Explore the best places to eat in Staffordshire, including Michelin-starred restaurants, cosy pubs, tea rooms, and local favourites like oatcakes and Six Towns Gin.
Staffordshire is a food lover’s delight, offering everything from Michelin-starred dining and cosy country pubs to elegant tea rooms and relaxed brasseries. Whether you’re after a refined culinary experience or a hearty local favourite, there’s no shortage of fantastic places to eat across the county.
This is the birthplace of the beloved Staffordshire oatcake, a must-try local delicacy, and home to Six Towns Gin, inspired by Stoke-on-Trent’s rich pottery heritage. Be sure to pop into a traditional oatcake shop or explore the region’s vibrant food and drink festivals and farmers’ markets for a true taste of Staffordshire.
Ready to discover the culinary gems of this beautiful county? Here are the best places to eat in Staffordshire.
1. Willow, Trentham Gardens
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Situated in the Trentham Estate, Willow Trentham is one of the unique dining venues of the Paragon Group. Willow offers a mediterranian-inspired dining experience, with plenty of inspiring dishes on the menu.
Whether you are wanting breakfast, lunch or dinner, Willow caters for your dietary requirements and there are plenty of vegetarian options too. It’s also one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Staffordshire; there’s a doggie menu and there are beds for dogs while you enjoy your food and drink.
There is a tranquil al fresco dining area offering a calm and tranquil space overlooking Trentham Estate, to enjoy the food and drink and soak up the atmosphere.
2. The Plume of Feathers
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The Plume of Feathers is a welcoming and traditional family friendly (and dog friendly) pub in Barlaston, Staffordshire.
Owned by actor Neil Morrissey, the Plume of Feathers offers a delicious Sunday lunch and a wide choice of favourite classics. Choose from Chef’s specials, vegetarian options and also smaller plates, including burgers, curries and traditional Butcher’s Sausage with Mash with homemade food using ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
3. The Swan with Two Necks
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The Swan with Two Necks in Blackbrook, is another contemporary dining experience from the Paragon Group.
Serving high-quality food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients in a countryside setting and offering a great menu including a lunch menu, a children’s menu, Sunday lunch and bottomless brunch menu. You really will be spoilt for choice.
If you are looking for a unique and enchanting space to dine or celebrate a special moment then the garden tipi at the Swan with Two Necks is the ideal setting for a celebration. The tipi is fully heated and beautifully decorated and there is a choice of set menus, canapés, or tasty buffets, for a celebration in the tipi.
4. The World of Wedgwood
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The World of Wedgwood is a unique day out in Staffordshire that offers hands on crafting in the Creative Studios, the Wedgwood Factory, Wedgwood Tea Room, Lunar Restaurant in addition to a wide range of retail outlets and monthly markets.
The Gold Award-winning Wedgwood Tea Room is a stunning Staffordshire restaurant space offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and the iconic Wedgwood Afternoon Tea.
The Lunar Restaurant is also set in the heart of Wedgwood in Staffordshire. Open Thursday to Sunday, diners can enjoy a great choice of food and drink served on the finest Wedgwood china & Waterford Crystal glassware to offer a unique and luxurious dining experience.
5. The Rabbit Hole Tea Room
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The Rabbit Hole Tea room is a family run Alice in Wonderland-inspired Tea Room situated in Stoke Town Centre. This unique and cosy tea room provides homemade cakes, and delicious scones in a whimsical wonderland setting, with upside down clocks, giant books and Alice in Wonderland quotes dotted around the tearoom.
You can also opt for a delicious and popular Alice in Wonderland inspired Afternoon Tea.
6. The Cake Shack Whitmore
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The Cake Shack at Whitmore Lakes is a real treat. Overlooking Whitmore Lakes the Cake Shack is a lovely inviting family friendly café offering homemade cakes, breakfasts and lunches with a beautiful lakeside view.
The menu offers a number of options including homemade cakes, sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, quiches, burgers and breakfasts. Not to mention the ever popular Staffordshire oatcakes! There is also hot and cold beverages on offer – perfect after a wild swim or a paddleboarding session on the lake.
Now open 7 days a week from 9.30 – 6pm with food served until 3 pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends.
7. The Moat House Acton Trussell
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The Moat House is a stunning Grade II listed Manor House Hotel in the Staffordshire countryside. It is an independent hotel with a 2 AA Rosette restaurant only 4 miles from Stafford and within easy access to the M6.
If you love food then definitely head over to the Orangery Restaurant at the Moat House. The Orangery restaurant offers A La Carte dining, and a more relaxed dining in the Lounge Bar.
There are plenty of options on the menu, including vegan and vegetarian dishes and food allergies can be catered for with advance warning. Choose from traditional Sunday lunch, afternoon tea, A la carte menus or a grill night on a Tuesday.
There is also a great choice if you choose to dine in the lounge bar, with a Moat House grill, and traditional mains, including pie, pasta dishes, beef burgers and battered cod fillets.
