The Rifleman in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Myself and 13 members of my family attended for my graduation celebration meal. The staff were extremely welcoming and pleasant and had dressed the area with decorations for our celebration. The food was absolutely beautiful, all who attended stated how lovely it was. Everything was perfect and I cannot thank the team enough for making the night so wonderful. We will definitely return!

We booked for Sunday lunch and we were not disappointed. The service was brilliant and the food was piping hot. My friend had the lamb shank and I went for the Turkey Sunday lunch! Neither of us were disappointed. The pudding was by far the best thing! I’m dairy intolerant and the vegan chocolate orange pudding and vegan custard was lush !

This was tr first time we have visited the Rifleman. It was busy at 6 o'clock on a Friday evening. After ordering at the bar the wait for the food was short. The meal were excellent. The service was good and the value outstading. We will certainly return.

Just had a lovely meal at The Rifleman, Sunday Lunch for some of us, Fish and Chips for a couple, can not fault it, would not hesitate to recommend, thanks Alex love Jo, Alex, Alan and Gloria xx

Visted yesterday, a lovely little pub with friendly, attentive staff and a nice atmosphere. I had the cheese pie and it was absolutely beautiful, one of the nicest I've tasted. Partner enjoyed the meat platter and it was all reasonably priced. We will definitely be back soon Many thanks!

Absolutely fantastic Food great service great staff , definitely coming back , would love to have a ( fillet steak ) 🥩

Would just like to say thankyou so much for such a lovely meal tonight for my sister's birthday! It was, as said by all 4 of us, the nicest meal we've ever had! As 2 of us are vegetarian, and quite fussy vegetarian at that, it's rare to find somewhere that we can have a choice of vegetarian meals, the cheese pies were the nicest cheese pies we've ever had (and we've certainly had our fair share), the burgers the other two had were amazing they said. We'll certainly be back! Such a lovely staff team too! Thanks again x

Would just like to say thankyou so much for such a lovely meal tonight for my sister's birthday! It was, as said by all 4 of us, the nicest meal we've ever had! As 2 of us are vegetarian, and quite fussy vegetarian at that, it's rare to find somewhere that we can have a choice of vegetarian meals, the cheese pies were the nicest cheese pies we've ever had (and we've certainly had our fair share), the burgers the other two had were amazing they said. We'll certainly be back! Such a lovely staff team too! Thanks again x

Had the fish & chips . Excellent. Light crispy batter no residual grease. Flaky haddock cooked to perfection. Great chips . Big thick cut home made jobs . I’ll be back thanks

We visited The Rifleman on Friday and the food was delicious. We all had different meals but everything was cooked to perfection. The staff were really attentive and friendly. The landlady came over to talk to us and she was really nice.

I enjoyed a fantastic meal on Sunday whilst watching the football the service was excellent as was the atmosphere, well done.

Visited the Rifleman on Sunday. We hadn't been for a few months due to house move. We both had the lamb with perfect Yorkshire pudding boiled and roast potatoes plus peas, carrots, cabbage and fabulous cauliflower cheese. Absolutely delicious. Staff friendly and service spot on. Highly recommend.

Had a lovely Sunday lunch here, the food was delicious and plenty of it. Service was brilliant and Katie looked after us and made sure we had everything we needed. Definitely recommend here for a meal.

I ordered the sweet chilli sub. Probably the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. The staff were so wonderful and helpful to us. Definitely will be visiting again. What a fantastic place!

Awful. Food was cold and not cooked how people wanted it, clearly couldn't cope with 16 orders. The staff were rude, definitely a sign the owners were away. Totally ruined the family birthday meal! Which is a shame as last visit we had here the food was good😡

Really nice lamb shanks with minted grave, mash potato and vegetables 😋 👌

Good value a bit noisy with the TV in the background volume high not allowing easy conversation.

Had a fantastic meal with my partner last night. All 3 serving staff were fantastic, food simply gorgeous. Can't wait to return.

Very nice Sunday lunch, very welcoming and great for the family. Steak pie was also wonderful.

Good service and good beer selection.

