The Stag in South Kesteven

We were visiting Belton and wanted to book somewhere nice for lunch, this place came up on a Google search and sounded lovely so we booked and wow are we glad we did. Absolutely amazing food, so tasty. I had a pie my partner had fish and chips. Even though we’d eyed up the dessert menu we were regretfully too full. Next time we will leave room for pudding. Staff were very attentive and friendly.

We were in the area visiting family and popped in for lunch without booking. It’s a lovely traditional village pub with good food, great range of ales and friendly locals. £46 for lunch for 4!

I enjoyed the most amazing Sunday Lunch with my Husband and Mum at The Stag at Barkston today. The food was fabulous and the service was lovely. Thankyou 😊

The Stag Inn is a delightful looking pub overlooking the small green in the village of Barkston near Grantham. Internally the pub is clean and tidy with a range of two and four seater tables with New England shades of light blue on the painted table legs in the restaurant area. We didn’t venture into the pub side so can’t vouch for the decor in there. We arrived unannounced just after opening time of 12 and were offered a table with no difficulty. There was a menu of the usual offerings of fish and chips and a range of burgers together with roast salmon, chargrilled pork chop, a leek and cauliflower cheese pot pie, ham egg and chips and a vegetable lasagne amongst others. A specials chalkboard hung on the far wall and the crab and prawn salad with Mediterranean bread sounded so good we both opted for it. That was a mistake as we were to find out. The meals were reasonably quick to arrive and were served up in two large bowls with a dusting of paprika round the edges. What hit me immediately was the large flaccid green lettuce leaf draped over the edge of the bowl, together with a whole half-a-lemon that we each had. A small wedge would be perfect. The bread tasted sweet and was as far from the Mediterranean as it could possibly be apart from the occasional input of sundried tomato. What irked me most though was that the bread was delivered up pre-buttered with what looked like some bright yellow catering spread. A small ramakin of real butter between the two of us would work so much better. When asked if everything was okay I mentioned this and was told that chef would be informed. Having said all that the crab and prawn salad was full of flavour and sat on a nice mixed salad of red peppers, lettuce, red onion and cornichons. A word of advice to the wise….. don’t sit at the table near the restaurant counter as this is where the pub’s phone is located. On at least two occasions the phone was left to ring unanswered by the staff, presumably as they were busy elsewhere (the pub was by no means full) and was right behind my head! The volume of the ringer was high and it would have been a more pleasant experience for us if, firstly, it was answered and, secondly, the volume was turned down. On the plus side the staff were polite and helpful but the food not so great.

We visited here twice this week as we were staying close by; once for Sunday lunch and once for a mid-week evening meal. Both visits were fabulous; the Sunday lunch was hot, tasty and plentiful, with the most amazing cabbage I have ever tasted [yes...cabbage!!] My wife had the beef and I had a more tradition Fish and Chips - which was huge and equally tasty. For our evening meals, we had a couple of the pies - one stilton topped steak and mushroom, and the other a chicken and mushroom, served with a lovely selection of vegetables and fries. Can thoroughly recommend this place - but you will need to book. Sumptuous!

Our second family visit, meeting up from the North and South East so an excellent location and near Belton House. Excellent friendly service and very good food. Well worth a visit

We visited Belton House and decided to stop for lunch but menu less than inspiring so we did a search on the mobile and found The Stag just a mile away. Wonderful welcome and menu choice. Food well cooked and presented so much so we returned the following day andagain were not disappointed.

Had a beautiful meal here tonight with family. The food was delicious, a great choice on the menu and fantastic service. Would definitely recommend it and will return.

Staff not that friendly , prices , very very expensive, beef was almost raw, left very ill and had a stomach upset, will NEVER go in there again!

We stopped here for lunch on the way back from a visit to the Ping factory at Gainsborough. The welcome was very friendly and the ambience of the bar is excellent. It was a chilly April day and they had the wood burner lit making it nice and cosy. We had Haddock and chips, and it was really good. The best pub fish and chips we've had for a long time. Good portions and fish well cooked - we could not ask for more. Service was friendly and excellent! The whole menu looked great, especially the specials board. This is a hidden gem a few miles from the A1 and well worth the detour. You won't regret it.

