La Villa Verde impresses not only with its cuisine but also with its delightful cocktails. The décor of the restaurant strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and chic elegance, creating an inviting atmosphere. The staff are lovely, and the service is impressively attentive, making every visit feel special and memorable.

We began our evening with some expertly crafted cocktails. The Rose Butterfly (£15) was a refreshing blend of Rose champagne brut, pink gin, lemon juice, and sugar. The classic Strawberry Daiquiri (£11), a mix of Havana 3 Años, strawberry puree, lime juice, and sugar syrup, was equally delightful and set the stage for a wonderful dining experience.

For starters, we enjoyed bread and olives (£3.95) and garlic bread with cheese (£6.95). Each dish was prepared to perfection, highlighting the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Our main courses continued to impress. The Penne Carbonara (£12.95) was creamy and rich, while the Diavola pizza (£15.95) featured a perfect balance of spicy salami and melted cheese. Despite being quite full, we couldn’t resist taking home a slice of tiramisu (£6) for the next day. It was simply too delicious to pass up.

The vibe, food, and service at La Villa Verde make it a standout restaurant in the Moorlands. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner spot or a place to celebrate with friends, La Villa Verde offers an Italian dining experience that you simply can't miss. Buon appetito!

From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided a seamless blend of indoor luxury and outdoor beauty, allowing us to enjoy the lush landscape from the comfort of our table. The Tawny is a beautiful renovation of the old Consall Hall Estate, with beautiful modern architecture against the charm of the scenery, created an inviting ambiance.

We commenced our culinary journey with an enticing selection of small plates. Opting for the trio of hummus, pork belly, and sticky chicken (3 for £24), we were immediately impressed by the artistry and flavour of each dish. The hummus was smooth and creamy, accompanied by freshly baked bread, while the pork belly offered a perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat. The sticky chicken, glazed with a delectable sauce, was a highlight, bursting with rich, savoury notes.

To complement our starters, we indulged in a Ginger-Citrus Aperol Spritz (£12.50) and a Blood Orange Mocktail (£9). These beverages were as visually stunning as they were delicious, with vibrant colours and refreshing flavours that perfectly matched the summery afternoon. The attention to detail in both presentation and taste was evident, promising a meal that would continue to delight our senses.

Selecting our main courses was a delightful challenge, as the menu offered an array of enticing options. Ultimately, we chose the feta flatbread (£16), the steak sandwich (£16), and a side of skin-on fries (£5.50). The feta flatbread was a masterpiece, combining sweet honey, salty feta, and briny olives on a perfectly baked crust. Each bite was a harmonious blend of contrasting yet complementary flavours. The steak sandwich, featuring succulent slices of beef paired with caramelised onions and a tangy sauce, was equally impressive. The hand-cut, skin-on fries were crisp and golden, an ideal accompaniment to our mains.

What truly set The Plumicorn apart was their commitment to sourcing local ingredients. This dedication to freshness and quality was evident in every bite, and it was clear that the Head Chef had a genuine passion for showcasing the best local produce. This focus on local sourcing not only enhanced the flavours of our meal but also underscored the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and community support.

To conclude our meal, we shared a cinnamon waffle (£9) for dessert. This delightful treat featured a warm, fluffy waffle topped with a luscious blend of pear and sweet cinnamon caramel sauce. It was the perfect end to a perfect meal, leaving us both satisfied and eager for our next visit.

After lunch, we ventured into the bar area for a relaxing game of pool. The bar, with its cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere, was an excellent place to unwind. Following our game, we embarked on a leisurely stroll along the Folly Trail, a scenic path that meanders through the Consall estate. This charming trail led us past old wishing wells, an Italian garden, and vibrant flower gardens lining the valley. The experience was both peaceful and invigorating, allowing us to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

For those who might find walking challenging after such a sumptuous meal, The Plumicorn offers a unique alternative: a chauffeured tour in an electric buggy. This option allows guests to explore the extensive grounds without exertion, ensuring everyone can enjoy the estate's many delights. Although we only explored a portion of the grounds, it was clear that there is plenty more to see and do, making each visit to The Plumicorn a new adventure.

Our visit to The Plumicorn and The Tawny Hotel was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of exceptional food, impeccable service, and stunning scenery created an experience that was truly memorable. After discovering their luxurious accommodation offerings, we are already planning an overnight staycation for our next visit, eager to extend our time in this enchanting place.

In conclusion, The Plumicorn offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends culinary excellence with natural beauty. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a serene escape, The Plumicorn at The Tawny Hotel provides an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. We eagerly anticipate our next visit to continue exploring all that this remarkable destination has to offer.