First time visiting after a recommendation from a family member, we dine out regularly and this is going to be a new firm favourite! The nicest meal we have had out for a long time! We were made to feel very welcome, food was served piping hot and you could taste the quality of the produce used. Thank you for a lovely meal and see you soon ☺️

Dropped in for food whilst visiting my son. The food was amazing. The four of us all had different dishes and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was served hot and not to long to wait. The staff were friendly and polite. Will be going again

Been the pub a few times over the years. Went with my son tonight , and the food was absolutely spot on 👌 all homemade food 😋 and the staff are lovely friendly and very helpful. Definitely returning 👍

Arrived for a Saturday evening meal - we didn't book ahead but were able to get a table. Walked in and ordered an Aspalls Cyder on draught, cold, refreshing and crisp. The Rifleman never fails to provide homely hearty food with a good service, I ordered a Steak and Ale pie which comes with home cooked chips, seasonal veg and a gravy boat. Service ordering at the bar and when the food was brought or taken from the table was exemplary especially considering it was a busy saturday evening when we arrived, we were informed that there was a large party there but they were able to fit us in between courses so we weren't dissapointed. The pie had tender chunks of steak with a thick gravy where the taste of a quality ale shined through and a pastry that maintained it's structure, gravy had a good consistency and worked well with vegetables and chunky chips alike. The chips bring back memories to the home cooked ones I had in my childhood. The Rifleman is worth going out of your way for if you're from anywhere in the surrounding areas.

Arrived for a Saturday evening meal - we didn't book ahead but were able to get a table. Walked in and ordered an Aspalls Cyder on draught, cold, refreshing and crisp. The Rifleman never fails to provide homely hearty food with a good service, I ordered a Steak and Ale pie which comes with home cooked chips, seasonal veg and a gravy boat. Service ordering at the bar and when the food was brought or taken from the table was exemplary especially considering it was a busy saturday evening when we arrived, we were informed that there was a large party there but they were able to fit us in between courses so we weren't dissapointed. The pie had tender chunks of steak with a thick gravy where the taste of a quality ale shined through and a pastry that maintained it's structure, gravy had a good consistency and worked well with vegetables and chunky chips alike. The chips bring back memories to the home cooked ones I had in my childhood. The Rifleman is worth going out of your way for if you're from anywhere in the surrounding areas.

Absolutely fabulous food, I had an amazing sirloin steak cooked to perfection, the best cheese and onion pie! We both had desert and Tia Maria coffee. I had a pint of Speckled Hen delicious

Staff were attentive - both bar and waiting on staff. Food was lovely and we didn't wait too long at all. Would recommend to friends

We arrived today with a friend. Ordered our starters, I had soup, my friend had mussels with 'rustic bread' I had to send my bread back as it was clearly a part baked baguette, that was pingged in the microwave. It was solid, same can be said for my friends 'rustic bread' awful! Our mains were OK, home made Yorkshire puddings, are you having a laugh, aunt Bessie's at best. My husband and friend asked for one on top of their meal £1 each..really! For a frozen yorkie. I had a two meal deal of that's what it's called. My friend ate off the main menu. My husband at the start said I'll have a three meal. The bill came and they charged him for a two meal with a pudding extra at £5.95. When challenged the waitress said u ordered a two meal. He really didn't. Anyway we have been here a few times. Dont think we will return anytime soon. Always has to be on their side. Tonight we spent nearly £90. Hey ho.

Just been for Bank Holiday Monday lunch. First visit to The Rifleman but definitely won’t be the last! The place is welcoming, traditional and comfortable. The Owners are really friendly with nothing being too much trouble. You are made to feel like welcome friends immediately. The food is remarkable. Quality, taste and portion size are excellent (no exaggeration). I would recommend a visit without hesitation (make sure you take your appetite 😉) Lovely experience

Just been for Bank Holiday Monday lunch. First visit to The Rifleman but definitely won’t be the last! The place is welcoming, traditional and comfortable. The Owners are really friendly with nothing being too much trouble. You are made to feel like welcome friends immediately. The food is remarkable. Quality, taste and portion size are excellent (no exaggeration). I would recommend a visit without hesitation (make sure you take your appetite 😉) Lovely experience

Really good food, good price and friendly staff.

