The Bird In Hand — Restaurant in Stafford

We visited today for a Sunday carvery and, while there were a few positives, overall we left feeling a little underwhelmed.

On the plus side, the portions of meat were very generous, with beef (cooked to perfection), gammon and chicken all on offer while the gravy was thick and full of flavour — exactly how it should be. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal didn’t quite live up to expectations.

The Yorkshire puddings seemed like they might have been pre bought rather than freshly prepared and all of the vegetables — carrots, sweetcorn, Brussels and peas — were simply boiled, leaving them a little bland and lacking flavour. Personally, I prefer freshly roasted veg with more variety and texture. The roast potatoes were also a bit disappointing, as they were quite oily and not as crisp as we’d hoped.

Service-wise, the staff were pleasant and polite, but things felt a little disorganised at times, with the chef often calling out for more food or plates to be cleared. Drinks are bar service only, which meant pausing during our meal to top them up — table service for drinks would make the experience feel more relaxed.

One area that could definitely be improved is allergen awareness. My partner has a nut allergy but we weren’t asked about any dietary requirements when seated or advised about potential allergens in the dishes. He chose to avoid certain items, like the stuffing, just to be safe — but it would be reassuring (and safer for everyone) if staff checked and communicated this proactively.

The setting itself could also use some attention. We were personally seated on plastic garden chairs which didn’t set the most comfortable tone for a Sunday lunch and the dining area feels like it could benefit from a refresh.

It’s clear the pub has a lot of potential — with a few tweaks to the food quality and presentation, a bit more organisation from the team, and some updates to the dining space, it could become a really lovely spot for...

Can't call myself a Local Guide without reviewing the best pub in Stafford.

My partner and I moved here a few years ago and kept smelling the carvery as we walked past and I finally got a chance to try it a couple of weeks ago. I am not a small woman and can confidently say it's the best I've had, and I've had a few! 😂 it's always packed on a Sunday, the carveries are extremely popular so I definitely recommend booking in advance. They can accommodate couples or smaller groups if you're quick, you can even get a takeaway if the tables are full!

The main menu food is always incredible here, proper home cooked classic pub food, always fresh veg, bread and salad and the freshest meat you could want. Best selection of real ales for miles.

Terry and Dee who run it are incredible. They're two of the nicest, most welcoming, caring people you could wish to meet. They will go out of their way to accommodate any disabilities as well. All the other staff are amazing, they cannot do more for you and are all very well trained.

I'm embarrassed it's taken so long to write a review but after seeing the negative ones posted yesterday, after what was an unbelievable remembrance day enjoyed by literally everyone else who attended, I had to. Terry and Dee's respect for veterans extends well beyond Remembrance day and you can see from the various plaques, photos and medals on the wall that respect for the armed forces is ingrained into the pub culture and values.

I bring family here any chance I get as well as being part of Stafford sub aqua, one of multiple clubs that call this pub their permanent home.

Amazing quality, extremely affordable fresh food, huge selection of drinks and ales, the best Landlady/landlords and bar staff in Stafford. Go and see for yourself! You won't be...

Hadnt been in the pub for a number of years was pleasantly suprised, really nicely decorated felt very warm and friendly and staff were really welcoming but went downhill quickly after that. I was being treated to lunch by my boyfriend and we decided to try the food here. My boyfriend really enjoyed his . I was disappointed with mine i asked about the cheese on the burgers if it was mild which I was told it was, but when I ate it it was ridiculously strong and I couldn't eat it so ate the over cooked chips. The other thing that spoilt it was some of the patrons, one guy was really crude to a barmaid who in returned joined in with him, he then harrased myself and even lifted his top to show off his imaginary abs then some women was at the bar bragging about her domestic violence conviction and joking she had to go to anger therapy she seemed well know to staff . Perhaps the staff should be a bit more choosy about the type who they pal about with at work. An elderly couple were eating and looked horrified by it all you could see how uncomfortable they were. Was glad to get out of there food wasn't worth the money wont be...