OpenWeston Road Fish Bar
61 Weston Rd, Stafford ST16 3RL, United Kingdom
Welcome to The Riverbank Restaurant(NSCG)
The Riverbank Restaurant (NSCG) offers an exceptional dining experience in Stafford, enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled within the National School of Cookery and Gastronomy, this hidden gem showcases the talents of culinary students who prepare each dish with care and creativity. With a price range of £10–20, patrons can savor well-crafted meals in a charming setting. The restaurant's focus on quality extends beyond the kitchen to the attentive service, making it a popular choice for lunch, dinner, and dessert. The impressive wine list compliments the carefully curated menu, ensuring a satisfying experience for every guest.
Welcome to The Riverbank Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Stafford at NSCG. Specializing in delightful dishes perfect for lunch and dinner, we take pride in our great wine list and decadent desserts that elevate your dining experience. Enjoy our ample seating options designed for groups or solo diners alike, with a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages lingering. Whether you prefer dine-in, takeaway, or delivery, our dedicated team is here to provide top-notch service. With wheelchair-accessible amenities and an inviting bar, your visit will be both comfortable and enjoyable. Reservations are recommended to secure your table!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Takeaway
Highlights
Great dessert
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Healthy options
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
Guests rave about the food quality, often comparing it favorably to more established restaurants. The Scotch egg, in particular, garners high praise for its freshness and flavor, moving far beyond the convenience-store version many are familiar with. The carefully curated main courses, like the steak, stout, and stilton pie, leave diners impressed.
Additionally, dessert is a highlight at The Riverbank. The Bakewell tart with crème anglaise is a must-try that frequently earns compliments. Many reviews also mention the attentive and polite service from the student staff, which enhances the overall experience. These young chefs and servers bring a passionate energy that patrons find refreshing and encouraging.
Most Disliked
While The Riverbank generally receives stellar reviews, some diners have noted that certain vegetables can be a bit too firm for their liking. A few guests find them slightly undercooked, impacting the overall enjoyment of a dish. Another minor comment concerns the occasional longer wait times during peak dining hours, which is common when serving up meals made with care and precision.
Additionally, fewer vegetarian options on the menu can be seen as a limitation, though the restaurant does try to accommodate dietary preferences upon request. Overall, these drawbacks feel minimal amid the quality dining experience, and many are willing to overlook them for the exceptional food and atmosphere.
User Reviews
JD
James D.
What a hidden gem! Service is proper and old fashioned which is how it should be. The atmosphere is great, also the tables aren't crushed together so you don't feel like you're touching the person next to you. The food is absolutely wonderful. I had the Scotch egg for starter, it was amazing, so much more like a Scotch egg than a motorway Ginsters, bland tasteless crap. Main was the most delicious pie of steak, stout and stilton, the pastry was gorgeous. The creamed mash was excellent, the veggies were slightly too al-dente for my particular taste but they were fresh and tasty also. Service from Mya (I think that was her name) was polite, pleasant and timely. Considering that these are student's, a lot of restaurants (that think they're high class) could learn a lot from these well mannered and eager young people. We will be back, and next time I'm trying the fish which also looked amazing.
GW
Gordon W.
Great place for great food, cooked by students served by students, well worth visiting look at the college website for menus, you won't be disappointed
AL
Amy L.
Lovely food and great mojitos!
dl
daniel l.
Absolutely fantastic! First class food, cooked to perfection. Really really impressed and would highly recommend. My compliments to the chefs.
JB
Janice B.
I'd been told this place was good but I was surprised just how good. Quality of food was superb and the service was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you.
pi
phil i.
The most amazing food and service! Cannot recommend highly enough! Such great value for money! Thank you!
aa
ann a.
Well worth the wait. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Riverbank Restaurant provides a warm dining experience ideal for lunch or dinner. It's perfect for solo dining, groups, or special occasions. Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner.
Don't miss the Scotch egg starter; it sets the tone for the meal. For mains, the steak, stout, and stilton pie impresses with its rich flavors. End your meal with the chocolate delice for a delightful treat.
Yes, The Riverbank Restaurant is fully accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and toilets ensuring comfort for all guests.
The restaurant accepts various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making it convenient for all guests.
The Riverbank boasts a great wine list and offers a range of beverages including beer, spirits, and healthy coffee options, catering to all preferences.
Why visit The Riverbank Restaurant(NSCG)
Visiting The Riverbank Restaurant is an experience that goes beyond dining—it's about supporting the next generation of chefs. The student-run operation provides a nurturing environment where budding culinary talents impress with each dish they serve. A meal here nourishes not only the body but also the heart, knowing that your patronage helps future chefs develop their skills in real-world settings.
The charming atmosphere, excellent service, and commitment to quality distinctly position The Riverbank as a must-visit. I highly recommend calling ahead for a reservation, especially during peak lunch or dinner hours, as this place fills up fast. Don't miss trying their fantastic desserts—they're the perfect touch to your culinary adventure! A visit is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful community experience you won't soon forget.
