The Navigation Inn in Stafford

Food is just about passable for microwave food. The whole restaurant was complaining about wait times, and the service was pretty awful. Steak baguette had barely any filling. Definitely stay clear!

Waited an incredibly long time - no apology. Food was awful. We couldn’t wait to get out. Avoid at all cost!! A real shame as the location is good. We won’t return.

What a lovely place friendly people and very helpful . I must return soon

Came here as an unplanned detour at the end of a canal boat weekend. We turned up far too late for food, as i misread their closing times. After realising we were stranded with nowhere to get food, they made us a couple hot pork baguettes and chips and were soo friendly and accommodating. They really saved the last day of our trip thanks to some genuine and honest kindness.

The first time, we were just stopping for a lunchtime drink, outside overlooking the canal. A couple of real ales & and friendly staff gave the place a nice atmosphere. We saw the menu & there several things we liked, so lunch it was. The people running the place had only been there a few months & and were trying very hard. The service was very good & the food came hot & plentiful, so much so that we didn't have room for a dessert. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal we went back & had Sunday lunch, which was just as enjoyable. The meals were reasonably priced, home cooked & plentiful. Unfortunately, we are not local otherwise we would be regular visitors, we only in the area on holiday. Would certainly recommend, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

To those who complain about waiting for food. Go to Weatherspoons. I popped in back early March intending to eat but had a sad phone call & had to go. The lady behind the bar could see i was upset & said go you go this wine is on me. How kind. We went tonight for a meal & i found out the lady was called Ann-Marie. I just want to say what happy friendly service we had when she was serving a very very busy pub all by herself & a lady in the kitchen. They were busy & then a walk in of 8x. Came for food. This family are making ago. Were happy to wait for good food & great service. Keep going Ann-Marie you’re doing a Grand job! Oh my other half doesn’t like salad or peas thats why there not on his plate!

Only go if you have lots of time to wait for very mediocre food and service. Many dishes not available (don’t be fooled by the enormous menu!), lamb shank small and tough, very little meat in the pies, burgers actually breaded chicken? No indication of contents/allergy advice. Customer service terrible - when we were honest about our meal when asked! And bill was wrong (but were asked why we were complaining as the added item was cheaper than the missing one). The lack of lemon slices at the bar should have been a warning ! You have been warned!

We should have realised that “no lemon slices” at the bar wasn’t a good sign! Had booked a table for a family meal on a Saturday night - on arrival no table ready and no real space to wait. All chose dishes from very extensive menu ( too big) only to be told after ordering that 3/6 not available - so re chose. Then we waited……..and waited …….. and waited (as all the other tables were). Eventually food arrived - after an hour, lamb shank tough and small, very little meat in the pies, and the Navi Burgers were actually breaded chicken? The only +ve was the red wine gravy served with appropriate dishes. Bottle of red wine appeared to be chilled. No sauces offered -eg ketchup or mayo - and to be honest we didn’t ask as we just wanted to eat and leave. When asked after our meal “how was your meal?” -we were honest and suggested various things (like less on the menu therefore better stock levels etc) - and things being quicker. The “manager”then proceeded to give the worst example of customer service seen for ages - telling us how busy they’d been, we should have booked (they seemed surprised when we said we had) and they had a staffing issue with sickness - and challenged us on everything we said? The bill was wrong “well the liver and onions (which we hadn’t had) is cheaper than the burger so why are you complaining?” I don’t think anyone really knows how to run a restaurant/kitchen or how to provide good customer service at The Nav - which is a shame as it was a great pub in a super location.

Visted with family for mothers day basedon being half way for family but sadly disapointed. Room was cold - no heating on (checked the radiator we was sat next to No Menu given, so choices shouted out at every table ordering, which became annoying ? especially as it wasnt done discreatly and from a distance so everyone heard . Over cooked vegetables and couldnt find any roast potatoes Soggy yourkshire puddings. Puddings were not home made and very small portions Had to accept a wine i dont nomally drink because the three i asked for they didnt have including charonnay and white Zinfandel? Sadly not what we expected and atmospherre was poor because of the volume of staff shouting across the restaurant - one lady whouted "whose dinner is this " as she walked around the room .