During our recent visit on a beautifully sunny Saturday afternoon, we decided on a bite to eat from the extensive menu at the tea rooms. From their Light Lunch options, we selected a gourmet fish finger sandwich (£9.25), a hot roast pork with stuffing and apple sauce baguette (£8.75), a hot roast topside of beef with caramelised onions baguette (£8.75), and a side of hand-cut chips (£2.50). Each dish was prepared fresh to order, with the kitchen able catering to our individual dietary preferences.

We were pleased to be able to sit out al fresco to enjoy our meal and could take in the views surrounding Heath House Farm. After finishing our meal, we enjoyed cappuccinos (£3.20) before taking a leisurely stroll through the nursery. After purchasing a few plants to adorn our garden, and having a wander through the shop, offering an array of beautiful homewares and gifts, we headed home.

We noted from their menu that Heath House Farm also offers a delicious looking breakfast menu, as well as an Afternoon Tea and a Sunday lunch menu. We were particularly interested in the breakfast menu that included a full English with a Staffordshire Moorlands classic, an oatcake! We’ll be sure to find ourselves back at Heath House Farm to give that a try.

In summary, if you’re looking for a pleasant way to enjoy an afternoon and come home well fed with delicious food, then you can’t go too far wrong with Heath House Farm.

Scrumbles is a grab and go bakery located on High Street in Brown Edge, recognised by celebrity influencer Stacey Solomon and loved by locals. We’ve been to Scrumbles many times over the last 3 years, but on our most recent visit last Thursday evening, we indulged in their popular 'dessert night' offering. For just £6, you can pick any counter item to be served with ice cream or custard, topped it off with your choice of sauce and topping. This customisable dessert experience is a dream come true for any dessert lover. We went for a Galaxy cookie crumble deep dish cookie, topped with whippy ice cream, white chocolate sauce and fudge pieces. Not only was it tasty, but beautifully presented too.

Scrumbles offering is £3.50 per item, or they offer selection boxes at 4 for £12 or 6 for £18. The cakes are easily shareable, so that offers really great value for money. Then, once you’ve decided how many items you want, you can pick from their huge variety of goodies. From old school cake to massive slabs of chocolate fudge cake to cheesecake lollies, they truly have it all. They frequently change what’s on offer too, and you can stay up to date with any new additions on their Instagram or Facebook.

We had a hard time picking what should go in our 4 for £12 box, but we settled on: a homemade teacake comprised of a chocolate chip cookie topped with gooey marshmallow, filled with delicious jam, and covered in milk chocolate—perfect with a cup of tea; a rich and decadent Chocolate Orange brownie with a perfect balance of chocolate and tangy orange flavors, topped with a segment of Terry’s Chocolate Orange; a heavenly Oreo Blondie filled with a layer of Cadbury Oreo chocolate and stuffed with chunks of Oreo, adding a satisfying crunch to a soft, fudge-like blondie; and a delectably sweet, buttery cookie with a gorgeous layer of Biscoff spread in the middle.

Their Brown Edge shop is open 7 days a week, and with their ‘Dessert Night’ every Thursday evening until 8pm. A perfect excuse for a midweek dessert outing. You might also find Scrumbles out and about in the Moorlands, as they often hold market stalls at various events around the Moorlands, such as the Leek’s Sunday Supplement market on the first Sunday of the month. Additionally, you can find Scrumbles stocked in other popular dessert spots across the Moorlands, such as Flo's Diner or Bobby’s Ice Cream Parlour.

We’re huge fans of Scrumbles Cake Shop and can’t wait to return. Whether you’re a local, or just passing through, Scrumbles is a gem worth discovering for yourself.

Set in the historic Cross Street Mill, Spice Merchant boasts a cosy and inviting ambiance with exposed brick walls and charming archways. The tasteful decor pays homage to the vibrance of the food it serves, making it ideal for meals with friends, family, or even a cosy date night. The atmosphere is both relaxed and vibrant, perfect for any occasion.

Our culinary journey at Spice Merchant began with a simple yet delightful starter of poppadoms (£0.70 each), a mixed starter (£6), and a chutney tray (£2). Our poppadoms were crispy and light, and the mixed starter featured chicken tikka, sheek kebab, samosa, and onion bhaji, each bite bursting with freshness and flavour. Our chutney tray contained four fresh Indian chutneys and sauces, the perfect accompaniment.

