A characterful Pembrokeshire country pub with beautiful gardens, strong seafood and Sunday roasts, generally excellent hospitality, but occasional service and consistency lapses justify booking and realistic expectations.
The Stackpole Inn delivers strong food quality anchored by praised seafood, roasts, and carefully balanced flavours, paired with genuinely attentive service that guests consistently highlight. Its countryside setting with gardens and coastal walks provides real appeal, though occasional inconsistency in execution keeps it just short of the very top tier.
The Stackpole Inn is the sort of rural pub that earns its setting: a warm, characterful refuge after a Pembrokeshire walk, with gardens, a log burner, and the occasional roaring-fire welcome. Guests repeatedly describe friendly, knowledgeable staff and a relaxed atmosphere, while the surrounding countryside and coastal paths make the inn feel like part of the outing rather than merely a place to eat. The cooking sits in polished British pub territory, with a particularly strong seafood showing, generous pies and pork dishes, steaks, and widely admired Sunday roasts. The current menu adds a few contemporary touches—harissa, pomegranate, vermouth cream, and cashew tagine—but remains accessible rather than experimental. Most diners find the above-standard pub prices justified by ingredients, portions, and setting, although a minority report lukewarm or overcooked food, bland dishes, and service strain when busy. Families are welcome, and the menu offers approachable choices such as burger, battered cod, chips, ice cream, golden syrup sponge, and sorbet, alongside vegetarian and vegan dishes. However, do not assume every children's request can be customised: one family was refused a smaller burger and found the children's pasta disappointing. Booking is sensible, especially for garden tables, Sunday lunch, or a larger party.
Area vibe: Rural, scenic, and tourism-focused coastal countryside.
Safety: Generally safe and quiet with limited street lighting and low evening footfall; rural driving at night required.
What's nearby: Near Stackpole Estate, Bosherston Lily Ponds, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and small village amenities; nearest market towns are nearby.
Seafood is the safest starting point here, with options ranging from £7 mussels to a £26 half lobster.
Plan ahead for busy services and premium pricing, since the usual generous portions do not guarantee consistently executed food.
Expect a warm rural pub atmosphere built around gardens, a log burner, nearby walks, and dog-friendly spaces.