The Stag Barkston in South Kesteven

We've been to The Stag many times for meals and have never had a bad meal! Staff are always attentive and pleasant and we always have a great time! Last night they hosted my husbands 60th birthday dinner! Wow, wow, wow, what can I say!! They went above and beyond to make it such a special night! Sam and the team were fantastic!! Made such an effort and it was so appreciated! Thank you so much! See you very soon! 😊

Friendly and welcoming and was able to book a table for 4 same day... Food was hot and very tasty

Absolutely amazing. The food was beautifully prepared and presented, it was one of, if not the best meal we have had. My recommendation would be, if you haven't been, go! Riley looked after us so well and nothing was too much trouble for him, what a star and a really pleasant young man.

We stopped here on our way to Belton Garden Centre, we ordered their Brie Bacon and cranberry toastie,with chips and a pint of beer. That was the best bacon and Brie sandwich I've eaten in ages and it was huge , lovely bread and beautifully presented and the chips were superb. We were looking at the diners at the next table and the food look amazing, definitely returning to try the rest of the menu.

We had a lovely 3 course meal with good size portions and piping hot. All 3 courses were spot on. The starters were delicious (mushrooms on garlic bread and broccoli and Stilton soup) and plentiful. Sunday Roast dinner with trimmings was lovely with varied veg, buttery cabbage and fluffy roast potatoes. The roast dinner also had option for a smaller portion which allowed room for sticky toffee pudding which was one of the best I’ve ever had ( and I’ve had a few!!) . My partner had golden honeycomb cheesecake which was delicious It’s not often I leave a review but this fully deserves it. Great Food at reasonable price Service great, atmosphere great Will def be back!!

Have been eating here for 20 years and it has changed hands many times with varying results. Haven't been for a while so we gave it a try for lunch today and it was delicious. We will be back soon.

Amazing meals .. everything was so tasty .. & food was lovely and hot

We were a party of eight and we all agreed the food was fabulous. We had starters, mains and desserts and nothing disappointed. Everything was very tasty, portions were huge, lovely hot food we couldn’t find a fault in anything and have booked another birthday meal. We would highly recommend.

What a find! Great ambience, delicious food, wonderful staff and service. Will certainly be back when we visit the area again!

This is a great little pub. Lovely food a decent size portions. Being gluten-free isn't a problem either. Highly recommend

Biked here today, 6th March, from where we are staying at Wagtail Country Park Campsite in our motorhome. Obstacle course, second bridge closed on way as resurfacing. Road closed but, luckily, lovely workmen let us through and carried our bikes to other side. If they hadn’t, it would have been biking up the A1😲. Might have made the 6 o’clock news. The Stag was great. Ordered a sandwich each but so big could have shared and certainly did not need a bowl of chips. Did not mention on website but dog friendly in public bar. All the food that came out looked amazing so will definitely come back when we next visit Wagtail. Staff were very pleasant.

Family lunch, food was excellent. Staff lovely and a great setting. Some of us already been back.

Back again for Sunday dinner could not fault it. They should get a Woodburn in the dining room it would just complete perfection.

Very friendly service Excellent food and a cosy environment Couldn't ask for more

By far the best Sunday Lunch we have had for a long time.

Local pub mischief, January 2025 This pub was first on the list for 2025, recommended by a chef at other pub we visited in 2024 so we kept expectations very high. It's a lovely, charming, traditional country pub with restaurant and bar area. Very cosy indeed. Very nice atmosphere. The staff were friendly and helpful, very accommodating however they didn't take order for drinks those who arrived before me and were waiting. We ordered vegetable lasagna, spiced venison burger, rump of venison (from specials board). The food was nice. The lasagna was tasty, the venison burger was a bit too dry (disappointed about it as I was really looking forward to devouring this dish), but the venison rump with peppercorn souce was to die for (the best dish of the evening)! The portions were decent, we didn't leave hungry. Also, there is specials board with soup of the day, special starters, main dishes and desserts so plenty to choose from. The pub offers a great selection of ales as well. Unfortunately there is no car park and the street parking is very limited so please be prepared you may have to leave your car a little bit further in the village.

Nice location, nice atmosphere, nice service, nice food and drink. What's not to like.

Our first visit, excellent menu, very generous portions.