For our main courses, we decided to try options from the ‘chef’s specials’ menu, so we chose tandoori makhon chicken (£12) and Bangladeshi lamb (£13). The makhon chicken was rich and creamy with a smoky, spicy flavour. We requested it extra spicy, and it was made to perfection. Our lamb dish was a real delight, featuring lamb cooked on the bone, which was tender and succulent, served in an aromatic lamb mince sauce that was spiced beautifully. We ate these with a serving of plain naan (£3) and pilau rice (£3). Our naan was huge and fluffy, and the pilau was fluffy and fragrant, the perfect side to our mains.

One of the things we love about Spice Merchant is that everything is made fresh to order, and they’re more than happy to cater to dietary requirements and preferences. One of our party has an allergy, and they were more than helpful in discussing which dishes could be adjusted or made without certain ingredients, and we felt totally taken care of.

Despite being quite full, we couldn’t resist the offer of a complimentary ice cream or alcoholic drink. We opted for a few scoops of creamy almond and pistachio ice cream, which was a delightful and refreshing end to our meal.

Our experience at Spice Merchant was nothing short of spectacular, and it’s safe to say we’ll be back soon. Spice Merchant offers a dining experience that combines fresh, high-quality ingredients with authentic Bengali/Bangladeshi flavours, all served in a warm and inviting setting, and the staff are both warm and welcoming. Choosing which curry house to go to in Leek can be a tough choice—there are many options—but we’d always recommend Spice Merchant.

Leek has a fabulous new addition that dessert lovers will adore—Flo's! Recently opened back in April, Flo's has quickly become a favourite spot in the town, offering an incredible array of dessert options that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From ice cream and waffles to pancakes, shakes, and even an enticing alcoholic drinks menu, Flo's has something for everyone.

One of the first things you'll notice about Flo's is its chic yet casual atmosphere. The owners have done a fantastic job of transforming Flo’s into a high-end café-bar by paying attention to the details. Whether it’s the millennial pink coffee cups, neon signs, plush velvet seating or arcade machine, they’ve really paid close attention to the details. It's the perfect place to catch up with friends over a sweet treat or enjoy a cosy date night. The ambiance is welcoming and relaxed, making it an ideal spot to unwind and indulge.

During our visit, we found it hard to choose from the extensive menu of desserts. We ordered a 3 pancake stack (£5.95), a full waffle (£7.95), and a Biscoff Floshake (£4.95). Each dessert was fully customisable with our choice of ice creams, toppings, sauces, and then topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. We were pleased to discover that both the waffles and pancakes are gluten-free as standard, and can be made dairy free at request.

Not only were our desserts absolutely scrumptious, but we also found the prices to be super reasonable given the generous portions.

The ground floor of Flo’s is dog-friendly, and the menu features Walling’s dog ice cream to allow the pooches in your party to join in on the fun. Upstairs on the 1st floor there is ample seating, with views out onto the Market Square making Flo’s a perfect spot for people-watching as you enjoy a stack of pancakes. We found the staff to be really knowledgeable about the menu, and very friendly and attentive. The overall atmosphere is the welcoming and friendly environment you’d expect from a Moorlands establishment, but with a high-end style you might find in Manchester or Birmingham.

If you haven't visited Flo's yet, we’d highly recommend it. It's a superb addition to Leek, with a unique offering in the town with its desserts, welcoming atmosphere, and instagrammable aesthetic. We’re hear rumours too that more food options may be added to the menu in the future, so we’ll keep you posted on that.

Head over to Flo's and treat yourself to something sweet - you won't be disappointed!

Hotel Rudyard’s menu is vast, and features a delightful blend of familiar favourites and unique creations. It's a sure bet that everyone in your party will find something to their liking. During our visit, we chose the Dunwood beef burger (£16.95), chicken caesar salad (£15.90), hand-battered cod (£16.95) and a side of sweet potato fries (£3.95).

The burger is a must-try, featuring juicy beef and perfectly balanced toppings. The caesar salad was crisp, fresh, and well seasoned with a perfectly tangy caesar dressing that hit the spot. The fish and chips were golden, flaky, and fried to perfection; a quintessential pub classic done right.

Each dish was fabulously fresh, with evident care taken in both flavour and presentation. We were particularly impressed with the inclusion of local produce, showcasing the best of what the area has to offer.

Rudyard Lake is a beloved local beauty spot, and on a bright, sunny evening, it truly shines. Hotel Rudyard is perched just above the lake, providing the perfect vantage point to take in the serene views. Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely meal after a walk around the lake or simply to enjoy a drink and relax, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Hotel Rudyard goes beyond just offering great food. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. It makes for an ideal spot for families, couples, and even your furry friends—they’re dog-friendly! So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, Hotel Rudyard provides a wonderful escape with good food, great views, and a relaxed atmosphere.