What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Malt Shovel at Barston
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Features
CUISINES
Bar, Seafood, International, British, Gastropub
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 11:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 - 19:00
Monday
12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
12:00 - 23:00
Thursday
12:00 - 23:00
Friday
12:00 - 23:00
Saturday
12:00 - 23:00
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4.4
1,047 reviews
Excellent
652
Very good
256
Average
73
Poor
39
Terrible
27
Adam Procter
Birmingham3 contributions
Nov 2024 • business
We visited The Malt Shovel recently and overall had an enjoyable afternoon. The food was fantastic – everything we ordered was delicious, well-cooked, and clearly made with quality ingredients. The service was friendly, and the staff made us feel welcome.
However, the dining area felt a bit cramped, which made the atmosphere less comfortable than we had hoped. While the servers were lovely, there were moments when service could have been a bit quicker – particularly with check-backs and bringing the bill. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it was noticed.
Despite these small issues, The Malt Shovel is a great spot for a meal, and we’d happily return. A little more attention to detail on the service front and spacing would make it perfect.
Written 25 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dudnolad
Llandudno167 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
This has to be one of the best gastro pubs I have ever been to.
We dined here on Saturday the 2nd of November with friends and received a warm welcome on entering the building and were then shown to our table in the restaurant, which is in a separate building. (Note, if you want a more relaxed, quiet and intimate dining experience, book the restaurant as the bar can get quite noisy)
The restaurant is beautifully appointed and the lady that looked after us all evening was fantastic, a real hard worker and very polite and professional.
Food was excellent, we ordered fish and chips and sea bass, the fish and chips were arguably the best I've had in a restaurant, the fish was so fresh and flaky and the batter was delicious and not greasy, the peas were excellent too!
This isn't a cheap place, but you are paying for fantastic service and food.
I can highly recommend the Malt Shovel.
Written 3 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
interesteddiner
Solihull166 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
A traditional country pub with tables in the bar and also a separate restaurant. There is good atmosphere and feel to place.
There is a garden to the rear but as we visited in the winter can’t comment on it really. Be aware that there can be large tables of diners in the bar which can make some seating s bit tight but generally plenty of room.
A good menu that provides for most tastes and requirements. We went on a late Sunday afternoon and it was still busy but everything on the menu was still available.
We decided on the baked Camembert and the lambs kindness to start which were delicious. For mains we were traditional with the rare roast beef. It was nice and served piping hot but the crowning glory was definitely the cauliflower cheese which was fabulous.
The service was excellent throughout our visit.
Written 5 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustSaying999
Solihull1 contribution
Aug 2024 • friends
I've been here previously. Friday evening was way too noisy to hear friends speak. Bought a drink at the bar and paid for it. Final bill included the drink (which was already paid for!). Waitress spilt water bowl over my shoes and feet - brought me a rag to wipe my leg!!! Food took ages to come as they eere too busy. Food ok - nothing special than anywhere else.
Tried to pay individually with 10% tip - however the waiter who had trouble conversing - kept insisting on adding the 10percent tip again!! Wasted nearly 10 mins to pay the bill - because he could not understand us. Very frustrating. Wont be coming here in a hurry.
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian242
Solihull293 contributions
Jan 2024 • family
We have eaten in this restaurant a number of times over the years but had never been for Sunday lunch. The food and the service were excellent. Our group had the Lamb rump, beef, pork from the Sunday lunch menu and one person had fish and chips. All of the meals were excellent, plentiful, delicious and hot. The cauliflower cheese as a side dish was huge and even between 6 of us we couldn’t manage it all. For desert we had cheese board, tiramisu and Jam sponge, again all excellent. A big thanks must go to the staff as the service was perfect. A definite recommend.
Written 8 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
louari
Solihull508 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
We eat here quite regularly & are always so very well looked after by the most wonderful staff.
The menu, whilst always delicious, did require a bit of a re-vamp in our opinion as had become a bit ‘samey’
Oh my goodness, the food here last Thursday & Friday was just incredible.
We had dined at a well known Michelin star restaurant the previous Saturday night & we all agreed the food here surpassed it completely.
The lobster mac n cheese was sublime. The hake gorgeous & the tuna sashimi flavours just popped!
