main bar area
1 / 10

The Black Lake Inn

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A charming country pub outside Stoke-on-Trent offering classic, scratch-made pub favorites in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
main bar area

The Black Lake Inn

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming country pub outside Stoke-on-Trent offering classic, scratch-made pub favorites in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Homemade food, great service, and a lovely atmosphere make this country pub a must-visit."

TIP

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties or on busy nights like Tuesday's Pie & Prosecco.

Try the Hammock & Mustard

This starter comes highly recommended by diners for its unique and delicious flavor combination.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Cuisine

Pub Grub / Gastropub

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 1782 397385

Address

Hilderstone Rd, Meirheath, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7NT, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hearty Sunday Roasts

Hearty Sunday Roasts

Indulge in generous portions of tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and homemade Yorkshire puddings with rich gravy.

Google Review+2
Cozy Atmosphere & Beer Garden

Cozy Atmosphere & Beer Garden

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience in a warm, inviting interior or the charming beer garden with a rural ambiance.

Nine of the best country pubs to enjoy a pint and a bite to eat in Staffordshire this Jubilee weekendPubs in Stoke | Regent Theatre StokeGoogle Review
Homemade Desserts

Homemade Desserts

Savor delightful homemade desserts, with the sticky toffee pudding being a crowd favorite.

Google Review+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties or on busy nights like Tuesday's Pie & Prosecco.

Try the Hammock & Mustard

This starter comes highly recommended by diners for its unique and delicious flavor combination.

Dog-Friendly

The inn welcomes dogs, with a pleasant outdoor fenced area for them to relax.

Mindful Approach

Take care when approaching on Hilderstone Road as the inn can be easy to miss.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties or on busy nights like Tuesday's Pie & Prosecco.

Try the Hammock & Mustard

This starter comes highly recommended by diners for its unique and delicious flavor combination.

Dog-Friendly

The inn welcomes dogs, with a pleasant outdoor fenced area for them to relax.

Mindful Approach

Take care when approaching on Hilderstone Road as the inn can be easy to miss.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Black Lake Inn receives praise for its hearty, homemade food, particularly Sunday roasts and desserts, alongside friendly and attentive service. However, some diners have noted a decline in food quality and value for money in recent times, with menu presentation and pricing being points of contention. Despite mixed reviews, many still find it a welcoming spot for a relaxed meal.

"We visited as a party of 9, which included 3 children, 2 of which have special needs. The tone for how fantastic our visit would be was set when 2 of the party arrived first and requested the kids get to order first so their food could come out first, and they couldn't have been more accommodating. Ashleigh (or perhaps Ashley, we didn't check!) was incredible - she made sure the kids' food came out asap, and they were eating within minutes of our arrival. We're very grateful to her for her fantastic service.

The adults' food also didn't take too long, and whilst my own plate was a substantial portion (I opted to 'go large' on the roast!), it was delicious so I did actually finish it all. The veg wasn't overcooked, which is often an issue with Sunday roasts. The meats (you get all 3 if you go large) were nicely cooked, and the Yorkshire puddings were clearly homemade from their differing shapes - none of that picture perfect out of a packet lark.
The rest of the group had only compliments for their own food, and the sticky toffee pudding is particularly recommended as a dessert.

The overall atmosphere was pleasant, warm, and comfortable, and the bathrooms were clean and tidy. If we're in the area again, we'd certainly know where to stop for food."

Henry Strivens

"Not what it used to be. Four of us were seated on a very small table which are very close together. The menu is difficult to read on a green background. Feels more like a cafe menu. Two sided laminated.

The food was expensive but was nice and hot.

The service and clearing of the table was very slow. Two staff who spent more time chatting/whispering and standing behind the bar than serving. We asked for a dessert menu, 30 minutes later no one had come back to take the orders and we tried to get their attention but they were not actively checking tables or making eye contact. We left without ordering dessert. Will not be going back."

Vicki

"Not been here for at least 6 months after a not very good Sunday roast, but we thought we would try it again. Sunday roast (beef) was excellent. Very tender, smothered in tasty gravy. Great veg and roast potatoes too. We commented as we paid the bill asking if they had a new chef as the food was much better than last time, and the waitress said they did indeed have a new chef who had started a few weeks ago. Only thing I could fault was that the apple crumble was too much apple and not enough crumble, but that's just personal preference."

Bob Dobbalina

What People Like

Homemade food and generous portions
Friendly and attentive staff
Cozy atmosphere and pleasant beer garden

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
High prices for perceived value
Menu presentation and table spacing

Frequently Asked Questions

Diners frequently praise the Sunday roast beef, sticky toffee pudding, and the 'hammock and mustard' starter.

Google Review+2

Yes, the inn welcomes dogs and even has a nice outdoor fenced area for them.

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for larger groups or during busy periods like Tuesday's Pie & Prosecco night.

Best Steakhouses in Stoke-on-Trent [2024]

While some reviews mention prices have increased and suggest they are high for the value, others find the value for money excellent, especially for lunch deals.

Google Review+2

Yes, there is a large car park available for guests.

Best Steakhouses in Stoke-on-Trent [2024]

The menu includes daily specials and themed nights like 'Pie & Prosecco' and 'Steak 'n' Quiz' nights.

Best Steakhouses in Stoke-on-Trent [2024]Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Stoke-on-Trent Live

Nine of the best country pubs to enjoy a pint and a bite to eat in Staffordshire this Jubilee weekend

What diners say: "All I can say is visit this pub. The food is really very impressive - it was really well presented and it tasted as good as it looked. All homemade food. We were visiting for the first time as we were staying close by as we are travelling in our motorhome. We have visited many pubs but I can honestly say The Lazy Trout is one of the best pubs that we have visited. The staff are exceptionally attentive - great customer service. The decor of the pub is first class - very relaxing atmosphere. We are booked in to visit again and cannot wait to try another meal. Thank you for some very good food.

Visit Source →
Travelregrets

Best Steakhouses in Stoke-on-Trent [2024]

Address: Hilderstone Rd, Meirheath, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7NT, United KingdomPhone: +44 1782 397385Website:blacklakeinn.co.ukDetails: Gastropub. Nestled in Stoke-on-Trent, the Black Lake Inn radiates warmth and excellence in every aspect of its establishment. The staff’s unwavering commitment to service is evident in their attentive approach, ensuring that every guest feels valued and attended to.

Visit Source →
Stoke on Trent Live

13 of the best restaurants in Stoke-on-Trent you have to try in 2024

What customers say: "We managed to get a table for two after a long drive, opted for the roast beef which was cooked to perfection and tasted delicious. Staff were very attentive and as we were in a rush we were pleased to not be waiting ages for food even though the restaurant was busy.

Visit Source →
regenttheatrestoke.com

Pubs in Stoke | Regent Theatre Stoke

The Black Lake Inn is a country pub just outside Stoke-on-Trent. The interior of the pub is one large room, but is smartly separated to give a feeling of privacy. A small smoking area is available outdoors next to the car park, which is an added convenience for guests.

Visit Source →