8. The Flintlock at Cheddleton
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Set in the heart of Staffordshire Moorlands alongside the Caldon Canal, and near to the market town of Leek is the Flintlock in the village of Cheddleton.
Offering relaxed fine dining, with an informal vibe, the Flintlock in Cheddleton focuses on showcasing amazing local produce and offers a mouthwatering menus including Sunday lunch, À la carte Menu a lunch, and a bistro menu
9. Ramblers Retreat near Alton
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Nestled in Dimmingsdale in the beautiful Churnet Valley is the family run Ramblers Retreat. This award winning Country Tearoom offers a range of traditional homemade meals, breakfast, lunch and light snacks (including the traditional Staffordshire Oatcakes). There is also a selection of cakes and homemade traybake to choose from.
Head out for a lovely woodland walk and then head to the Ramblers retreat to refuel.
Dogs are most welcome across the woodland gardens! Water bowls are dotted around our gardens and free dog treats are available at the counter, with dog ice cream available to purchase too.
10. The Blockhouse at Baldwins Gate
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The Blockhouse at The Sheet Anchor is a stylish, barbecue grill-inspired restaurant nestled in the picturesque village of Baldwins Gate. Part of the Paragon Group, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly, attentive service.
Conveniently located near Newcastle-under-Lyme and just seven miles from Stoke-on-Trent station, it’s an ideal dining spot whether you’re local or visiting. The Blockhouse is family-friendly, with a great selection of children’s meals, and dog-friendly too (four-legged friends are welcome in the bar area). Free on-site parking is available.
11. The Three Horseshoes Country Inn and Spa
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The Three Horseshoes Country Inn and Spa is located just outside Leek in the heart of the Staffordshire Peak District. With its oak beams, roaring open fires and countryside views, this restaurant offers a relaxed and inviting setting.
The menu celebrates the best of modern British cuisine, fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. Dishes include homemade pies, steaks, gourmet burgers, and traditional Sunday roasts. There is also a great afternoon tea menu for something a little different.
This also features as one of our top spa day recommendations in Staffordshire.
12. 85 Secret Garden
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Located in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme, 85 Secret Garden is a vibrant and award-winning bar and restaurant offering a truly unique dining experience. Recognised by Restaurant Guru as a recommended venue, it combines a stylish atmosphere with a delicious menu and expertly crafted cocktails.
Guests can enjoy a range of options including Sunday roasts, an à la carte menu, light bites, and a popular afternoon tea. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian choices available, catering to a variety of dietary needs.
A car park is conveniently located at the rear of the venue. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
13. The Slamwich Club
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The Slamwich Club was established in 2018 by two best mates, Nicole & Steph who are Stoke Born & Bread with a love for sandwiches, music and good food.
The Slamwich Club isn’t just your regular sandwich shop. It is an award winning venue, having won various awards over the last few years. Choose from a delicious menu of stacked sandwiches served on a white bloomer and you can choose to add fries or tortilla chips.
There are dishes for ‘little slammers’ including grilled cheddar and red Leicester, buttermilk chicken, and pot sausage served with a juice carton and fries. Do ask about Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options too.
14. The Orange Tree Bar and Grill
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The Orange Tree Bar and Grill brings cosmopolitan dining to Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. Housed in a beautifully restored Georgian listed building with a striking glass extension, this stylish restaurant is another standout venue from the Paragon Group.
Open for weekend breakfasts, indulgent Sunday lunches, light bites, and an extensive main menu, there’s something to suit every appetite. The restaurant is family-friendly, with a dedicated children’s menu featuring favourites like popcorn chicken and macaroni cheese.
With its contemporary décor, welcoming staff, and elegant setting, The Orange Tree is an ideal choice for everything from casual meals to special celebrations.
15. Capello Lounge
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Capello Lounge is a vibrant, welcoming spot located on the Ironmarket in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Known for its eclectic, art-filled interior and large open windows, it’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy great food, and watch the world go by.
The menu caters to all tastes, offering full kids’, gluten-free, and vegan options alongside a wide selection of food and drinks. Tucked away at the back, you’ll also find a charming hidden courtyard, ideal for a quiet coffee or bite to eat.
Capello Lounge is very dog-friendly and no booking is required; just turn up and grab a table. For larger groups of six or more, bookings are available.
16. The Crêpe and Waffle House
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The Crêpe and Waffle House at Trentham Shopping Village at Trentham Gardens is the perfect place to indulge in a sweet treat, whether you’re craving a crêpe, waffle, or milkshake. This dog-friendly spot even has special snacks for your furry companion!
All crêpes and waffles are freshly made in-store each day, with gluten-free waffles and vegan pancakes also available.
Take your pick from indulgent sharing platters, decadent sundaes, creamy milkshakes, and fun kids’ options. Just a heads-up, portions are generous, and once you’ve had a taste, you’ll want to come back for more!
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
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BEST places to eat in Staffordshire
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