s were piping hot,tasty etc.Staff very nice,helpful,friendly, Thay have 37 different normal filling,s and 7 Vegan/ Vegitarian filling,s for the pie,s with choice of Mashed Potato,Pastry or Cobbler top,s.

Best pie I've ever had. You certainly get your money's worth I was full too!

We Sat on the largest table with the bench around the window. We were told that there is always a reserved sign on the table for families which was nice. The food on arrival was piping hot and it was lovely. The only niggle was, we ordered a dessert to come out with the mains. We explained this when we put our order in at the bar. The dessert arrived half way through us eating our main. The grounds are a decent size for children to play. There is a huge castle for children to explore. We will certainly be returning. 😊

Great food and good service. Enjoyable experience

Poped in for lunch fantastic food & great selection of Timothy Taylor’s beer

Waited an hour for food despite pub not being very busy. Definately not worth the wait, our pies were tasteless so we left without eating them. Staff were friendly but the pub/ toilets / baby high chairs looked as if they all needed a good clean.

Fantastic place to eat,carnt wait to try there pies........

Food is always lovely, never had a bad meal, staff are all friendly and welcoming

Fantastic food like mi mum use to make. Very tasty the meat just broke away huge Yorkshire puddings amazingly tasty gravy was delicious. Puddings was amazing but need to be a bit bigger lol but was still amazing. Complements to chef 10/10 Very kind staff. Very welcoming thanks to my friend for recommending the malt shovel carrgate I’ve also recommended to my 17 partners in my football team Thornes Juniors get yourself down yummy yummy in my tummy lol you’ll never goto Toby carvery again

Visited this pub today with my husband and sister in law. We initially sat outside as we had 2 dogs with us. However, a couple who were just leaving told us they weren’t happy as they had been served their food on paper plates as they had been told this was company policy for eating outside. This seemed a bit strange as we had been given proper glasses not plastic ones. My husband asked if we could sit inside as we did not want plastic plates and he was told we could move inside with the dogs. We went inside and ordered our food. After quite a long wait the food arrived - a jacket potato, 2 pies and a dish of chips as ordered. We were also given a dish of boiled potatoes. On asking why we had been given these, there was no reply from the waitress. About 10 minutes later a woman appeared at our table (not sure if she was the manager or the chef). She interrupted our conversation and said that in future we should eat food that we had not ordered as quite a few of their customers took food we had not ordered without paying. We explained that we had asked why we had been brought the potatoes but had not received a reply so we thought they were a side for one of the pies. At this stage, in view of the fact that she appeared so annoyed, I twice offered to pay for the potatoes. She said if didn’t matter, said she would “sort out” the member of staff who had brought them and stormed off. We could then hear raised voices in the kitchen. I must say I have never experienced such poor customer service and will not be returning. I just feel sorry for the member of staff involved who made a genuine mistake that could have been dealt with much better. I would like to say that all the young waitresses and bar staff were polite and welcoming and the food was OK but the rudeness of this person spoilt our meal.

Saints fan, stopped off with 50 others on way to Wakefield, service fantastic, staff really nice, didn't have food but looked and smelled amazing, had a few drinks and sat in beer garden friendly atmosphere.

A great place for kids. There is a great beer garden with an awesome park! The choice of food and especially pies is amazing....all hime ooked. Thoroughly recommend

We visited with our young granddaughter for a midweek lunch. My husband had steak and ale pie which comes with a choice of toppings, pastry, cobbler etc. I had salmon and my granddaughter had a children's sausage and chips. Everything was lovely, fresh and hot. The chips are homemade and lovely We sat in the garden play area so she could play on the fort and swings, but moved inside when the food was ready as we were told that the food would be served on paper plates with plastic cutlery outside ( the only downside, and slightly strange as they do allow glasses out there). It actually worked well for us as my granddaughter probably ate better with out the distraction of the play area. They also have a selection of games and toys inside for children. Dogs are allowed in the pub but not on the grass in the garden.

Food absolutely terrible I got the chicken tikka sizzler which was basically a jar of bolognaise sauce on chicken which tasted off couldn’t eat it Chips were anemic under cooked Second meal I’ve had here that was bad last time I was with a group so put it down to volume of meals being cooked but clearly just poor Would never return

Food ordered said we had half an hour to eat our dinner as they needed the table although no reserved sign on it! Also very sticky varnished tables ! Needs some attention there!!!!!!! Also lounge area has very high tables ! Not for everyone that's 6ft tall ! Dirty and sticky floors no been cleaned up and a reserved for martin sign handwritten on bit of paper on table !!!! STAY AWAY ! won't be returning!

