Slaters Country Inn

We really loved our visit on Sunday 30th November. Lexi, our waitress, knew the food choices well and was very attentive. She's a credit to you. One small thing on arrival, the young lad who showed us to our table seemed like he'd just come from a fag break. Maybe suggest he has a vape? Still, the experience was wonderful.

Dinner at Slater's Country Inn last night was the best meal I've had in Staffordshire in 10 years. I'd always thought of it as a reliably OK place, but something has clearly changed for the better. The Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake with Turkish Delight Ice Cream was the dish that convinced me. I only ordered it because I'd never tried Dubai chocolate and the unusual idea intrigued me. It looked odd, with chocolate crumb and wafer-thin pickled pistachio slices, and my kids weren't keen at first. Once we tasted it, though, the salt, sweetness and texture felt Michelin-level. The flavours worked flawlessly. I asked whether they had a new chef, and was told they did. His name is Dom, and I asked to meet him to pass on my compliments. We started with olives and Jerk Chicken Wings with coconut and lime. The chicken was cooked perfectly, with a great balance of jerk spices, coconut and lime, and the slaw salad went beautifully with it. For my main I had Shin of Beef. It looked rustic, but the flavours were balanced and there were exquisite little details I wouldn't usually expect here. The two courses cost just £24. I'd tell people in the area to book soon, before Chef Dom moves on or the price rises to match the quality of this new experience. Well done to the team, it was outstanding.

The rooms are roomy, with comfortable beds, good quality bedding and tea and coffee facilities. There was still and sparkling bottled water too, and the bathroom was clean, with big soft towels and the usual toiletries. It’s a lovely country inn, with real ales and a delicious menu, and close to Stoke if you need to go there. The owner and staff were all really welcoming.

A great atmosphere, with good food and service in the bar and restaurant. There’s a wide choice of room types, and access from the car park is excellent, which makes it a good option for couples, families and guests with mobility needs. Amazing value, too.