7 people and 7 different dishes. All the dishes apart from one were great and enjoyed. A steak burger was not entirely as described, the brioche bun was a plain white bun and the burger was over cooked and hard, it came with leicester cheese and onion relish neither being very impressive. The meal was returned and a refund given without argument. Overall a great evening with some good food. Worth a visit.

We visited to have lunch and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. The menu is extensive, as well as the Sunday lunch menu with a choice of two roasts, there was a specials board. We shared a starter of prawns and crab with Mediterranean bread, then had the venison bourguignon, the lamb shank and the seafood. There was a large bowl of vegetables and a cabbage side which was delicious. For pudding we had sticky toffee pudding and the chocolate dipped meringue with summer fruit. Excellent food, attentive staff and a lovely lunch. Most people were enjoying the Sunday roast, beef or lamb with the option to have both.

We had family down from up north and needed somewhere to eat decided on the stag and we weren’t disappointed there was 10 of us what a very good night it was food was really good and nobody could have faulted it,service good atmosphere good and would highly recommend

We had a lovely evening meal in a warm restaurant and can highly recommend the stag, and look forward to going again when we are on holiday again in the area.

Went to The Stag today, fantastic food, atmosphere and service. The only moan would be there wasn't a working fire in the dining room so it was extremely cold in there even though the radiators were on. We opted to eat in the bar where there was a lovely log fire and great atmosphere. We would definitely recommend to others and go ourselves but would book the bar. I would have given 5/5 stars but for the fact there wasn't a fire in the dining room. It's a lovely village pub.

A Christmas meet up for lunch we do every year at The Stag. The menu has a good choice , the food and service was excellent as usual. Would highly recommend a visit if in the area. Nice selection of real ales as well .

Service is always so friendly yet professional and the food good fresh and home made. Real ale great and the bar restaurant side is dog friendly and the restaurant side is not so everyone is happy. Great log burner too. Very handy bus to the...

Very friendly staff and incredible food. Driven past lots of times and so pleased we tried it. Definitely going back. Lots of specials on the menu

We had heard good things about the food but we were disappointed. Having an allergy we found them very unaccommodating. We asked if it would be possible to have scampi & chips but told that only if we chose the platter which included squid and...

We had been there before, and as before we hadn't booked. They found us a table within a few minutes. It is really nice, good atmosphere. We got served quickly and the server was very helpful. The food was splendid, we did not have a...

Visited here Wednesday 10 august for a family dinner party of 6 all the food and drinks were excellent, great friendly service with a smile. Have visited several times when on holiday at Belton woods hotel I will return on next visit

People who have read some of my previous reviews on this establishment will know that in the past I have been very impressed with the service and quality of the food. I have recently commented on how I thought the menu was getting a little...

We were having a 2-night break in a hotel near here and, after dinner in the hotel's restaurant on our first night, we decided to eat out the following evening (I'm saying nothing!). What an absolutely amazing find this was. We chose it because of...

After a long week, working as a teacher, my friend and I meet up half way to have a meal at the Stag. This usually happens once every month and has done for over a year. Usually the service is friendly and the food with...

I chose The Stag based on the location, menu choice and the positive reviews. We were meeting up with family living in the north, east and south of England so Lincolnshire was ideal. The Stag is a very attractive, relaxed pub with a bar one...

Featured and recommended in the Alastair Sawday guide, The Extra Mile for delicious alternatives to motorway services. We diverted and pulled in en route to our next destination. Greeted by the friendly bar team and locals proping up the bar. Usual pub sandwich options available...

This is simply a wee gem of a bar and restaurant. We discovered this by chance travelling back from Belton House and having done that for so many years before we'd really missed out on this fabulous friendly bar and restaurant. The staff are just...

Visited with my mum on a Saturday lunch time. We sat down on a table which was quickly taken up with 8 old men, essentially pushed off the table despite having menu’s and a dog ready to have some lunch. Ben reacted really nicely and...

