Stafford
Black Lake Inn

Black Lake Inn

Hilderstone Road, ST3 7, Stafford, United Kingdom

Steak • Vegan • British • Steakhouse


"We visited for a birthday (Sunday 3rd Sept) after being recommended here by a colleague. We arrived around 5 minutes early ... There was no one available to show us where to be seated at the front of the building so I had to pop my head around the bar to acknowledge someone to come over. A lady came to us who was friendly and pleasant and showed us to our table which was right next to the kitchen and looked like it was set up for a table of 8 not 5. Although a little disappointed with where we were sat, the drinks were ordered which came quickly and we were given menus for both the Sunday lunch and the main menu. Lots of options on there however I personally opted for the pie. I have to say that I was a little disappointed when it came to find it was puff pastry, as this was not stated on the menu however at the same time perhaps I should have asked what pastry it was before ordering. I did eat it, although it was not the best. My partner had a steak which was a little tough in parts but mostly ok. The chips were probably the best part of all the meals. A waitress came over to us and started to clear plates away even though my mother in law was still chewing! Being sat where we were, staff were continually back and forth with food, empty plates etc., and the squeaky kitchen door was not the nicest of noises when trying to have a conversation. It was also noted that the radio was on instead of a play list of music so advertisements between songs was not the ideal ambience! Due to our table being booked for 8.15pm, we were one of the last remaining tables and my partner almost felt bad asking for a hot drinks menu to which she was advised they did not have. The response of what do you want was not the most pleasant ways of asking someone who is paying good money to eat and drink there. We ordered a number of hot drinks and one dessert the dessert was brought almost instantly and was eaten and the plate taken away before the hot drinks had even come to the table. The next minute, a gentlemen (possibly the manager) was set up with a laptop just behind us speaking with staff members (work related conversations) which made us feel that they had finished for the night and we were almost in their way. Glasses were being collected off our table although not completely finished however we finished our coffees and paid the £172.00 bill which to me was not worth it for the service we received. All in all, its not the worst place I 've visited, nor is it the best. We probably won 't rush to visit again, and if we do only maybe for a drink and bowl of chips! ... although I would request a seat elsewhere."

Clifford Arms

Clifford Arms

Main Road, ST18 0SR, Stafford, United Kingdom

Pub • Steak • British • Vegetarian


"Upon arrival to the infamous Clifford Arms, located on the main road that travels through central Great Haywood. Whilst standing outside the ancient establishment, a demonic voice beckoned me towards the old fashioned building; with creamy white stripes which ran down the exterior of the building. Breaking up the white stripes was the occasional pillar of black worn timber framing the building. Entering the building i was greeted by a rather flabby gentleman who was perhaps aged in his late sixties. The Gentleman guided me towards a tree stump with multiple rows of pegs scented like a glorious voyage on the high seas scattered about it, where i deposited my worn and tattered coat for it to rest and simmer amongst the modern coats. However, what i found the most peculiar was a damp and soggy welly rack where i was requested to leave my boots. After leaving my clothing by the front door, I was guided towards a natural table with a slight wobble to it that aggressively and violently flung any glass of liquid across the room. after a noticeably short wait i was greeted by a group of sixteen children who surrounded me and demanded my order. I requested a steak and ale pie from the amazing chef working inside of the kitchen. After providing my order to the children a demonic snarl was heard coming from behind the bar and seconds later a small and bruised child ran out with a plate (made from browned china). the plate was placed down in front of me and spun 8 times until the child was satisfied whit the direction at which the pie was facing. After slicing into the golden pie a foul stench was smelt similar to that of blue-green algae which sits on the surface of the ocean (which just so happens to be my favourite scent). upon stuffing half of the cold pie into my mouth, I bit into a tuft of flavourful fur which got stuck into my teeth and wound around my teeth like wire. After finishing my delightful meal i noticed that the room was of course swaying as if i was sailing on the high seas during a day with a rather aggressive wave pattern; this off course was the pinnacle of my experience and took me back to the joys of my youth when i frequently sailed along the seas. Overall, this was a lovely experience and i would definitely return at a later date. Kind regards, Admiral Shirley"