Five Staffordshire Moorlands Places to Eat

The stunning Staffordshire Moorlands is home to some of our best restaurants, pubs, cafes and tea rooms, offering great grub with beautiful backdrops – the ideal place to fill up before a Peak District walk, or refuel after visiting a thrilling attraction!

So why not extend your visit with a stop-off at one of these top eateries?

The Three Horseshoes Country Inn

Address: Buxton Road, Blackshaw Moor, Leek, ST13 8TW

Need to know: A regular winner at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards, and the reigning Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year, The Three Horseshoes Country Inn is a renowned spot for traditional cuisine, whether you’re after a hearty meal or a dainty afternoon tea. A great reputation for customer service, and dog-friendly too.

Open for takeaway: No

Outdoor dining: With a large children’s play area and breath-taking views of The Roaches in the Staffordshire Peak District, this is one of our best spots for al fresco dining. Only open at weekends and bank holidays, until 17^th May. Check website for details.

Website: www.3shoesinn.co.uk

Rollercoaster Restaurant at Alton Towers Resort

Address: Alton Towers Resort, Farley Lane, Alton, ST10 4DB

Need to know: Undoubtedly Staffordshire’s quirkiest eaterie, the Rollercoaster Restaurant at Alton Towers Resort, where dishes fly down the tracks from the kitchen to your table, offers a memorable experience. Choose from the extensive menu, with a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options, and watch as your meal speeds along, through loop-the-loops and a tornado spiral before coming to a stop right in front of you! Open to non-theme park visitors in the evening.

Open for takeaway: No

Outdoor dining: Currently closed but due to reopen on 17^th May, in line with the Government roadmap out of lockdown.

Website: www.altontowers.com/explore/theme-park/restaurants-shops/rollercoaster-restaurant/

The Cottage Kitchen Country Café

Address: Winkhill, Leek, ST13 7PN

Need to know: Offering a mouth-watering menu of light bites, The Cottage Kitchen Country Cafe is the perfect pitstop on your way to or from Alton Towers Resort, Peak Wildlife Park or Churnet Valley Railway, or the beautiful Manifold Valley. Enjoy a taste of Staffordshire from the menu, and take some home with you from the neighbouring Cottage Delight outlet, packed to the rafters with locally-sourced jams, sauces, chutneys and more!

Open for takeaway: No

Outdoor dining: No, The Cottage Kitchen remains closed until they are allowed to reopen – hopefully on 17^th May.

Website: www.facebook.com/TCKCountryCafe/

The Stafford Arms

Address: The Green, Bagnall, ST9 9JR

Need to know: A historic inn with oak beams and roaring fires, combined with an airy, contemporary extension, and a large beer garden, The Stafford Arms offers a quality dining experience, indoors and out. With a varied menu to suit every taste and appetite, including a roast duck, steak and Bass pie, and Ploughman’s Lunch which come highly recommended by TripAdvisor reviewers.

Open for takeaway: Yes, there’s an extensive takeaway menu available at weekends.

Outdoor dining: Yes, there’s seating for more than 100 people in the beer garden, with tables allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Website: www.staffordarms.com

Ramblers Retreat

Address: Red Road, Dimmingsdale, Alton, ST10 4BU

Need to know: A family-run tea room which has been offering traditional, homemade fayre since 1981, against the stunning backdrop of Dimmingsdale in the Churnet Valley. The Ramblers Retreat Country Tea Room is the place to tuck in to a satisfying treat before a woodland stroll, journey to the mysterious Chained Oak, or hectic day on the coasters at Alton Towers Resort. If you’re travelling with a canine companion, there are water bowls in the gardens, free doggy treats, and even dog ice cream available to buy!

Open for takeaway: Yes

Outdoor dining: Yes – the woodland gardens are currently open, and there’s no need to book as tables are first come, first served. It’s hoped the summer houses and potting shed will be open again soon too, in line with Government guidelines.

Website: www.ramblersretreat.co.uk

Other great places to eat in Staffordshire

The Staffordshire Peak District is blessed with plenty of great places to eat. The Roaches Tea Rooms, Alton Bridge Hotel and The Roebuck are all well worth a visit too.

For details of Staffordshire's best food and drink businesses, head to our Food & Drink section.

It's packed with information on restaurants, pubs, tea rooms, farm shops and other great food and drink businesses in the county.