We had been staying at an hotel outside Grantham and after two nights of their menu we needed a change - and The Stag turned out to be the perfect answer. We drove miles along winding country lanes from our hotel but found it and...

Lovely welcome to a lovely restaurant. The service and food were amazing, had a job to choose from the menu. Will definitely go back and would recommend

Had an excellent lunch once again with good beer. I have mentioned this in the past though, menu could do with a revamp.

Booked for dinner. Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Great menu options. We had the venison chilli and from the specials, haddock with prawn and caper butter sauce. Absolutely delicious. Large portions and great value for money. A huge thank you to all the staff and...

Lovely friendly atmosphere - chatting staff - amazing food ! The venison fillet with peppercorn sauce was delicious. Creme brûlée - perfect 👍 Not from this area but was recommended by some friends - wow were they right - perfection

Just returned from having a meal in the stag Excellent food, quick service lovely atmosphere And value for money if anyone visiting grantham area visit the stag Mr& Mrs Weber

This was one of the best meals in a pub we have ever had. Everything about our visit was perfect. The food, the host and the atmosphere. Spotlessly clean too. 5 stars isn’t enough.

We visited this gorgeous pub last night , we received a very warm welcome . The food is OUTSTANDING, such choice available and large portions, the deserts were incredible and all very reasonably priced. The pub was also incredibly clean. Thank you to the team...

We visited twice and had a sunday lunch. The landlord and landlady were very helpful, professional and welcoming. The sunday lunch was superb and the real ale perfect. You need to book. We will return for sure.

What a fabulous pub. Called late on saturday afternoon and although busy, they managed to sort a table for us at 18.30. Fantastic food, served on hot plates, excellent Ale and warm welcoming staff. Five stars a round.

Great little country pub, very reasonable priced food, we went for 1x Ham , egg and chips which was very nice, 1x beef and mushroom pie which was also very nice and 1x large fish and chips, Sad to say the fish was over cooked...

Visiting the area for a winter break, we found the Stag Inn and weren't disappointed. My venison was served in a peppery rich sauce with crushed potatoes and a lovely selection of vegetables. My wife opted for the Haddock with lemon sauce. Nicely decorated restaurant...

Was a big party with 2 children under 5 .the young lad was very understanding because we was late …but I felt the elder lady out the lot was keeping a eye on the under 5 ..totally understandable the 2 children was touching ornaments ,...

Stopped here for a few drinks. Really nice atmosphere here and nicely decorated too. Lovely lady serving. Can’t comment on the food, but the restaurant area looked lovely. Drinks here are very reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend.

The food at The Stag is very good and I enjoy eating there. Since the lifting of lockdown the food has got back to a good standard. We enjoyed our meal and will visit again however I do feel that the the time is now...

From arriving and being welcomed to the quality of the food and drink and the ambiance everything was perfect. The restaurant side is carpeted and the bar side has a lovely old flagged floor so ideal for walkers and those with dogs . Both sides...

Friendly and welcoming staff. Good range of beers. We were a party of four adults and three of our party had the venison. Being candid, the venison flattered to deceive somewhat, and two of the venison were very chewy, although the 3rd member of our...

So glad we came to this pub & restaurant. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The service was excellent and the staff friendly.

4 of us tried the Stag, for the first time, early on Saturday evening. Bar staff were polite and welcoming as we had a drink in the bar to wait for our table to be ready. Restaurant was busy and had a nice atmosphere. We...

Delicious mains, fantastic dessert, good beer, very good service by friendly staff. Cannot be faulted.

We visited The Stag for a Friday lunch. What a choice, the food was absolutely amazing and service could not be faulted. We have been to the Stag many times and always received a friendly welcome and the food is consistently excellent. Cannot recommend highly...

Was staying at a hotel down the road last week, so checked ot the pub for an evening meal.No starters as we had had a big lunch earlier. Mrs M had the wild mushroom risotto with pesto and parmesan crisp and I had the haddock...

Great meal,friendly prompt and helpful service.Had never been before but they catered very well for a varied group.

