Black Lion Inn — Restaurant in Staffordshire Moorlands

We booked a one-night stay at The Black Lion Inn for our wedding anniversary - a beautiful place with first-class staff! From the initial booking enquiry to our departure, The Black Lion is by far the best we have ever stayed in, and we have stayed in many over the years! Owner Hannah and the team offered the warmest of welcomes in their stunning 250-year pub, still with many of its original features on show. Our room was cosy but with a luxury modern twist. We had fresh milk and ground coffee, with many other premium hot drink options awaiting us - not forgetting the freshly baked chocolate cookies. So many places fail with attention to detail, but The Black Lion Inn goes above and beyond. The pub atmosphere was relaxed, an inviting place to unwind after a long hike across the Roaches - Lud's Church walk (highly recommended route). Other notable places of interest are Thor's Cave, we also came back via Snake Pass, stunning scenery! Our evening meal was delicious; we devoured tempura prawns, pork belly, and venison and shared the cheeseboard! We paired our food with some great-tasting white and red wines recommended by Hannah. We've eaten at several Michelin-starred restaurants, and the Black Lion Inn's high-quality, mouth-watering flavours and presentation are reminiscent of our experiences at many fine dining restaurants. At breakfast, we enjoyed the fresh granola compote followed by a flavoursome and hearty full English, all ingredients made with local fresh produce (and the best black pudding ever)! Five stars just aren't enough! Thank you everyone at The Black Lion Inn for making our stay the most perfect and memorable anniversary ever, and we hope to revisit you as soon...

The Black Lion Inn in Butterton, Leek, is a charming and cozy pub nestled in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax and unwind.The pub's traditional décor and roaring fireplace create a cozy ambiance, perfect for enjoying a hearty meal or a refreshing drink after a day of exploring the picturesque surroundings. With its friendly staff and relaxed vibe, the Black Lion Inn feels like a home away from home.But it's not just the atmosphere that makes the Black Lion Inn special—it's the food and drink too. The menu features a delicious selection of classic pub fare, made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. From hearty pies and juicy burgers to fresh seafood and vegetarian options, there's something to satisfy every palate.And let's not forget about the drinks! The Black Lion Inn boasts a well-stocked bar with a fantastic selection of local ales, fine wines, and spirits. Whether you're a beer aficionado or a cocktail connoisseur, you're sure to find something to tickle your taste buds.But perhaps the best thing about the Black Lion Inn is its sense of community. Whether you're a local resident popping in for a pint or a visitor passing through, you'll always be greeted with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. It's the kind of place where memories are made and friendships are forged, making it a must-visit destination in...

I really wanted to give more than 2 stars as the staff are lovely but it wouldn't be an honest review.

I'll start with the positives. The pub has real character and the staff are attentive and polite. The food was full of flavour and you can tell that everything is freshly prepared including sauces.

However the room in which we were served was so cold I was shivering and when the food came out it went cold very quickly and before I could finish.

I ordered a sharing 'platter' which was advertised as serving two and for £44 I would have expected more that 4 new potatoes, one tomato and two shallots. It did not come out as a platter just on an ordinary plate. There was meat but this again was not enough to feed two and the cut was of poor quality with approximately 1/4 just pure fat.

The menu needs addressing as there is only a food list and a separate wine list with no non alcoholic beverages listed nor beers meaning you have to ask what is available. There is only one specials board which you have to leave your seat to peruse although this was welcome in some respects as the main bar area had a nice fire and I was able to warm up.

This place has the ingredients to be a really good place to eat, just...