Booked in for Mother’s Day, had a table booked for 3pm but had an hours wait as there wasn’t a free table. Was only 2 ladies serving who was run off their feet, should have been more prepared than this considering it was mother's day and perhaps not book in so many tables. Was a long wait between courses gave up on dessert and went elsewhere for that. No control over the tables was numerous people waiting in bar area for their table that was booked when there was people just coming in and sitting at any free table not knowing it was for someone else. Only positive I can give really is the food was piping hot but no roast potatoes on a roast dinner!

Sorry only allowed 5 stars 🙄 What a find 😀, superb home cooked food, great prices & fantastic hosts. The place is alongside what looks to be a very busy canal (in season). The tenants have not been in long but boy have they got a future if they keep going like this. We got in without a reservation but surely it won't be long before it will be essential to book in advance. If more establishments were like this hospitality wouldn't have much of a problem. PS. The Rhubarb Crumble was my highlight, although it would needs weeks of research to get though the menus.

This was our second visit to The Navigation since its been under new management, we came a month ago as a party of six for Sunday dinner and we were all really impressed by the food so we were keen to return. We had booked a table for four for Sunday dinner but unfortunately we were very disappointed this time. The meat on all 4 plates was very small, the pork had alot of fat on it and the beef I had was mostly fat. The mashed potato was lumpy and some of the vegetables were under cooked (not la dente) and cold, for pudding I had the lemon dizzle loaf cake with custard and the sponge was over cooked as all the edges were very dry. The staff were nice but what really let it down for us was that all the staff could be seen going outside for a cigarette and I know everyone's entitled to smoke but what I didn't like is the staff walking through the restaurant to get outside and then smoking right outside the restaurant in a visible area and then walking back into the restaurant and serving customers, not one member of staff did I see wash their hands before serving food/drinks you could smell the cigarettes on their clothes it's just not pleasant when your eating. I would suggest if staff need to smoke then stand at the side of the building away from customers view, wash your hands on returning and spray your clothes with some body spray so it's not offensive when customers are trying to eat.

Impromptu lunch visit as plans had changed so as such had not researched or had a recommendation therefore not sure what to expect. Inside was pleasant but rather cramped. The back room does over look the canal - sort of. It was table service but not offered a menu when seated so I helped myself to one. One person was running the bar running table service bringing out food and taking payment so naturally everything took a looong time. Drinks order was taken after a long wait, but then we had to wait our turn to order our food The food was good but the service level and ambiance were not great so won't be going back.

It was the first time we had tried the Midweek Roast. It was fantastic!!. Just what we needed , hot, delicious and great value for money. Staff were all very welcoming and we can definitely recommend a visit.

Lovely place, first time here and we felt so comfortable from the moment we arrived here, food was lovely as were our drinks and the service was fantastic too, will definitely be back to see them all there.

Terrible! We went here today for lunch as we'd hired a canal boat for the day. Ordering food in the bar area was a real mission, nobody seemed to have any real desire to take our order, nor did they know what the meals came with! But we finally placed one with 3 hours left to get our boat back to the boat yard. Loads of time when we only had 30 minutes of cruising left, we thought! After about 30 minutes after ordering, the bar lady gave us some cutlery, and we thought, great, the food must nearly be here. We waited a further 25 minutes, no food. We asked where the food was, they said it would be another 15 minutes. We waited another 20 minutes, still no food. I asked again, and a member of staff (who actually was a local who was acting like a member of staff which was slightly odd!) came out and said it was going to be another 25 minutes! We waited an obscene amount of time for 4 lunches, they were going to make us wait nearly 2 hours! We could've driven home and cooked it ourselves faster than that 😆 It was an absolute joke, we got them to cancel the food in the end and we left. After asking, they gave us 3 free drinks because of the wait, but we'd have rather had the lunch. Lovely view of the canal, but the atmosphere was pretty drab to be honest. Needless to say, we won't be navigating our way there again anytime soon 🛥. I'd suggest they revise their menu to reduce the food options down, anything to help the kitchen staff manage to cook lunch for 3 tables at one time.

We went to the psychic night and decided to have food beforehand . The evening was great ! Great food (chips a bit overdone ) plenty of it which was great value . Pub needs a little updating as the other room wasn’t the best. Hard to distinguish who is staff but the landlady was friendly and she was hardworking too mucking in with the others . The psychic was brilliant and she was so friendly and warm to the whole crowd .Very easy to distinguish who the staff of the psychic were . Great experience and we will certainly be visiting for food again and hopefully they will have more evenings like this . We loved it .