Traditional pub fare at pub prices... steaks were spot on cooked as we asked them with plenty of chips. Didn't try any desserts.

Following a shaky start after the C19 lockdown the food has improved. Service good, staff polite. Well worth a visit

Nice pub, fish and chips good but shepards pie mainly mash hunt the lamb not that cheap either dog friendly in bar

Visited whilst staying locally at the Olde Barn hotel in Marston. Warm welcome on arrival…nice atmosphere… Good menu choices….daily specials as well. good old fashioned home cooked food…best cheesecake ever! Attentive smiling staff…will be back if in the area again

We had booked in here for dinner and we were shown to our table, next to a window. We ordered drinks and food. Starters were the tomato and basil soup, the pate and the creamy stilton mushrooms. The soup was too sharp, not sure if...

I have been here for both lunch and dinner , for lunch we had the posh fish finger sandwich and a croque monsieur, when I saw 7 pounds for a sandwich I thought a bit steep at first, however the sandwiches are really big on...

What a great find and even better as it’s only 15 mins drive from us. We went for a family meal for my parents birthdays. From the time of booking until receiving the bill, the service was fantastic. The food was out of this world…fresh,...

My husband and I stopped here today for the first time after a visit to Belton House and were not disappointed. We sat in the garden out the back which was lovely. We arrived before food started being served so sat and had some drinks...

A brilliant menu with something for everybody. Excellent service, the staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. Food was well presented and cooked perfectly. Would thoroughly recommend - we will definitely come back again next time we stay at Belton Woods Hotel.

Since the ease of lockdown we have visited The Stag a few times and we thought it was not as good as pre Covid, however our latest visit has shown an improvement and we had an excellent meal hope the standard continues to improve.

Visited here today for the first time with work colleagues. Had booked a table and were welcomed bu staff who were extremely efficient and very attentive. The food was outstanding. Staff could not have been more pleasant or professional. This establishment was exceptional and all...

Had a pleasant lunch after travelling up from Kent. Service was good and it is dog friendly so our dog was welcome. Good size portions and they were happy to adapt dishes for me and my dairy/gluten intolerance. Sat outside in the sweet courtyard garden.

A lovely pub with a friendly restaurant, the food was really good and the price excellent value, service was good

Fabulous food and plenty of it. The service was slick but friendly. You have to book well in advance as not a huge place but you won’t be disappointed.

Rang at about 13:35, friendly and helpful greeting and 'yes' to a walk in for lunch. Lovely courtyard style garden. Excellent selection of beers, a tasty sandwich with perfectly cooked chips (NOT fries) and very friendly staff. Well worth a visit if you are r...

We had a great evening out with a delicious food and very good service. Ticked all the boxes! BTW Why do I have to write 100 characters Trip advisor? Job done. I look forward to going back to the Stag soon.

We booked a meal here for my daughters 21st birthday. My son is vegan and the thought that went in making sure he had a dish he liked was excellent. We all absolutely loved our starter and main course. Sadly we were too full for...

Dog friendly and welcoming, a great pub with amazing food and lovely wine. A lovely little find and the reviews didn’t disappoint

My mother and I went for a traditional Sunday lunch. She ended up ordering the salmon special which was excellent. I had the roast beef dinner which I am afraid was average. (Beef a little tough, skimpy veg). Although staff seem to take good cleanliness...

The food in this place is fantastic . The fish and chips is stunning the portion sizes are huge and you must try f it’s still on the specials board the banoffee pie it’s to die for ,I really hope they keep it on the...

Booked and went for a meal while staying at Belton Woods hotel, did read other reviews and one not so complimentary review, don’t think they were in the same place! Lovely welcome by the landlady had A couple of drinks outside then dinner in the...

Went tonight had meal with my wife food is ok did not like the vegetable and the pie needs short crust pastry , problem would say 6 out of 10 but , main dis like is waiting staff and manger without face masks and gloves...

Very good pub food and decent portions. Staff efficient but not very welcoming. Good stop off for a good bite.

Visited today, lovely fresh food & super staff. Will visit again soon 😄 covid restrictions followed fully.