The worst pint of Beavertown I've ever had... Flat & tasted like shandy! No staff on the bar for about 5 mins, nearly left... Wish I had!!

Just had a phenomenal family meal at The Malt Shovel. When simple food is done well it's unbeatable, and they do the food REALLY well. The staff are lovely, the portions are huge and the atmosphere is family friendly. Strongly recommended

1st time I have been....won't be the last. Great pie and a good range of beers. Nice pub with a large outdoor area. Liked the place a lot.

Went because the website looked fab. Oh dear! The menu online was out of date. The actual menu in the pub had fewer items and everything was more expensive. Online they had tasty looking snacks at £3.00 each or 4 for £10.00. They now charge £3.50 per snack and no offer for 4 I had the lamb rump - £12.00 on the online menu but £17.00 in the pub. One of our group loves steak - which was on the online menu - but it wasn't on the pub menu. One disappointed diner instantly The pub didn't look busy but we waited 45 minutes for our food and it wasn't worth the wait. The napkins were damp. When I asked for dry ones they said it was because they had to be damp so they didn't unravel when wrapped around the cutlery. I wondered if the cutlery had come straight from the dishwasher, been wrapped in a napkin whilst hot and as it cooled had dampened the napkins wrapped around them?? My vegetables were frozen cauliflower and carrots served in a sugar bowl. Some green veg such as peas or green beans would have made the meals look much better but no, it was an insipid looking sugar bowl with cauliflower and carrots. There were 5 in our group and no-one thought their meal was great. I won't be going back

Good food, good prices....would definitely eat here again and Recommend

We visited the pub for a meal after recommendations from two different people. When we walked in, it did look a little ‘thrown together’ with the mismatching array of tables and chairs, and a couple of tables hadn’t been cleared. However, the food was divine. Ordered 3 pies and the chicken curry and we all had an excellent meal. Would have had dessert but too full! Will defo return - thank you.

Great desserts carvery lovely staff very friendly

A large group of us visited the establishment for Sunday lunch, we hadn’t booked and luckily they were able to accommodate us. They dealt with every query any of the group had in a friendly manner and reacted promptly. The play area is good for children and the food was really delicious and generous portion sizes. Will definitely be visiting again, although (worth to note for the alcohol drinkers) alcoholic beverages are on the more expensive side, will refrain from Gins on my next visit!

The pub has a sign in the door window stating 'dog friendly'. We went into the beer garden and I went to the bar to order food and drinks and I advised we would be eating in the beer garden. The server asked me to go outside and come back in with a table number despite us being the only customers in the beer garden. The food was brought out and the server said that dogs are not allowed in the beer garden, however that we could stay in the beer garden until we had finished our food. I asked the server for condiments, these were not brought out and we had to go inside to ask as the food was now cold. A second server arrived to clear some plates, whilst we were finishing the one drink we bought. This server again told me that dogs are not allowed in the beer garden, I advised that the previous server had stated the same, however the sign on the front door says 'dog friendly' and there is no sign saying 'no dogs in beer garden'. I said we were leaving and would not be back due to the poor and rude service. The server then told me 'you should have moved as soon as you finished eating'. They had only just come out to ask if we had finished as soon as we had eaten the last mouthful! I said I would not have ordered and paid if I was aware they are this unfriendly to dogs and the sign needs removing from the door. Rude staff! Poor service! AVOID! Apparently dogs are bad for the beer garden grass, however a plethora of cigarette butts in the grass is safe!

Incredible food, love the Sunday dinners, lovely service

Lovely food and drinks staff pleasant 😋

What a great place to go for a nice bite to eat with the kids the play garden was loved by our 3 daughters

If I could put less that 1 star I would. I came with a family (group of 12). We all spent a lot of money. Most of us enjoyed our food, but when 1 member of our group complained about her veggie pie and asked for refund the chef was not happy at all. She said there was nothing wrong with the pie. We went to finish our drinks in the kids play area with our children. A waitress then approached us and informed us we had 5 minutes to leave the premises. When asked why, we were told they had found empty fruit should bottles??! Never again!