Spread Eagle Watling Street, Gailey, Stafford ST19 5PN

"I haven't been here for over 5 years when it was usually extremely busy, the meals tasty and the cake display full. We booked a last-minute table for 2, online, no problem when we were 30 minutes away. Arrived and was shown to a table by a pleasant guy. I couldn't believe how quiet it was at 6 pm on a Saturday! My partner talked me into having the carvery instead of Hunter's Chicken, my usual go-to dish. The bar staff were lovely, and the carvery chef was lovely and pleasant, topping up the pots as I waited for the return of my partner. We both had turkey and beef. The beef was tough. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were powdered mash; the mashed carrot and swede were flavourless, watery and seemed mostly carrots. The mixed greens, leeks, onions and cheese sauce was dry greens and leek when I took some. I hadn't realised until I got to the table that it was missing the sauce. It registered after I saw the chef with a carton of pre-made cheese sauce to cut open and pour over the greens. The other peas and carrots were too soft and my partner likes his soft. The stuffing chunks were dry and hard. The gravy, brown-coloured liquid was flavourless. My partner LOVES a carvery and for him to leave half a plate, speaks volumes. The cake display was extremely disappointing. Half a coffee walnut cake?, a chocolate fudge cake and one other. Obviously the economy plays a factor at the moment but cut down on quantities made not the quality. For the lack of custom at that time, the glass washer should have had time to dry the base of the glasses with a tea towel before removing from the washer. The glasses had stale water gathering up on the bases which can be off-putting. I might try again but for a menu meal next time. Usually experiencing one bad meal I never return but I will give the Spread Eagle the benefit of the doubt due to prior visits."

"Very large and nice pub/restaurant with quality food. We had a good couple time with the day specials including the nice deserts. I went for the salmon and and fishy starters. The espresso was funny because it was served in huge cup but all the rest was impeccable and very well served. We will surely come back on the next occasion in town."

"We have visited several times this year and thought another visit today would be a nice way to end what has been a long week. A good atmosphere, nice warm weather. We were served with a smile by Nathan ( which was free as it did not appear on the bill!) and were lucky there was no queue for the Carvery. Plenty of choice all nicely cooked and hot. So what's not to like. Nathan came across to ask if everything was OK and we enjoyed it again sufficiently for me to bother to review."

"A great place for pub food. Very friendly helpful staff and a good vegan menu in addition to the traditional menu. A good breakfast as well."