Great Lamb roast dinner. Very reasonably priced. Would highly recommend 🙂

Great homemade food staff friendly great service. the food I can't get over with is sooo good unlike other pubs it's frozen food

Food was good. Service was really slow and inattentive.

Great pub hidden away. Always busy when the football is on. Keeps a great pint.

The riflemen used to be very good but the quality of the food and service has gone down and the prices have gone up a lot

Two nights first night liver onions mash and veg. Second night lamb shank perfect winter/cold spring food. Menu was to big with to many items for comfort but done well and hot.

A private party so only experienced the buffet but there was plenty of choice and very fresh.

Recommend the sweet chilli chicken baguettes, went for a weekday tea and food was lovely. Service was lovely, absolutely worth it to come.

Great food, beer and friendly staff. Great local

A decent pint Pleasant service and good food.

After a walk around Bathpool in the rain, it was a delight to have a pint and a hearty meal in front of the fire in this homely pub.

First time visit after being told good things about it. Staff were spot on, lovely and helpful. Food was excellent , I've booked in again next week with friends. Well worth a visit if you haven't been yet.

This is a lovely place went with family 11 of us,the food was exceptional,service was great,would recommend 👌

First time visiting after hearing good things. Very busy evening in there and waited a little while for the food to get to the table. Absolutely well worth the wait though as the lasagne was fantastic. Will definitely be visiting again.

Had Sunday dinner this time. My beef was delicious. Staff are always friendly and welcoming. Great selection of draught cyder (Aspall 👍) and wine/beer A great little place.

Food was nice, staff were wonderful and the atmosphere was chilled, perfect little pub

Came for a drive out and ended up her. Excellent home cooked food...lovely atmosphere....lovely staff. Will certainly be back and will definitely recommend.

Best home made food in stoke! The pies are spectacular and the lamb roast is sublime

Never had a bad meal lovely friendly atmosphere. And kid friendly too.

The staff are 100 percent the food is fantastic cooked to perfection I would recommend the rifleman to anyone see you very soon. Thanks very much from Brian and Wendy n tracy

Arrived yesterday Sunday at the riffleman booked a table for 3pm . Waited until 4pm for our food . It was Luke warm.and we didnt enjoy it at all. Had to ask where our food was after half an hour . Over packed too many folk in and service was really awful.

Booked a table for 3pm yesterday for Sunday Lunch. Food came at 4pm and it was luke warm so we didnt enjoy it . We had to chase the food up after half an hour at the bar . Too many folk in and cold food . Not good wont go again for Sunday Lunch . Will not be enquiring about xmas dinner either .

Apologies update of previous review as gave 4 stars by accident it’s a def 5. Great local pub, lovely food cheese pie is my absolute favourite never had one this good. The owners also have a big heart ❤️ and look after their local community very well.

Lovely little pub. Clean tidy, friendly staff. Had a good choice on the menu, served promptly with a smile and tasted fantastic! I have no problem recommending this place!

Food is still amazing and the staff and chef could not do more for my partner as she lactose intolerance and the made sure all was good for her. So just added to the review from last year still excellent and had to take the dessert home as was to full. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The food was amazing, I had the steak pie, the veg was great and the home made chips. The staff were all very pleasant. Had the Gamon and it was lovely

Called in today after a walk around Knypersley pools . Cracking food , Lamb casserole and a pint of Directors .

Amazing service and very friendly staff! The steak and ale pie is delicious!! Cant wait for the next visit.

We had Sirloin steak with Diane sauce, belly pork and the children had pizza. It was all absolutely amazing. The steak was cooked to perfection! And the belly pork was delicious. We squeezed in desserts there was a great selection for all to choose. Staff were all very friendly and welcoming. We had a great time and will be returning very soon.

We had a fantastic meal with our Grand children at The Rifleman, the children are fussy eaters but they ate all their food. We had sirloin steak and steak and cake pie. Amazing! All of us had desserts. Well done to all The Rifleman staff.

I had drinks with a friend at The Rifleman at Christmas and we had a fantastic time. We had plenty of drinks and nibbles and the atmosphere was great. The staff are really friendly and I can’t recommend it enough. Will definitely return!

