Stafford
The Old Smithy

The Old Smithy

United Kingdom, ST21 6DF, Stafford

Pub • Meat • Steak • Chicken


"We have eaten at The Old Smithy numerous times and used the function room for a large family celebratory meal. It has been our restaurant of choice for a number of years. Sadly, we had a meal in the restaurant last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary and were left bitterly disappointed. The starters were absolutely fine. However, whilst accepting that her choice of main wasn't to my wife's liking, that was a subjective assessment. Her main criticism was that the vegetables were virtually raw she couldn't cut them they were so undercooked. I chose the lamb shoulder, and although not a lean cut, I barely had any meat content as the offering was virtually all fat. We are not the type to complain usually, but my wife felt compelled to comment on the quality of her meal when asked whether it was OK (she had left the majority of it). The waitress relayed her comments to the chef patron, who simply sent a message back to say that he was sorry she didn't enjoy the meal but that it is served often in the restaurant without complaint. At the time, there was one other couple in the restaurant who had just finished their meal, so I thought it might have been reasonable for the chef to come and discuss what was wrong it was pretty obvious that this is not something Martin does. I did ask the barman if I could speak to him, but was told he was unavailable and was given a business card instead. It was the lack of concern displayed by the patron that irked us the most. Having recommended the restaurant many times previously, we won't be doing so again. Neither will we visit again. A sad end to what should have been a lovely celebration. Disappointed!"

Clifford Arms

Clifford Arms

Main Road, ST18 0SR, Stafford, United Kingdom

Pub • Cafés • Steak • British


"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"