plume of feathers, barlaston, staffordshire.

If you're looking for proper pub grub and a great beer selection in the Midlands, Plume of Feathers in Barlaston just might be the place. The latest business venture from actor and Stafford local Neil Morrissey, the pub takes on a best of British feel with atmosphere, decor and menu to match. We went for a sunny countryside drive and Sunday lunch over at the Plume of Feathers a few weekends back.

Plume of Feathers has a relaxed pub feel with contemporary finishes. embracing the exposed brick trend alongside a heritage colour palette and deep shades of wood. The beer offerings are fantastic, with a pretty well stocked bar to boot. On the suggestion of our server,my boyfriend went for a trio of small beers which were a third of a pint each; Jaipur, Doombar and an IPA.

The Sunday menu features the likes of beer battered fish and chips, homemade burgers, classic Caesar salads and of course the timeless roast. 

To begin (because if you can't eat three courses on a Sunday afternoon when can you?), we went for Breaded Brie Wedges and Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on Toast. The generous portions were just the right amount to tempt you into your main. 

The brie wedges were crunchy, gooey and gobbled up in one, although I found too Christmassy with cranberry sauce and would have liked to seen a Spring interpretation. I went for the garlic mushroom starter, and was pleasantly surprised at how a sticky balsamic glaze went so well with such a creamy and garlicky sauce. The peppery rocket lifted the flavours and the bread was a lovely "just toasted" texture. Quite pretty for a pub starter, no?

Bring out the knives, forks, bibs and serious appetites - it's time for the main event. I wouldn't usually opt for fish and chips slap bang in the Midlands, but I thought it'd be a great pub grub dish to test out. Another pièce de résistance of a pub is of course a roast, and my boyfriend was happy to oblige.

The batter was deliciously light with the perfect flaky fish, I have to say I was impressed. It wasn't crispy as such, so if you like big chunks of batter on your fish then this may not be for you. The homemade tartare sauce was great and the peas were an essential addition. But if there's anything you should take from this review... it's those chips! Really fat, fat chips with a rough rugged texture and crunchy exterior. There are only so many times you can say crunchy and crispy about a good plate of fish and chips, but it's safe to say I enjoyed the whole plate. Coming in at a tenner isn't bad either!

The Roast Chicken Dinner (£11) came with seasonal vegetables, a Yorkshire pud, roast potatoes and homemade stuffing. I thought it looked actually really well presented for a roast, with stacked up potatoes, crispy chicken and a huge Yorkie pud glazed with pan gravy. The waitress brought out an extra jug - she knew we meant business! 

For desserts were chose Lemon Posset and a Walnut Brownie. The lemon posset, or what I tried of it, had that refreshingly citrus zing and creamy texture you'd expect. 

The brownie wasn't really the gooey chocolately slice I was expecting, instead with a more crumbly and cakey texture. It was still super indulgent which was laced with glorious walnuts in every bite, which fell apart as you ate it. This was definitely a brownie you needed a fork to eat, as opposed to picking it up in your hands. For that reason, the milk chocolate ice cream went really well. It actually kind of reminded me of Coco Pops milk, in a seriously good way. Not sure about the fruit on the plate, but it looked pretty and made me feel a little less guilty about my lack of 5 a day that particular afternoon. 

Hey mushy peas count, right?

Full to the brim, off we trotted for a walk around Shugborough Hall gardens and a potter around the curiosity shops by Little Haywood. I can imagine Plume of Feathers will be lovely in the Summer when friends and family can sit by the canal and enjoy a meal and drink in the sun. The Wedgewood factory isn't far away too - so that'd make a great day out. 

Have you been to the Plume of Feathers yet? What's your favourite Sunday roast in the West Midlands?

plume of feathers
station road
barlaston
stoke-on-trent
staffordshire
st12 9dh 

Note: I was invited for a complimentary meal for purposes of review. All opinions are honest and my own.