Staffordshire is a beautiful little county. It has sprawling urban areas combined with the tranquillity of the countryside. Growing up here has been a blessing, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of eating and drinking at some incredible places. Today, I will focus on the best spots for beer and grub (food for those confused) in the idyllic countryside of this west midlands county. So put on your wellies (you won’t need them), and let’s wander into the countryside, skip all the mud and trekking and go to the pub. It’s much cosier.
The Swan With Two Necks – Nantwich
Staffordshire is a beautiful little county. It has sprawling urban areas combined with the tranquillity of the countryside. Growing up here has been a blessing, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of eating and drinking at some incredible places. Today, I will focus on the best spots for beer and grub (food for those confused) in the idyllic countryside of this west midlands county. So put on your wellies (you won’t need them), and let’s wander into the countryside, skip all the mud and trekking and go to the pub. It’s much cosier.
This is one of my favourite places to eat in the County. The Swan With Two Necks is a fine gastropub located on Nantwich Road bang in the middle of the countryside. In the summer, the garden gives you some incredible views of the Staffordshire countryside, and the interior is also fantastic. Modern but traditional, cosy and comfy.
The selection of beers is excellent, and you always get a nice cold and lively pint—plenty of bubbles. The cocktails are the star of the drinks menu at this location. My go-to tipple is the Popcorn Oldfashied. I love whisky, and this is a superb take on a traditional classic. The drink blends popcorn syrup, orange bitters, maple, and bourbon, which all come together to create a sweet and smooth taste that ticks the pallet.
Tasty food is also on offer here; this is one of the Paragon group locations, so this is to be expected. They have loads of quaint little (and large) places dotted around Staffordshire, and they set a high standard when it comes to their menu. Belly pork is one of the first things I gravitate to when looking at a menu, so unsurprisingly, it’s my favourite dish here, always cooked to perfection, juicy and crispy. The dish consists of confit carrot, pickled apples, celeriac & rosemary mash, puffed pork crackling and cider sauce. The pickled carrot really does the business; when combined with the pork, it takes you straight to heaven.
Other notable options include the Bombay Nicoise Salad, roasted madras sweet potato, soft-boiled hen’s egg, green beans, marinated kalamata olives, baby spinach, crispy chickpeas with a mint yoghurt dressing (great for vegetarians), and another firm favourite of mine has to be the Tempura Sea Bass, King Prawns and Calamari, served with a sweet chilli and lime dip to give the dish that extra kick.
Nantwich Road, Blackbrook, Newcastle ST5 5EH, United Kingdom
The Holly Bush at Salt – Stafford
This old-timer ale house proudly ranks as one of England’s oldest pubs. It has been under new management for a couple of years and has gone from strength to strength since the refurbishment and takeover. It is the epitome of a Great British country pub. The iconic thatch roof still proudly stands, and stepping inside reveals the warm embrace of log burners for those winter evenings, the rustic charm of exposed bricks, and the elegance of old oak beams. Meanwhile, outside, the garden has undergone a complete facelift (gardens are one of the main focus points for a great country pub. We will talk about them a lot here), the lush new turf setting the stage for lazy summer afternoons.
They have some guest ales here, which is always a nice touch, and you can get a pint of neck oil as well, which, for me, ticks all the boxes. This place is charming and inviting, and whenever I’m driving down Weston Bank about to approach the turning for the village of Salt, I always get a little flutter of excitement in my heart as I know I’m in for some good eating.
I LOVE the menu here; they serve some of the best traditional pub classics in Staffordshire, from steak and ale pie to fish and chips. Surprisingly, if I had to recommend anything, it would be a step away from tradition. Without wanting to contradict my previous statement about how good the classics are here (and they are damn good), the Slow cooked shoulder of lamb is a must for first-time patrons. The lamb is seasoned beautifully and served with Greek-style salad, honey, and Greek yoghurt potatoes. You really can’t go wrong.
The Sunday Lunch is also worth mentioning. Served every Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm, this British classic can’t be ignored. It’s very reasonably priced as well. You can get two courses for £18.95 or upgrade to three courses for £23.95. It’s this kind of bargains that make you exclaim, alright grub!
Willowmore Banks, Salt, Stafford ST18 0BX, United Kingdom
The Mill at Worston –
The Mill at Worston stands tall as one of Staffordshire’s top-tier country pubs, making its mark as a premier destination. Situated a mere 5 minutes from junction 14 of the M6, this gem is in a breathtaking Staffordshire countryside. A Large picturesque garden sets the stage for memorable moments, making it an ideal spot for weddings (they host other events here, too) and fabulous for a more casual outing with friends and family.
The wine menu is there to cover all bases, with choices ranging from affordable house wines to a touch of champagne for those extra special moments. Also, again, the beer is on point, as expected at all country pubs (the running theme of this article, as you’ve probably noticed).
Regarding the food, the sandwiches are a focal point for my tongue’s attention. You get to choose your bread! The selection includes a white bloomer, malted wheat or a crusty roll, all served with a salad garnish and the option to add chips or fries for an extra £2. My favourite is the roasted ham and house chutney. The homemade chutney is a game changer for me, but all the sandwich options are worth trying.
Worston Ln, Great Bridgeford, Little Bridgeford, Stafford ST18 9QA, United Kingdom
Fitzherbert Arms – Swynnerton
At the Fitzherbert Arms, they keep it simple and fresh. Seasonal ingredients come from local artisans, bakers, farmers, and butchers. Seafood is delivered daily. Ales are sourced from primarily within 30 miles, and they also have one craft ale pump for beers from farther away. This dedication to the beer is impressive. I have been drinking more and more craft beer over the last few years (call me a snob if you like), but the beer here speaks to me on an emotional level. No, I am not being dramatic.
With fresh ingredients, you expect great food, and that is precisely what you get here. The restaurant service is fantastic, and the kitchen and the front of the house work in great harmony to get dishes out to the punters.
As usual, I’m going to suggest a favourite dish of mine at the Fitzherbert, which has to be the Fitz Classic burger. This is a proper juicy burger. I like to think of myself as a man who knows his burgers, and for me, this is an option I can never seem to pass on. The smokey bacon and cheddar, with the specially made tomato and caramelised onion chutney (yes, I love chutney), make this burger a show-stopper. All are served on a brioche bun with chunky chips. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Suppose you fancy some grub away from the hustle and bustle of this city in a more idyllic setting. In that case, I hope these options have inspired you. You can take your wellies off now; we didn’t need them anyway.
Swynnerton ST15 0RA, United Kingdom