Had a great meal and couple of pints here - staff were very friendly and the food was excellent (especially the Steak & Mushroom pie) Thank you so much!

Met up with 3 friends for a lunch 2 days ago. There was a reasonable choice on the menu including the daily selections. Three of us had the Pork Belly and one chicken salad. Food was good for pub grub. Staff were friendly and helpful. Will visit again.

Been here a couple of times now, once for Sunday lunch with a big party and most recently after restaurants reopened following the recent restrictions.They coped brilliantly with the big party in February the food was delicious, piping hot and plentiful.On our recent visit we found that from the moment we neared the building it was easy to navigate the new route which was well signposted and a hand sanitizer available immediately. We were quickly seated at our alloted table which had been labeled to show it was clean and given single use menus. Table service was mandatory and the waiting staff were always visible.We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals and will definitely return!Anyone nervous about eating out in these strange times need not fear.. ... Its spotless and spot on!

Well if you want a 'Staggering' meal this is the place to come. We didn't book but the friendly staff found us a table, with no bother. We ordered off the specials board and were blown away with the quality and quantity of the food. I had a Pesto roast salmon, and my wife had homemade chicken curry. We were certainly well fed at the Stag. We would certainly go back again, with excellent value for money, a fresh cooked taste, friendly staff and pleasant surroundings it has an A++ from us.

We and friends had visited Belton House so chose this pub at random for lunch.There were plenty of people eating there which for mid week lunch was a good sign. Though we hadn't booked we were made welcome and found a table for 4.There were specials on the board as well as a menu with ample choice for lunch. Drinks were served to the table and our meal order taken in good time. We all had different things from both the main menu and specials. All the food was very well cooked and presented. A nice atmosphere and friendly , helpful staff. Would recommend.

I have eaten here twice before and rated it 10/10 but today at lunch it was like being at a totally different place. New menu limited from previous menu. Presentation of food poor and taste of food poor. I had salmon with lemon and tarragon sauce, it was supposed to come with vegetables and potatoes but I asked for chips. The chips were served on the plate and therefore were smothered in the oily sauce (not nice) and the salmon was not to my expectations. One of our group had the vegetable lasagne. Last time he had this (around Xmas time) he said it was the best veg lasagne he ever had and was really looking forward to this but was disappointed again, nothing like the last time in taste or presentation. His garlic bread was a mere slice of white thin bread with garlic butter on it! Over all very disappointed. I asked if there had been a change in chef and was told the chef (the owner) had been there for 6 years. Well he must have been on holiday at Xmas when we went there and the relief chef was a hell of a lot better. Get him back! We will not be back, we will not recommend and no doubt they will not want us back either.So sorry. Would have loved to have a better experience. I hate to moan and love to promote. Finally, your new menu is no way as good as your previous one. On a positive note, the young lady serving us was excellent. Thank you

Haven't visited for a while so thought a visit was due. The steak was very good, my daughter had the beef burger both excellent. Tiger beer tasted very nice, staff friendly, establishment clean.

Good fresh food well presented in pleasant, comfortable surroundings. Staff are helpful and serve you well.

I heard someone (also coeliac) say about a year ago that she had been really poorly after having something off the gluten free menu. I gave it a chance, I orders short rib of beef and couldn’t even get a steak knife through it so I sent it back and had the belly pork and twice cooked chips which was also advertised as gluten free. Obviously the chips were not gluten free and have been very poorly since the meal. They also only have one gluten free option on the dessert menu which is fruit and ice cream. Coeliacs, please don’t risk going there it is not worth the upset stomach.