Excellent meal. And Great owners

Lovely cosy pub Very nice food and brilliant service

Very friendly atmosphere, the service was excellent, the food was superb, we all had different meals (6 of us) and not 1 complaint, best onion rings ive ever had, the food was plentiful.

Been awhile since going to the rifleman ( before covid) still very friendly staff , food was freshly made delicious and plentiful 👍🍻😋 large range of lagers and a rotating selection of real ales 🍻 really enjoyed ourselves

Went here earlier today, I’ve heard many good things, despite not booking they had a table for us, unfortunately with 4 waitresses on it was order everything at the bar, when looking through the menu I got a little concerned as I saw the burgers although advertised at £7-£10 are an extra £4 for chips, we ordered mixed grill and sides, after 40 minutes I asked a friend who was also in the pub when they ordered their food and they said 10 minutes before us, they had only ordered a baguette, sandwich and chips, both me and my friend ended up waiting an hour for our food with no warning of a wait, the peppercorn sauce didn’t possess any peppercorns, the onion rings came as 6 for £4.50, the mixed grill was compensating for taste with food, the pork chop was dry and the steak was already cut in half, we were asked if we wanted sauces 6 times whilst waiting an hour with a couple waitresses asking if we’d ordered yet, it’s a shame as we were recommend here by friends and unfortunately probably won’t be going back

Good food and great value for money

i always highly recommended the riflemann as its my local I took my work friends we had the Christmas fayre I cannot express how amazing this meal was from start to finish staff are always amazing and happy to help we all had a great time 10/10 to the riflemann

The food here is great, recommended. Especially the pies.

Our 1st visit and very happy with all the food and the service was great parking OK no disabled facilities except for 1 parking space but it's a very old pub so limited on what they can do but I think there would be plenty of help if needed very good portions brilliant staff would definitely go again.

Home cooked grub excellent price and good beer

Great atmosphere, great food, great beer. Alex, Andy and the rest of the staff provide a great service. Highly recommended.

Not visited in a few years but heard the Sunday roasts were worth trying. We booked in the afternoon and although thete was a specials board on offer and the full menu available we decided on sticking to the roast, which very reasonably priced for one two or three courses. With a choice of 3 meats, you can pay extra for a selection. Choose from turkey beef or lamb with roasts yorkshire and gravy. All arrived on a large plate with veg, which was carrots peas and cabbage, cauliflower cheese and bolied potatoes as sides. Absolutely ample potions, its great value for money. We were shown to our table and offered a choice of sitting in the bar or restaurant, both clean and warm the open fires were lit. This isn't fine dining or a modern pub but warm, friendly with traditional charm. We weren't drinking although a good choice of real ales were on offer at the bar. We had soft drinks that were served to our table by a pleasant waitress who took our order. Everything arrived as ordered and we were offered sauces. I love peas, although not with my roast dinner, cauliflower cheese was delicious and a frozen yorkie but for the money we didn't mind, although lovely they are a faff to make and not everyone eats them, maybe offer stuffing as an alternative? All in all excellent value for money. If anything we thought too much choice, I don't know how they manage the menu. Might be trying a bit too hard and could do really delicious dishes if they narrowed the menu down to focus on a few specials and Sunday roast. Although the people who ordered the burgers may have been disappointed because they did look good, and huge! Also the chips looked to be homemade, always a crowd pleaser! We will definitely go again and try the pub menu on a different day. If you are hungry and want good value pub grub you wont go wrong.

It's a great pub we had thr Sunday dinner it was massive tasty and great value for money

Excellent pub for a lunch..we dropped in and was warm and friendly..I had the Steak pie meal which was delishious and a competitive price too.

Good tasty home prepared food. Only criticism is that I would have liked a lighter bites option of the main meals at lunchtime. Probably wouldn't return for that reason..

A very nice, tasty home cooked meal was had here tonight. All the food was delicious, the lamb shank was particularly nice. Very decent portion sizes and reasonable pricing. Very nice setting, lovely local village pub feel to the evening. The staff were all very friendly and accommodating. I would definitely recommend visiting here for a relaxed home cooked meal.

