The Stag, Rotherham

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Stag

Updated Review from visit 6/7/25:

Following my last attempted visit to this pub, it was in fact almost 4 years before I returned to Rotherham again, not the 28 years I predicted! This time I did manage to gain entry. Similar to the night of the England football game, I found this pub to be busy and boisterous. One group of middle aged blokes was particularly loud and the language was choice.

Very much a sports-oriented pub, there are many TVs showing different events. Music was playing as well. There are games machines, sweet machines for kids and various promotions, such as free pool on a Tuesday and pints for £3.25 on a Wednesday. Carpet and attractive antler light fittings help to create a pleasant drinking environment, but its far from being cosy or relaxing. In fact, the cacophany of noise was quite the opposite.

The cask ale choice was reasonable with Acorn Blonde & Barnsley Bitter, St Austell Tribute & Marston's Wainwright Golden (who knows if this was real ale or not). The still cider was Lilley's Mango. Keg ciders were Strongbow Original or Strawberry varieties & Aspall's. Mrs S ordered a half of the Strawberry one as I was deliberating which Acorn beer to have. So, I didn't spot that the young barmaid was pouring a pint. Listening skills do not appear to be the best. A CAMRA discount is apparently offered too, but not to me.

My experience with this pub is still tainted by their refusal to serve me in 2021 during what was a published open time. The noisy nature of the pub combined with a lack of attentiveness from the bar staff and obnoxious customers didn't really endear the pub to me. I'll raise my score slightly but based on my two visits, this place offers a poor drinking experience.

Original Review 9/7/21:

The Stag was to be my last pub of the day in Rotherham before retiring to the hotel. I had been contemplating booking a table, as I guessed that the pub would be busy with the football being on. Instead, I decided to visit the other 2 bars in this part of town and have a meal in the local Brazilian restaurant and to wait until after the match when things had calmed down.

On approach to the entrance, I could see a wall of barmaids waiting to "greet" me. One spoke up immediately and said they were fully booked. No "hello" or any other greeting, just a confrontational approach. I did say that I was only staying for a half, but the answer was still no.

Another barmaid approached me and asked if I was trying to come in with a child (my wife was waiting outside with my son). I said I was happy to have a swift half by myself if this was not possible. So, the excuse not to serve me changed to "we're closing in 10 minutes". At this point it was 10:05pm. I'd like to bet that I could have gone back 30 minutes later and people would still have been ordering.

It's a real shame that some pubs are not interesting in serving strangers and that they recruit young bar staff with real attitude problems. It had been 28 years since my last visit to Rotherham. If it's another 28 years, I doubt very much that this pub will still be there, given the awful customer service I encountered.

If attempting to visit here, be prepared for a hostile "welcome" and call ahead, as they will amend their published opening times at the drop of a hat.

On 8^th July 2025 - rating: 3
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