Went for a lunchtime meal. Had a great steak, ale & mushroom pie. Staff very friendly and a lovely atmosphere.

Couldn't fault this pub for anything!!!! Lasagne was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!!!!! Staff were friendly, efficient and professional. Atmosphere great.Will definitely go back when in the area. Wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend.

Nice pub with welcoming fire and good atmosphere.

Went to this lovely little pub last night. Would defenitely recommend the Venison and mash potato. Staff were very friendly and accommodating when we needed to change our dining time at the last minute. Would definitely recommend.

Wonderful small country pub. Sunday dinner for two. Traditional beef and turkey dinner (duo for those who can't decide) Best gravy I've had in a long time. Sadly no car park so parking is limited on street.

Great atmosphere, very friendly staff . Sunday lunch was excellent, good quality roast beef lots of vegetables well presented with a gorgeous Yorkshire pudding. Perfect

Went for a family Christmas meal. Food nice, portions large, a little too large maybe. We were seated in the bar and it was quite noisy but being near the log burner was nice.

Fantastic superb food, most dishes gluten free adaptable, very nice and comfortable and very understanding and friendly staff 10 out of 10

Love this pub very nice just to sit drink or eat food always great when we have been in.

The Stag at Barkston is a fantastic country pub with a great vibe! I had the Mac & Cheese, and it was absolutely delicious creamy, cheesy with a decent side helping of garlic bread just what I needed. The food menu has plenty of tasty options, and the beer selection is top notch, with some great local brews. The staff were very friendly and made me feel right at home. It is a perfect spot for a relaxed meal in a charming countryside setting. Highly recommend it!

Popped in for first time on way back from work usually i found villiage pubs very clicky but i was surprised it was fairly busy with locals who where friendly the atomosphere was very chilled and that lady behind the bar service was great and very welcoming i will stop by a little more when im out that way next time after looking at menu i will try as i have always been told it serves good food.

Lovely sandwiches, very generous portions and well kept ale.

I had a great time at The Stag Barkson. The fish and chips were delicious—crispy and fresh. The service was friendly and accommodating, making sure I had everything we needed. I’ll definitely be back!

Very good food on a Tuesday lunchtime.

Out standing couldn't fault it in any way service was great and friendly staff

Great menu - lots of specials and the food was fabulous.

A fantastic find. Wonderful food and wonderful friendly staff. Highly recommended

Great pub with nice staff. Food was amazing

Food very good Friendly service and helpful A place I would revisit

Delicious food, friendly staff, great atmosphere

Lovely little pub very nice food get good portions will return again.

A treat meal at the Stag. A lovely village setting with parking nearby. A delicious menu, with mouthwatering specials. A good wine list if you partake. Very nice welcome and efficient service.

The Sunday rose was lovely. Really enjoyed it

We stopped off here with our large dog for a meal. The staff were welcoming and very attentive. The food was excellent - well presented, lovely flavours and prices reasonable. The steak, ale and mushroom pie was packed full of meat. The Eaton mess sundae was amazing!

Excellent meal. Professional and friendly service. No rush to leave. Memu excellent. Well worth a visit.

Pint of Moretti Double Sevilla Tanqueray and slimline tonic Two fruit shoots Two packets of mini cheddars £25.60 Lovely as it was to pop in for a drink whilst the car was being cleaned over the road I won't be doing it again at those prices!

It's one of the tastiest roast dinners I've had out in a while, lovely fresh veg and meat, great gravy, and both opted for the duo, pork, and beef. The puddings are a big portion too and really good. Friendly attentive staff. Good selection of drinks (guest ale was lovely). Thank you. We will definitely be back again.

Fantastic food and service on a lovely summer's day. Well worth a visit but best to book to avoid disappointment.

Very nice Sunday roast and good real ale. Good size portions.

Great food and drinks. This was a family recommendation well worth it.

Nice pub, friendly staff, food very good. The beer is good but not outstanding. I like my potato's whole or mashed crushed is just silly hence the loss of one star pn the food.

Lovely steak and ale pie; with my partner, sitting outside in the sun. Food is amazing here.

Lovely meal with the family. Food was great.

Excellent pub and great food. We were just visiting in the area and was recommended this pub for dinner. We had a very tasty meal. The service was friendly. Best meal out we've had in a long time - only wish we lived a bit nearer!