Food was lovely and my girlfriend had the vegan shepherd's pie and said its the nicest one she has had.

Held a celebration of life for my dad today. Staff are friendly, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Buffet food was lovely too. Would highly recommend

Had 16oz T-Bone very nice 20 quid and a few pints of real ale at 3.90 pleasant staff I'll be back..

The meal was great and service very good the staff were friendly and helpful

Great service, quality food. Chips are amazing

Amazing hospitality and the steak pie really does take some beating!!! Can't wait to visit again soon. Thanks. 👍

Went for a meal to celebrate 🍾 my niece's birthday we all had a fantastic time and throughly enjoyed the night excellent place to eat and drink

Although we live locally we have never tried here, what a mistake on our part. Went today and had two absolutely exceptional meals. Lynda had the lamb and I had the belly pork. Two huge portions arrived and both were cooked to perfection. Service was quick and professional, thank you Rifleman you will definitely be seeing us again !!! Two very happy but full customers.

I have used this place on numerous occasions and i have always been pleased with my visits but on this occasion i can honestly say that i felt let down the service was not up to the usual level and i found the food very bland and tasteless, sorry but it needs to improve before i visit again !!

We had a lovely meal in the bar area. There were four of us and they were very happy to change anything i.e. I did not want peppers and onions on my chilli chicken baguette and thoroughly enjoyed it. Staff very attentive. There is a restaurant area and also a little snug area. Great car park and good seating in the afternoon sun. What a great find especially if you are going for a walk around Bathpool.

Just had Sunday lunch. Great service. Excellent quality food and I like the fact you can order off main menu aswell as Sunday lunch menu . Good value for money

First visit in a long while.....Great food and selection of drinks.

Quality food, hand cut chips (always a winner) lovely staff and a well kept pint, proper food pub. Will definitely be back

Not a bad little pub, staff were friendly and the food was good. The only issue was that parking is very limited but we managed regardless.

Great food and service. We booked this venue because it was local and recommended. It didn’t disappoint. They catered for over 30 people in one sitting, and yet the service was great , food was great and the presentation was amazing. I has lasagna and it came out with salad and garlic bread set on the plate like a picture. Other people had fish and chips , yet again the presentation was amazing, looked like whale and chips , home made chips I might add . Steak pie was steak, jacket potato was set on the plate , with cheese ,bacon and chicken,salad mmmm. There was nothing to complain about with any of the 30 + meals or great service.

Absolutely gorgeous food ,my husband and brother, had mixed grill, it was beautiful,i had chicken fillet with garlic mushrooms, and my other brother had liver and onions, we cleaned our plates ,compliments to the cheff ,fir his georgous food ,and the staff couldn't do enough for us ,we will definitely be back ,oh and cakes were delicious also ,thank you for great customer service.

Visited with friends, 4 of us in total. We ordered Sunday Roast and we were served very poor offerings, very poor meals indeed. Certainly can’t recommend the place, we will not ever be returning. Not going to go into detail enough to say we should have refused to pay and walk out. It was very very poor. Not The Rifleman’s finest hour, shame really, they can see what they served up, no chef / cook worth their salt would have let it go out.

Out favourite pub when we want a feeling of home away from home. Cottage pie is amazing! You can't get wrong whatever you order. The staff is very kind and helpful. Really lovely sitting outside in the sun and super cozy on a cold winter day to just relax and enjoy a lovely meal.

Awful service. Drab surroundings lacking any atmosphere. Shame because the food is great.

We ate at The Rifleman last night and the food was second to none! I had a sirloin steak which was cooked to perfection. My friends had belly pork and chicken fajitas, both said that the food was amazing! The service was attentive and made sure everyone had everything they needed. I will definitely be making The Rifleman a regular thing!

Sunday lunch not up to usual standards last 2 times. Will give 1 more chance.

Lovely cool pint of aspalls and a lovely steak baguette steak was cooked to mt liking. Excellent

We were searching for a place for lunch that we hadn't visited before & came across this little gem. So SatNav on & off we went. A little tucked away but well worth it. Very welcoming lovely staff, very quick service & no problems. The...