Had a lovely meal at the Navigation, the new people running the pub are so friendly and welcoming, the food was lovely,with a big choice on the menu with big portions, and a great team running the pub, will definitely return, great place.👍

Went for the midweek roast and thought it was excellent value for money well cooked and hot service was also good we will visit again

Love thos pub . I take my granddaughter here for food and watch the boats by the canal. Lovely staff. They can't help enough. And I travel 40mins to get there .

Me and some friends went over for Sunday dinner in the 2nd Feb , they were great , fantastic service and a lovely meal , highly recommend and we definitely will go again

Lovely home cooked food. Staff couldn’t do enough for you. Well priced. Good portions . Will return .

Our party of 4 visited The Navi during November. We asked the bar staff if they were serving food on Christmas Eve. We were informed they were. On our way out we booked a table for 4 people at 7pm Christmas Eve. Upon arriving at The Navi on Christmas Eve we were told that they are not serving food and there is no booking. Four of us saw the lady write it in the diary.The only other thing I can say is that there was a booking in the diary but it had been crossed out. We eat out almost every Saturday but will be taking our business elsewhere.

A huge effort has been made to cater for vegetarians and vegans, very tasty and everybody very friendly

There are fabulous views across the Shroppie for you to enjoy as you tuck in to your food. A change of owner has brought a new and very comprehensive menu with several options for vegans and veggies. Prices are very competitive too. A good selection of draft beers and lagers are available.

Read the reviews on here and was worried, however recently taken over and the food was incredible! The mixed grill was cooker to perfection! Huge portions and everything was piping hot. We were a table of 7 and food came out in good time. All food looked and tasted fresh, made with care. Staff friendly and chatty.

Food was amazing. Plenty on your plate and full of flavour. Will be back soon next time I’m up from Ipswich

My friend and I called in without booking on a Sunday. We were warmly welcomed. We had a Sunday roast OAP menu. A smaller carvery and full size pudding. This is available all the week for OAPs and at a reasonable price. Some delightful Christmas decorations. Attentive service. I was so pleased with everything that I am going back tomorrow. There is new management at the Navigation so give it a go!

AVOID AT ALL COSTS, came with family for food as the pub had been taken over, the chips were frozen & undercooked. New management & no change, landlord was rude & she looked unkempt (especially for running a food establishment). Customer was walking behind the bar helping himself to drinks without paying.

Came out for a meal for our anniversary and was not disappointed, friendly staff from the start with a nice welcome on arrival, the service was fast with no waiting about and the food was really nice, prices were very good and certainly intend to return

Surprised how small it was inside. Dogs are only allowed in the bar area. A loud group in the bar area made it uncomfortable and we only had the one pint. And, they had no packets of crisps available on a Sunday afternoon.

Lovely staff and dog friendly. Live 70s music a lovely bonus!!

Visited whilst on canal boat holiday. The food was awful. Ordered fish and chips. Chips hard. Fish cheap quality… unsure what it was!! Ordered lamb shank with mash and veg. Veg looked like it was left overs and just reheated. Mash potato was awful. Lumpy and watery. Such a shame because the pub is so nice inside. Would I recommend to anyone… go up the canal to another pub.

Went in to get a free pint 😎 that Stuart Hodges had left behind bar. But it was not th

No food. No Apologies No notification of kitchen being shut. In fact the opposite on the towpath and on line. Very unfriendly.

No food and no apology. Quite off in fact.

Travelled over half an hour to find that the kitchen is now permanently closed. I have checked the menu on the website (as we have some dietary constrainsts) and there was no mention of them no longer serving food. We continued on to another canalside pub closeby whose kitchen was open!

Arrived to find kitchen closed!

Having arrived for an evening meal after a 20mile drive, only to be ignored by one staff member and told no food by another, thought we could be told of other options. Evidently too much trouble. Beautiful pub spoilt by bad manners!

