The Stag - South Kesteven

The Stag Inn is a delightful looking pub overlooking the small green in the village of Barkston near Grantham. Internally the pub is clean and tidy with a range of two and four seater tables with New England shades of light blue on the painted table legs in the restaurant area. We didn’t venture into the pub side so can’t vouch for the decor in there. We arrived unannounced just after opening time of 12 and were offered a table with no difficulty. There was a menu of the usual offerings of fish and chips and a range of burgers together with roast salmon, chargrilled pork chop, a leek and cauliflower cheese pot pie, ham egg and chips and a vegetable lasagne amongst others. A specials chalkboard hung on the far wall and the crab and prawn salad with Mediterranean bread sounded so good we both opted for it. That was a mistake as we were to find out. The meals were reasonably quick to arrive and were served up in two large bowls with a dusting of paprika round the edges. What hit me immediately was the large flaccid green lettuce leaf draped over the edge of the bowl, together with a whole half-a-lemon that we each had. A small wedge would be perfect. The bread tasted sweet and was as far from the Mediterranean as it could possibly be apart from the occasional input of sundried tomato. What irked me most though was that the bread was delivered up pre-buttered with what looked like some bright yellow catering spread. A small ramakin of real butter between the two of us would work so much better. When asked if everything was okay I mentioned this and was told that chef would be informed. Having said all that the crab and prawn salad was full of flavour and sat on a nice mixed salad of red peppers, lettuce, red onion and cornichons. A word of advice to the wise….. don’t sit at the table near the restaurant counter as this is where the pub’s phone is located. On at least two occasions the phone was left to ring unanswered by the staff, presumably as they were busy elsewhere (the pub was by no means full) and was right behind my head! The volume of the ringer was high and it would have been a more pleasant experience for us if, firstly, it was answered and, secondly, the volume was turned down. On the plus side the staff were polite and helpful but the food not so great.

We visited here twice this week as we were staying close by; once for Sunday lunch and once for a mid week evening meal. Both visits were fabulous; the Sunday lunch was hot, tasty and plentiful, with the most amazing cabbage I have ever tasted [yes...cabbage!! My wife had the beef and I had a more tradition Fish and Chips which was huge and equally tasty. For our evening meals, we had a couple of the pies one stilton topped steak and mushroom, and the other a chicken and mushroom, served with a lovely selection of vegetables and fries. Can thoroughly recommend this place but you will need to book. Sumptuous!

Our second family visit, meeting up from the North and South East so an excellent location and near Belton House. Excellent friendly service and very good food. Well worth a visit

We visited Belton House and decided to stop for lunch but menu less than inspiring so we did a search on the mobile and found The Stag just a mile away. Wonderful welcome and menu choice. Food well cooked and presented so much so we returned the following day andagain were not disappointed.

Had a beautiful meal here tonight with family. The food was delicious, a great choice on the menu and fantastic service. Would definitely recommend it and will return.