Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Random news of the day with Real Ale Ray
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Spread Eagle, Stafford
Gailey
Postal town: Stafford
ST19 5PN
Pub Type
Carvery (Marstons)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Spread Eagle
Currently owned by Marstons, the pub is part of a motel complex, a bit like a Premier Inn. As mentioned below there is plenty of parking but very little in the way of garden other than a large adventure playground and a small smoking area. It's primarily aimed at passers-by and families, consequently lacking in any kind of pub atmosphere. The staff were reasonable, although one young man who knew it all refused to accept that beer should not look like whipped cream when it came out of the tap. There was a large population of carvery diners, most of them reasonably normal human beings, but a significant minority of obese children and their overweight mothers. Few fathers were in evidence. There was also a large crowd of coffee drinkers – actually a good thing as it helps pubs to stay open. Beers on were all from Marstons – Pedigree, Hobgoblin and Hobgoblin Gold, all desperately over-gassed but palatable once the froth had settled and they'd been topped up. OK if you like mass produced slop, half-decent carveries or need a pit-stop, and it's an acceptable choice if overnighting here or at the nearby Gailey Marina.
On 7th November 2017
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3284 recommendations about 3249 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Spread Eagle
ORIGINAL REVIEW Sept 2012
Once you are through the entrance door you are met by a sign "Please wait here to be seated".I asked if it was possible to have a drink beforehand and the two small high tables to the right are for that very purpose.They were already taken.You cant stand at the curved bar to drink either,this area is for ordering either drinks or food only.However ,if you wish you can always be led to a table and then open a tab at the bar and drink as much as you like before dining,which is what the three of us did.
The regular real ales are Banks's Bitter and Marstons Pedigree while the two guests will be from the Marston's portfolio of breweries ,sadly both these options were off during my visit.However,I did notice a lot of care being taken when changing a barrel and my Pedigree was in top condition,as good a Ped as I have had anywhere and at £2.90 reasonable value in a food orientated pub.There is a lot of ale turnover which must also help keep pints fresh.
As others have mentioned the interior is vast and lacking atmosphere.The young bar staff,although efficient,engaged in a lot of banter with each other and hormones were racing.
This is probably a pub that is more fun to be working in,rather than eating in;my meal was indifferent but the decent beer helped make up for the pub's other failings.
UPDATE
The "wait to be seated " sign has gone,it's all a lot more relaxed now so just sit anywhere to drink and order food at the bar stating table number.No sign of any guest ales from the Marston portfolio breweries,just a simple choice of well kept Pedigree or EPA.The menu is now firmly at the value end of the market,available until 10pm while there is a daily carvery until 9pm.Functional sort of place.
On 16th April 2014
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Oggwyn Great left this review about The Spread Eagle
As previously stated this is a large family dining pub and is a pretty soulless place , very busy on my visit(virtually all familys dining) but service was good and friendly enough , 3 ales on Marstons Old Empire and Pedigree along with Bankss Bitter , the Old Empire and Bankss Bitter were OK if served a little cold .
The food was decent enough value (carvery very good)
Overall it was OK for a bit of Sunday lunch with friends but would not bother if just out for a drink
On 12th December 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 797 recommendations about 683 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ale Monster left this review about The Spread Eagle
This large family dining pub was built in the 1930’s and is owned by Marston’s. The interior is open plan and consists of two areas either side of the central dog leg shaped wooden bar counter which is opposite the main entrance. On the left of the building is a long narrow room with a log burning stove in a fire place at the far end. To the right of the bar and down a step is a large square area with two levels and a large double sided fire place in the centre of the room. Both areas have modern décor with contemporary abstract paintings on the walls. Behind the bar is a serving area for a carvery which is very popular so expect a big queue. There is a large patio area to the left of the entrance, a huge car park that is on three sides of the pub, and an equally huge beer garden at the back, the pub claims that it has “the biggest beer garden and children’s play area you will have ever seen!” which in my case is true, its enormous!
Regular ale is Banks’s Bitter with two changing guest beers from Marston’s portfolio such as Brakspear, Jennings, Ringwood or Wychwood. On my visit they were Marston’s Pedigree and Jennings Cocker Hoop.
A good family pub, decent beer, a very good carvery with a choice of three meats and loads of different veg, therefore it can get very busy at meal times, in fact you may have to wait at the door to be seated by a member of staff. Not a pub for a drink with your mates but well suited for the family and special occasions.
On 17th August 2010
- rating: 6
[User has posted 199 recommendations about 199 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Soup Dragon left this review about The Spread Eagle
A large detached Marston's family pub/eatery on the Gailey island, with patio, beer garden and kid's play area. The pub is in white and French mustrady colour painted brick, with dormer windows.
The interior is so large that even with a reasonable attendance on the night i visited it still felt soulless. The decor is mainly white and wood panel and a bit of flowery wallpaper, with arty pictures on the walls with a nature/tree theme. There are a few twigs in vases as well. It is all foody based really with a value menu. The service was OK and the pub was tidy and clean.
Beer; tap stuff with Banks's MILD. On handpull there was Wychwood's Wizard's Staff, Jennings Cocker Hoop and a decent enough Banks's Bitter.
A family pub, but even with a family, this place doesn't excite me, i am sure it is convenient for a lot of people though.
On 13th July 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3067 recommendations about 3062 pubs]