Came to Gnosall for Canal fest so was expecting the pubs to be busy which they were. As the first pub we went to was extremely busy we decided to come here. Really wish we hadn't as the service was shocking. We had to use the bar area as the restaurant doesn't allow dogs which was fine. We found an empty table (not cleaned) and sat next to the bar. I tried to order a round of drinks at the bar but I was just ignored by an older lady just messing about with glasses. She saw me waiting but just left me there until the poor young lad who was running around like a headless chicken was free to serve me. At this time I was the only person waiting but I waited a good 10 minutes. Whoever the older couple are they need to take some lessons in customer service from this young lad as he was the only person who was actually helpful and had any manners. I ordered a second round of drinks from an older man. After I'd ordered 3 drinks which I asked for 1 at a time so as not to bombard him with orders he shouted at me to ask did you want any more drinks before I have to run around after you again? I was simply trying to be nice but he was just rude. Other people around said the same so I wasn't the only one who thought he was rude. Next time I visit this lovely village I will drink somewhere else.

Absolutely beautiful pub owned by amazing people.

Had a lovely lunch. Quite quiet but a wonderful setting.

Friendly staff, great atmosphere. Indoors and outdoor areas. Great food at reasonable price.

Beer good, garden overlooking the canal.

1st stop in our hired canal boat, ordered drinks and food, food arrived I started to eat and the first chip I tried was solid in the centre, no problem, tried another, again warm but solid in the centre, I informed the waitress she took it away and a lady bought my plate back with new chips on. She said the chips were ok and they, the kitchen staff had tried them, she repeated this and asked my wife if hers were ok my wife said they were, the ladies parting shop was, there you go. I failed to point out that they hadn't tried the two chips I had tried. As my wife finished her meal the last chip was, hard in the centre. Paid my bill and left, thankfully I will not be returning as I am sure the lady will be happy to hear.

I pass the pub on my drive home and we decided to give it a try for lunch on our day off. Good size car park and a nice location overlooking the canal with plenty of outdoor seating. I had the chicken breast my wife had the fish and chips. My chicken was delicious, the batter on the fish was a little over cooked, the food was piping hot and very well presented. We did notice that locals food was served before ours despite us ordering Well before. The locals were asked at the table if they wanted desert we were not. A small local pub that serves fresh cooked food but if you want repeat customers a little tweek required with customer service.

My wife and I stopped for lunch Saturday, typical pub grub, reasonable prices and good portions. Food was great no complaints at all, would return.

Please be aware that the food offer is time-limited. Fridays are actually 5-7pm only and we were turned away at 7.10pm. This information needs to be updated. Otherwise looks a great pub but as a boater it is important to have correct information as we cannot jump in a car and go elsewhere.

The Navigation Inn, is a very friendly local pub, with amazing home cooked food. It's set by the side of a canal and is the perfect way to eat and spend a few hours, watching the barges and the world go by. Highly recommend.

Great place to go for a drink and some food. Cask ales, traditional canalside pub food, and great views and nearby walks.

Not been here for years but popped in for lunch. Great to see they offer an actual lunch menu, so many places seem to just offer the one menu and you don't always want a big meal. I opted for an omelette which came packed with fillings. The chips are really chunky too so was a really delicious meal. Will definitely be back.

We popped in for lunch on Saturday, had a game of pool and the most wonderful burger. Huge and delicious. The accompaniments were very good too. Plenty of big crispy, fluffy chips. My wife's jacket potato was equally filling. Lovely atmosphere too.

Nice pub and food was great and price was good also

Small bar area which allows dogs in bigger lounge which don't. Plenty of outside seating area overlooking canal

Can't go wrong. Service and food with a view.. Amazing little pub A****

Nice views over canal and nice lounge area

It was all going so well until the landlady started shouting at the children in the car park. Which made them cry, there are ways on how to communicate and ask children how to do something. She was agressive and it was completely unnecessary. The barman however was lovely.

Food was mixed. Burger excellent but jacket was a bit under cooked. Had to eat in the bar as we had our small but well behaved dog with us which was a slight disappointment as would have preferred the lounge. Service friendly, particularly lad behind the bar. Visited lunchtime after hiring a narrowboat for the day.

We stopped on our barge trip for lunch. 3 little kids, a dog and 4 adults. They were true to their words on their website: "relaxing and friendly atmosphere. We pride ourselves on good service, great beer, freshly cooked food and a warm welcome." We felt so welcome, accommodated, fresh food and relaxed. It was great and took the pressure out of going out with the kids. So thank-you, very much!

Stopped for a bar meal and drink after a walk along the canal. Good food at a very reasonable price and a nice pint. Very friendly staff/ owners. Would highly recommend a visit.