Nice food , excellent friendly staff,good choice of menu.

Smashing local Driving so off the ale but Tiger is generally a lovely bitter. Wide selection of mains with almost too much choice Arrived promptly and was very good though chips tad underdone for my tastes. Attentive service throughout and excellent v.f.£.Highly recommend

Had a fantastic meal with the family. We all really enjoyed it. We will visit again when next in the area. 10 out of 10

Small, friendly pub that serves a good range of tasty food. Service was excellent & so was the atmosphere & setting. Look forward to going there again

Nice friendly pub , good food and beer.

Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Portion sizes were huge - I think my arteries hurt after the amount of cheese on the Lasagne though!

Great food lovely place to eat.

Stopped for a drink. Make a nice cup of tea but was to late for food.sat outside watching the world go by. Great.

Sunday lunch for a table of five. Starters were fantastic and portion size was very generous. Roasts and Sunday menu was perfectly balanced with fish and vegetarian options. Meats were well cooked and the steak pur was crammed full of meat. Fish and chips was fresh, crisp and accompanied by fresh mushy peas. Overall the food was divine and we will be going back for sure. Staff were attentive and friendly. Busy little place but warm and friendly. Bar prices are what's to be expected and a great selection on offer.

Amazing sunday roast and will certainly visit again!

Wholesome food with friendly welcoming staff, reasonable prices for quality food 🥩🥩🍗🍔🥗🥘

This is fast becoming our favourite place to eat. Excellent meal again tonight. We will definitely be back

Really nice meal, a bit rushed, but that was our own fault, and the host's did all they could too give us more time, thanks

Went for lunch, the food was exceptional, service was good, a good time was had by all

First time visit to The Stag, great experience, staff were very attentive and polite, food was excellent, everyone in our family party agreed that it was one of the best Pub dinners we'd had, definitely planning on returning 👍

First time here at the stag we booked for Sunday 31st December and my daughter phoned to say that she was coming to see us with her partner and she booked a meal for the same time with us had a lovely time today and really enjoyed our meal would definitely recommend the stag at Barkston and we will be back again next time when we are at wagtail in our caravan

Booked in table for 4 wasn’t rushed excellent service fantastic food would definitely recommend the stag warm and welcoming staff excellent experience

Just called with family for pre Xmas drinks. Good service and very family friendly. Dogs made welcome.

We booked this lovely pub based on Google reviews way back in July to go to before the Christmas at Belton lights and my gosh we weren’t disappointed! Friendly, welcoming staff who were not only great with us but also my 2yo & 6m old. The pub has such a nice atmosphere and even though it was busy, the service didn’t falter in the slightest. The food itself was amazing, so fresh with great ingredients with very generous portions. We will definitely be booking again for next year, thank you for having us!

Make sure you book your table for Sunday ,in high demand! And no surprise, very cozy place with a fireplace in the corner, perfect for a Sunday brunch or really any day brunch :) Me and my partner we enjoyed it very much. The ladies who served us were very friendly, attentive and quick. The food was hot and delicious ,truly something to remember for a long time... we will be back definitely! There is a small parking lot ,think 6-7 parking places to the place.

Heerlijk gegeten in deze lokale pub

Good quality food which is well presented and tasty, with prompt and efficient service, and fair prices. Have visited a couple of times now, including once for Sunday lunch - this was pretty good although I was not a fan of the massive roast potatoes nor the large quantity of cabbage. Each to their own.

We didn't have to wait for the food and there was 27 of us in the dining area. Quick to bring 2nd course even though they were serving in the bar as well. Staff lovely and efficient. Lovely place for a small group to get together ❤️

Been for lunch a few times always had a good meal and dog friendly

Great pub with lovely food and staff.

Had a lovely meal to end a five night stay in our caravan. Great food and service. Lots of choice.

Not a very friendly place for visitors

Excellent food and a good choice to choose from very pleasant staff. Not over priced.

Just over a year since we last visited the pub and the food was just as good if not better than before. Welcoming and friendly atmosphere greeted us on arrival and the specials on the board looked superb. Looking forward to returning again. Venison Bourguinion was superb along with the Chicken liver pate and Welsh rarebit and ham hock starters.

