The Duncombe Arms
Recommended by
Our view
"A beautifully renovated historic inn"
Overview
It used to break Johnny and Laura Greenall's hearts to drive past the boarded-up, 1850s pub that had once been the hub of their village so, to cut a long story short, they bought it. The plan was to offer classic and modern British fine-dining in the warm, relaxed surroundings of a country pub, with rustic-chic decor, real fires and a spacious garden with views across the Dove Valley, and seamlessly blended classic and contemporary architecture. And that's what they’ve done, which is why it draws a convivial mix of loyal locals and visitors, to enjoy perhaps Marston’s Pedigree, Duncombe Ale, a local guest, or one of the 36 wines by the glass from among the 160 bins. A policy of mixing pub classics with more adventurous modern British dishes leads to corned beef brisket, and honey-glazed ham with poached eggs at lunchtime and, in the evening, roast cod loin, brown shrimp and tenderstem broccoli; beef bourguignon pie; and Jerusalem artichoke with Colston Basset Blue Stilton beignet. Finish with tonka bean parfait, salted caramel and coffee crumble; or warm rice pudding, Armagnac prunes and candied peel.
Also at this location
About the area
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
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