Five Places to Eat in East Staffordshire

Known for its world-famous brewing industry, East Staffordshire has been a renowned spot for food and drink for centuries, with an array of acclaimed restaurants, award-winning tea rooms, and welcoming hostelries.

As we celebrate #EnjoyEastStaffs Week (26th Feb-3rd Mar), here are some great places to eat in East Staffordshire, for indulging in mouth-watering treats, refueling after a stroll or bike ride in the Weaver Hills, or building up energy reserves for a day at nearby Alton Towers Resort.

Thanks to our friends from Discover East Staffordshire for their help putting this together.

1. The Duncombe Arms

Proudly independent inn, The Duncombe Arms, in the village of Ellastone, draws a convivial mix of loyal locals and visitors, with its eclectic, rustic-chic décor, blazing fires and spacious garden with views across the Dove Valley to Worthy Island Wood.

Close to the market towns of Ashbourne and Uttoxeter and just three miles from the hugely popular theme park Alton Towers, The Duncombe Arms also features accommodation for up to six people in the luxurious, three bedroom Garden Cottage.

The Duncombe Arms won Pub of the Year at the 2023 Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards, and was among the winners at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence too.

2. Denstone Hall Cafe

Another East Staffordshire eatery which is no stranger to winning awards is Denstone Hall Cafe, near Uttoxeter.

A regular winner of the Tea Room & Coffee Shop category at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards, Denstone Hall Cafe offers a delightful culinary experience and breath-taking views.

The menu showcases local ingredients, with hearty breakfasts and dainty afternoon teas among the many tantalising choices.

3. The Meynell Ingram Arms

A traditional country pub, in the heart of the National Forest, The Meynell Ingram Arms has a menu of stunning, locally sourced food and a vast range of drinks, including local ales, an array of gins and fine wine.

The Meynell offers relaxed dining, with a high quality food and drink offer throughout a variety of different dining areas including; the main restaurant, Sam’s bar, and the original dog friendly Meynell bar and restaurant.

In addition the much redesigned courtyard and garden will provide a fabulous space on sunny days.

4. Lowe’s on Carter Street

Lowe’s on Carter Street is a casual fine dining restaurant and wine bar on Carter Street in Uttoxeter.

Offering an eclectic array of small sharing plates from around the world, their objective is to bring the exceptional taste of an elegant eatery to the comfort of a casual, yet refined bar à vin.

Judging by their TripAdvisor reviews, where 73 out of 75 give an 'Excellent' or 'Very Good' rating, they are already making their mark, despite being open for less than a year.

5. Isabel's

Isabel's opened in December 2022 and is owned by locally-born DJ, Nathan Dawe.

The high end retro-bar (named after his late grandmother) has been a vision of his for almost 15 years, inspired by his travels around the world, where he has experienced dining, drinking and dancing done in many different ways.

Being a local lad he wanted to bring these experiences to his hometown of Burton upon Trent for everyone to enjoy.

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Dine in the splendour of The Ballroom at Hoar Cross Hall after a relaxing spa day, or try something more casual at the stunning Barton Marina, where you can choose from The Waterfront and The Boathouse by Pom's.

Discover great places to eat in East Staffordshire and beyond in our Food & Drink section, with everything you need to know about the county's restaurants, tea rooms, pubs, and other eateries!