Thursday 21st, I had a reservation on the recommendation of friends who live in the village. From arrival untill the end we could not be any more happier. My wife ordered the Steak, Ale and Mushroom Pot pie with Chips and Fresh veg, i ordered the 8oz Burger with Blue Cheese caramelised red onion Chutney and Ch Now i can't comment much on the Pie, although the tiny peice my wife allowed me to eat was phenomenal. As for the vegetables, they had been cooked al dente and salted just right my wife even liked the corgette and she hates them. For me the Burger was sensational, now i know alot of people are a bit prudish when it comes to this but it had just a slight pink centre which was just how i like a homemade steak burger, the juices where retained well, there was just the right amount of Blue cheese and Red onion on it, the chips are some of the best chips i have ever tried in a pub. Now, onto dessert. WOW is the word of the day for this, sticky toffee pudding salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, I'm not going to go into too much detail as WOW is just enough everything about it was fantastic. The wife had a white chocolate cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis and Raspberry Sorbet. AMAZING. No need too say anymore, everything from the cheesecake base to the Sorbet was sensational, so much that once i had tried some of it, i almost contemplated in ordering one just for me for after my sticky toffee pudding. At one point however i was really upset, but this was due to the fact with eat bite i onew at some point this meal was going to end and i did not want it to end. I To top it off, whilst it is good customer care and etiquette, the fact the restaurant staff allowed us to eat and not constantly ask if everything is ok was just a joy. The experience was such a joy we immediately booked again for the Friday night. Immediately we could see it was busy on the Friday we both ordered starters, Pate and the Olives and Mozzarella. Amazing the Pate was fantastic, the medditeranian bread with the olives was fresh and flavoursome, which added even more when dipped in the olive oil and balsamic dip. The pate was smooth flavoursome and not overpowering at all and complimented the door stop slice of homemade toast. The only regret i have is when Gemma the waitress said she would put some extra bread on for us as we wanted to share the starters, i went and said yes, that was alot of Bread but still all the same enjoyable. The mains we had the 7oz Braised steak with crushed potatoes and pepercorn sauce absolutely fantastic, although crushed potatoes they were still buttery and flavoursome, borderline mash may i say it, if i had one critiscism it would be the peppercorn sauce could've done with been a bit creamier and have peppercorns present but that is personal taste. Again, the veg served was cooked al dente and had the perfect amount of saltiness to the flavour. The Stag is a fantastic small pub, and i highly recommend it to anyone who is staying in the area.

Lovely food, drinks, and staff. Very accommodating - would definitely recommend!

Lovely food and great service. Portion sizes are really generous, and the food tastes delicious. I would recommend the Sunday roast, and the steak and ale pie. Thankyou for a lovely lunch.

Popped in for a sandwich at lunchtime and they were great, huge thick bread with plenty of filling

Stopped in for a drink following a walk in the locality. What a friendly crowd. Will go back next time I am in the area. There was no food rating as I didn't eat, but it looked and smelled amazing

We are quite the foodies and we loved this place. Great food,variety and portion size which reflects the price. The steak pie is a must have. Lovely atmosphere, warm welcoming team and dog friendly. Just how a proper pub should be. 5*

A lovely quiet place for a nice meal.

My husband and I met our friends at the Stag for Sunday lunch. It was delicious.

Lovely food and staff were helpful and friendly.

Love this place simply amazing food

Lovely food, huge portions very friendly and accommodating (the landlady rejigged her bookings to fit us in at short notice) and a great pint of Tiger ale

The food is amazing. Great service and atmosphere.

Very friendly, food excellent (we had a very large & filling sandwich at lunchtime). Lovely sunny rear beer terrace ☀️

Superb food, service, and drinks. Can't fault anything about this place... the best pint of draught beer I've had for a very long time to top it all off. Perfectly cooked meals with generous portions. Definitely a 'must go to' if you're passing or live nearby!!

Welcome is there as soon as you walk through the door the atmosphere is really good drinks arrive promptly and food order is taken quickly food is excellent especially off the special board Enjoyed it so much we returned two days later for another lunch

I tried to call several times to book but no one picked up. Your menu looks very good so please answer the phone or allow online booking

Lovely, friendly people. Good food

A great countryside pub with a good selection of beers, wines and spirits. The food was amazing, will definitely be back.

Absolutely brilliant ,first class welcome and service , delicious food and atmosphere