Tuesday night at The Stag in Middle Handley was a quiet one. We arrived for a 7.30pm table and found only two other tables occupied in the restaurant. We’d booked through a Groupon deal which included a meal and drinks for four, so it felt like a good opportunity to try the place without committing to a full-price visit.
We started in the bar area for our included drink. It’s a well put-together space with plenty of comfortable seating, the kind of place you’d happily sit for a while. At exactly 7.30pm we were called through to the table. It felt slightly rushed given how quiet things were, but service itself was polite and efficient.
The setting is one of the standout parts of this pub. It sits in a quiet village spot, and the building has clearly had a recent refurbishment. It’s been done properly, with attention to detail throughout. There are small touches everywhere that draw your eye, including a dining table with a built-in chilled section for bottles, which gives a good sense of the overall approach. It feels like a place the owners want people to notice.
For starters, we shared a plate of deep-fried black pudding with a well-dressed rocket salad. It worked well as a light starter and had good flavour. There were a few other options on the menu including olives and garlic mushrooms, both of which were ordered on our table and reported to be very good.
For mains, my partner and I both chose the beef burger on brioche. It was enjoyable overall, but slightly overcooked which made it a bit tougher and drier than expected. The other meals on the table were more successful. The gammon and egg and the fish and chips were both described as excellent, and if we returned we’d likely go in that direction instead.
The dining area has an open view into the kitchen, which adds a bit of interest while you’re eating and gives a sense of how things are being run behind the scenes.
Drinks were well handled, with a good range available and table service that stayed consistent throughout the evening. It’s clear the new owners are putting effort into relaunching the pub. There’s a noticeable sense that money has been invested carefully, and that usually shows in how a place develops over time.
Outside, there’s a children’s play area along with seating that would work well in warmer months. It’s the sort of setup that makes it easier to stay longer, especially if you’re visiting as a group or with family.
Overall, The Stag feels like a place that’s still finding its rhythm following refurbishment, but with a solid foundation. Despite a quiet midweek visit, it left the impression that it’s worth returning to try more of the menu.
Bookings can be made on 01246 434800 or via www.devonshirearmsmiddlehandley.co.uk.
The Stag at the Devonshire Arms is situated at Lightwood Lane, Middle Handley, Sheffield, S21 5RN.