The Best Pubs in Stoke
Stoke’s pub culture is a rich tapestry of contrasts, where historic Victorian inns with stained glass and roaring fires sit alongside modern craft breweries and lively sports bars. You can settle into a cosy local’s haunt for a top notch real ale, enjoy a Sunday roast with the family, or catch live music and match day action in a buzzing venue. Many pubs offer dog friendly spaces, outdoor seating, and canal side walks, making the scene as welcoming as it is diverse. Come and discover the best pubs in Stoke for yourself.


1. The Holy Inadequate
67 Etruria Old Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5PE, UK
Tucked away in a proper local’s haunt, The Holy Inadequate is a cracking spot where the log fire crackles and the beer is always top-notch. The crew behind the bar are cheerful and welcoming, serving up a brilliant selection of ales, stouts, and ciders—including some they brew themselves—all at a fair price. With plenty of comfortable seating, a lovely outdoor garden with a pizza oven, and a dog-friendly policy, it’s a belting choice for a group night out or a quiet pint. Come for the warm welcome and stay for the pork pies that are genuinely to die for.
Photo by Roger D Kidd — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The Glebe
35 Glebe St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1HG, UK
Step into The Glebe, a stunning Victorian treasure right in the heart of town, where beautiful stained glass and a roaring real fire set the stage for a proper pint of Joule’s cask ale. This place is an absolute gem with a brilliant deli counter loaded with cheeses, cold meats, and pork pies, perfect for a relaxed lunch or a generous cheese board shared with friends. With live music every Tuesday, a secret beer garden out back, and a warm welcome for both dogs and groups, it’s a cracking spot for any occasion. Just a short stroll from the station, this dog friendly, cocktail serving local is a must visit.
Photo by Basher Eyre — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. The Victoria
62 King St, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Newcastle ST5 1HX, UK
The Victoria, or "The Little Vic" as it's affectionately known, is a proper gem in Newcastle-under-Lyme that's just been crowned Classic Pub of the Year, and it's easy to see why. This cracking spot serves up a brilliant selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, and with live music, quiz nights, and outdoor seating, there's always something going on to draw you in. It's wonderfully dog friendly and perfect for groups, offering a warm, welcoming vibe where the locals are friendly and the service comes with a genuine smile. Whether you're popping in for a reasonably priced pint or settling in for a Motown night, this is a true taste of local hospitality at its best.


4. Sutherland Arms
209 London Rd, Boothen, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 5RW, UK
Head straight to The Sutherland Arms, a cracking spot on London Road that’s as welcoming as it is affordable. This proper local’s haunt serves up a fine selection of ales and wines, with live music and sports on the telly to keep things lively. Bring the whole gang or your four legged mate, as the beer garden and dog friendly policy make it a brilliant choice for any group. It’s a cosy, no fuss pub where the friendly service and great value pints keep everyone coming back for more.
Photo by Jonathan Hutchins — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. Gardeners Retreat
Boothen, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4BJ, UK
Welcome to The Gardeners Retreat, a proper local gem where every visit feels like a celebration. This brilliant pub serves up a cracking range of beer, wine, and cocktails, with live music and sports on the big screen to keep the energy high. The outdoor seating is perfect for groups and four legged mates, making it an ideal spot for a lively match day or a relaxed afternoon with friends. With incredibly welcoming staff and a buzzing, friendly crowd, this is hands down the best place in town for a top notch, affordable pint.


6. The Jug
41 Bridge St, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Newcastle ST5 2RY, UK
The Jug is a proper Jekyll and Hyde gem, a brilliant local during the day with free pool and a cracking vibe, then a banging live music venue by night. The blue decor and plentiful seating make it a comfortable spot to enjoy a great selection of spirits, keg beers, and a glass of wine, with friendly staff always on hand. It’s a dog friendly, welcoming place perfect for groups, serving up tasty bar snacks and hosting everything from Sunday jazz to lively gigs. Pop in for a top notch pint and you won’t regret it.
Photo by Jonathan Hutchins — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. Victoria Hotel
Brampton Rd, May Bank, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Newcastle ST5 0SJ, UK
The Victoria Hotel is a true gem where incredible food, a warm welcome, and a lively spirit come together perfectly. Whether you're settling in for a phenomenal roast dinner with the whole family or enjoying a reasonably priced drink with your dog by your side, the staff go above and beyond to make every visit special. With a cracking selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, plus plenty of outdoor seating for groups, this is the kind of place you'll be planning to return to before you've even left.


8. Westbury Tavern
Westbury Rd, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Newcastle ST5 4JW, UK
At the Westbury Tavern in Clayton, you'll find a cracking local that’s perfect for everything from a family lunch to a lively match day with mates. The menu is packed with proper pub classics like steak pie and Sunday roasts, all at a fair price, while the bar serves up a brilliant selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. With multiple HD screens showing every Premier League fixture, a pool table, dart board, and regular live music, there’s always something to keep you entertained. It’s a dog friendly spot with outdoor seating, where the friendly team and welcoming regulars make you feel right at home.
Photo by Jonathan Hutchins — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. Brindley Farm - Dining & Carvery
Shelton Blvd, Etruria Valley Link Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5GP, UK
For a cracking carvery that won't break the bank, Brindley Farm is the perfect spot to gather the whole gang for a hearty feast. Nestled alongside canal side walks, this welcoming pub serves up slow roasted meats with all the trimmings, plus a brilliant selection of beer and wine to wash it all down. The outdoor seating is ideal for sunny afternoons, and with a kids' play area and plenty of space for groups, it's a top choice for family fun or a relaxed get together. Come for the legendary roasties and leave with a slice of their enormous homemade cake you won't be disappointed


10. Cherry Tree
London Rd, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Newcastle ST5 1NZ, UK
If you’re after a cracking pub that’s easy on the wallet, the Cherry Tree is an absolute winner for a proper night out. With a brilliant selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, plus huge screens showing all the live sport, it’s the perfect spot to gather the whole gang for a match or a family meal. The food comes out fast and full of flavour, the team are incredibly welcoming, and the whole place just has that friendly, buzzing energy that keeps you coming back for more.