We popped in for a random pub trip, The Steakburgers were fantastic and very filling along with nicely cooked oven chips, The food was all nice and freshly cooked, and I can highly recommend

Lovely canalside pub very friendly

Great food. Friendly staff. Lovely atmosphere.

It's a lovely pub with a great atmosphere & friendly staff. Great views of the canel & boats. I would certainly 100% recommend this pub.

Best pub around such friendly people 100% recommended

Relaxed Atmosphere in the Conservatory area. Good parking. Nice views. Good Service. Nice Comfort Food & Coffee ☕

Yet another good lunch with excellent choice of beers and at prices which won't break the bank. Only get there a few times a year to meet up half-way with relatives. Location sublime and during summer when canal traffic increases, a wonderful meeting place. 👍👍👍

Absolutely Fantastic Food, Very good portions, Good price. The Food was Devine, it's a long time since we've had food cooked to perfection at any establishment. The Chef at The Navigation Inn deserves a Medal. 10/10. Will definitely Return, and can Definitely Recommend.

A cracker of a pub. Good food and a smashing atmosphere. We turned up soaking wet from a paddle on the canal and we were looked after with radiators to dry kit. Excellent 👌👍

Gorgeous place to sit and have a drink next to the canal. Staff are so lovely as well. Very clean + big car park.

Great pub. Food served in one area and bar also available with a 50p pool table 👍🏼

It's a nice pub but two pints of beer £10.10 come on. Won't be visiting again at those prices.

Cracking pub in a great location. Called in for a pint and a snack after walking along the canal and stayed much longer than expected. Great atmosphere, snacks, drink selection and friendly staff. The onion rings are an absolute must!!

Very nice place we had a nice meal will go back again

Lunchtime pint only. Nicely decorated pub. Ideal location for the canal.

Staff pleasant snd helpful. Only had a drink here.

We didn't eat just had a lovely glass of red and enjoyed the beer garden

Have been here for drinks before and loved it in the bar,went for Sunday lunch but wasn't cooked as we prefer, roast potatoes hardly roasted (pale not crispy)didn't like the beef or the pork.beefburger was very bland

Popped in for lunch on the Summer Solstice . Lovely place with friendly staff. I had Beer battered Cod whilst my husband opted for a omelette. My Cod came with freshly made tartare sauce which was perfect . Delicious. We couldn't fault the service or the food.

Oh dear! Not to recommend for eating. Dog friendly despite that.

I didn't stop here just past while cycling on the canal tow path, looks like a good spot to stop for a rest.

Lovely pub on the canal. Good pint of Stella and friendly service. Great beer garden right next to the water.

Called but had run out of some food only been open 10 mins !!!

Maybe the best bacon, brie and cranberry sandwich ever.

Very nice place to visit, very good for pub food, will definitely visit again.

Lovely food. Great atmosphere friendly staff

Rude staff who couldn't tell me if they had highchair or no then made to feel like an inconvenience because they had other tables coming in. We happily went elsewhere

Lovely warm atmosphere..bar staff friendly 😊 food really good. Cooked well. Had Steak burger 🍔 recommend it...

Warm fire ,cold beer ,nice pub grub and dog friendly

Great staff, Great food. Food very filling which is great. Lovely to see the do proper homemade chips

Great music nights and friendly people.

Great little traditional pub. They have a fabulous live music night on Thursdays, open mic type set up for all levels. Thoroughly loved this place, will come again

Good food and location, friendly staff.

Very friendly. We were made very welcome. Thankyou.

Lovely canalside pub with nice staff. Can't go wrong!

Only had a quick drink and snack, so can't really comment on the food. But sandwich and chips were good. Only pub open on Mondays in village, average selection of beers. Other diners food looked appeasing.

Walked from Norbury junction down to here, which Great location for a nice pint, with a good looking menu! Before walking back- staff were polite and welcoming

After mooring near by we went to ask about ordering meal. We were told you had to make reservation so we asked if we could sit in beer garden for drinks with our dog and were told no dogs allowed. Imagine my disappointment when half hrs later when passing people sat in beer garden with dogs. We obviously weren't welcome. So sad as probably would have spent 100.00 on food and drinks for the 4 of us.

Great little pub hosts are lovely food is amazing

Loved it. Beer very nice. Would visit again.