Lower Penkridge Road Acton Trussell
Stafford
ST17 0RJ
Tel.: +44 (0)1785 712217
Fax.: +44 (0)1785 715344
Web site: www.moathouse.co.uk

This 15th century treasure is a most delightful hotel, situated at the side of the canal, with an attractive candlelit conservatory restaurant at its heart. It has now expanded to deal with the pressures of the 21st century and offers a serious approach to its cuisine in all its various aspects.

Located in the heart of rural Staffordshire, close to the M6, lies this Grade II listed moated manor house, which is steeped in history. The Moat House has evolved cleverly as a restaurant and traditional country pub without losing its old world charm. It has been tastefully extended to incorporate a 32 bedroom hotel with conference and banqueting facilities for up to 200 persons.

You can eat in the delightful bar with its original inglenook fireplace, but most choose to dine in the conservatory with a excellent view of the narrow boats as they drift gently by. The menus are well constructed, and they have an easy to understand system of fixed price meals.

To start I would suggest possibly a warm duck salad, with celeriac, sultana and apple, set off with a hazelnut and balsamic dressing, followed by the oxtail with foie gras and honey-glazed vegetables, accompanied by spinach and parsnip puree.

After which I would have to be pardoned for heading towards the banana and chocolate steamed sponge served with vanilla crème anglaise, though it would be a close run thing with the excellent selection of farmhouse cheeses and a delightful homemade pear chutney. Though these are only examples as the menu changes frequently.

The wine list is well constructed and house wine is at £10.50. More information including details about weddings, conferences and banqueting can be obtained from their extremely helpful Website.