The staff all work so incredibly hard & they make you feel so comfortable & valued.
So well deserved of their recent award
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malcolm D
32 contributions
Mar 2024 • family
Have been numerous times in the past, but this time it was for a family gathering of 8 persons. Table set up in readiness in the beautiful annex, reception very warm. Staff gave us time to settle, then took order for pre dinner drinks. Having given us sufficient time to imbibe took our food order, Starters arrived together, mains also, Beautifully presented and cooked.
Staff were excellent throughout, friendly whilst retaining professional approach. Altogether a very pleasant evening, at a very respectable price. It was no surprise when I stood in reception awaiting my wife that I noticed they had been voted Midlands Gastro Pub of year 2023. Extremely busy on this Saturday evening, so well worth booking in advance I would imagine for such busy times.
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveS1970
Coventry8917 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
Came here with some of my girlfriend’s retired friends for a catch up and some food on a Sunday afternoon. Pub was very busy but we had a very polite waiter who sorted us out with a table and our order. We all went for the Sunday roast (standard on a Sunday., surely). Food was lovely and a portion that just hit the spot. We had ordered a large side of cauliflower cheese, which we also dismantled.
A point that was made in a previous review and also picked up by my girlfriend, was how noisy it was. I did find myself struggling to hear my friend opposite. This could be enough to put people off as the food is far from cheap.
Written 20 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkW
Worcester5 contributions
May 2024 • family
As a family, we've eaten here quite a few times, but I felt like it was time I wrote a few words. Each and every visit has been enjoyable, the hospitality and service are very good, the staff and proprietors are nice people who are eager to please and the food is of a very high quality.
You could get cheaper and go to a Wetherspoons, but then you'd be missing out on this little gem.
Highly recommended.
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kdsandjms
Stirling67 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Huge thanks for 100th Birthday Lunch
Family and friends gathered to celebrate Roy’s 100th for private dining in the back restaurant.
Great communication during the planning while we pre-ordered from a menu they were happy to amend. Extremely accommodating of ‘special’ requests and happy for us to bring our own birthday cake.
On the day it was absolutely brilliant. From greeting to departing the staff at The Malt Shovel were excellent. Fun afternoon for everyone with great food and wonderful atmosphere due in no small part to the friendly, engaging, helpful and yet still hidden / unseen staff.
Huge thanks to Jan and his talented team of both front and kitchen staff.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wolf D
Warwick23 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
This is a wonderful and welcoming establishment. We enjoyed fresh and delicious food, a fine selection of drinks and attentive and friendly service throughout. We were also able to change our table on a busy Friday evening too. Rightly recommended by the Good Pub Guide.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie Ann F
3 contributions
May 2024 • family
We have never dined here before, one of my sons booked it at short notice, the decor is so beautiful and relaxing, the staff so pleasant and welcoming, lovely people! and most of all the food was outstanding, very well presented and of course delicious in taste; even the dog was given a fresh bowl of water.
Many thanks for your wonderful service.
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas P
1 contribution
May 2023 • couples
Lovely place to visit especially when the sun is out , great staff and very good food . I had a pasta dish which was up the with the best I've ever eaten it was just a bit small for a main meal. So after eating that I was still hungry I decided to order a steak burger which was also very very nice I will definitely be going back again.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Expedition533663
United Kingdom1 contribution
May 2023 • couples
From the moment we walked through the door, service was exceptional. We arrived half an hour before our dinner booking and were led out to the garden, drinks orders taken and drinks arrived shortly after. It was a lovely sunny day and the garden was idyllic. The barn restaurant has a great atmosphere. Staff were really attentive. Food was amazing. Certainly a notch or two above atypical gastronomy pub. We had the duck pancakes and souffle for starters, salmon fish cakes and pan fried chicken for our mains. Wine choices were excellent. All in all a fabulous evening. Sadly we don’t live locally otherwise this would be our regular. Highly recommend.
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny R
Tamworth23 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
The menu is underwhelming, more choice is needed. Dauphinois potato’s were undercooked. Flavours were average. The price point just didn’t meet the quality of food unfortunately. The service was good. Either the prices need to be lowered or the quality and choice of food needs to be improved.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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