Visited for Sunday lunch for just my wife and I.On first impressions the seating and general atmosphere was fairly congenial and comfortable. The staff were attentive, efficient and polite.The food was a real let down.We ordered a soup and chicken liver pate as starters. The pate portion was huge and good. It could have sufficed as a main course. Ample lightly toasted bread and nice pickle/chutney. Wholy spoiled by copious amounts of sea salt which was on the toast.The soup, broccoli and stilton, was very good but again spoiled by the odd choice of bread that it was served with. The bread was very sweet wit some kind of fruit in it. The chicken curry main that my wife had was far too hot in taste for a lunch and she found it inedible.I had a 'steak and ale ' pie. This in actual fact was a pretty poor meat stew in a bowl surmounted by a cardboard pastry lid. It came served with very soft and floppy chips.For the price, our meal plus a glass of Prosecco at seven pound and two pints of bitter was over fifty pounds, I felt this was a very expensive second rate lunch.We won't be going to this pub again.

We were caravaning near by and was recommended to eat here.Had a lunch meal in the resturant, no reservation just turned up. The ambiance was very nice and the decor and furniture was lovely.The food was fantastic. Plenty on the plate and cooked excellently for me. I had the homemade burger and my wife the salmon. We were both very pleased with our meals, and the staff were extremely warm and friendly which made our dining experience even better.The prices are very reasonable as were the bar prices.Anyway it was so nice that we have just got back from our 2nd lunch meal in 2 days. The roast beef and lamb meals were delicious.If you are in the area you would be mad not to visit the Stag and sample the warm friendly atmosphere and good food at great prices.We will return next time we are in the vicinity...Thanks..

there were 4 of us for sunday lunch. 3 of us had starters, 4 main course and 3 desserts. All of us rated every dish 10/10 Will definately return. Ate in pub side Staff were brilliant Really enjoyed our visit - thank you

Recently attended a christmas quiz night with a group of friends. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Had the standard xmas quiz with a starter which was very good. The Stag is very busy so booking is essential, I feel the food is reasonably priced.

Staff and food were excellent. The only downfall was that there is no childrens menu. My son is quite fussy so ended up having nothing whilst everybody else was eating. Would definately go again but please bear in mind that for most people, Sundays are for families and there should be a menu to please all.

Great welcome at The Stag and very friendly, helpful staff. The rest of our party thoroughly enjoyed their food - starters and main courses.

Good selection on the menu, and a specials board

Food was imaginative, well cooked and presented. We were greeted warmly and our young lady server was very good. Only disappointment was we couldn't make a second visit as they were packed. Booking is necessary

Friendly , warm & welcoming ... lovely place , quaint village . Great selection of wines & choices for food . Very attentive staff & relaxing ambience!

I had to organise a surprise lunch for a colleague involving about 20 diners. I had previously had an evening meal here and been impressed by the food. The manager/owner, Samantha, asked us to pre-order, which we did. As always with this sort of function people change their minds, withdraw, decide to come after all and this lead to a number of Emails modifying the original order. All of these were actioned in a smooth fashion indicating a high degree of flexibility. On the day there was another large party dining in another room but despite this the service, presentation and quality of the food were excellent. Every dish I saw and the one I ate was generous of portion and beautifully prepared. All of the quests commented on the quality of the meals. An outstanding venue.

This is a great place for good food and excellent service. Good and varied menu and generous portions.

Fantastic service from start to finish, food was beautifully cooked and the desserts where very yummy

Having stayed locally for the last week and eating out every night we have had some great meals! Only one below par and that was at Belton Woods :(

The Kid's menu is good, the chips are nice. I had the veg lasagne which was served on an inappropriate plate which meant that most of your salad fell on the table. Lots of flies. Toilets good and clean. Very popular but a little restaurant like simply churning out food.

We drove quite a way to this pub because of the good reviews. It clearly advertised on the menu that it served food until 8.45. We got there at 8.15 happy to order quickly. We were told that they had stopped serving food already - this was despite the restaurant being busy with people who were clearly likely to be there for quite some time. Why advertise you serve food until a certain time if it’s not true?! This was such a waste of time and effort, and a real shame after a long journey...clearly only because staff want to try to get home early. Change your serving times so you don’t falsely advertise!!!

We took our family from America for lunch last week. Food and service were first class at reasonable price. Our eldest granddaughter has a severe dairy allergy but the landlady had no problems in bringing her food with us. Could not have been more accommodating. This was our second visit recommend both fish curry and belly pork. Great beer.