I took a jaunt for a Sunday roast at a gastropub with a celebrity twist—it’s owned by Neil Morrissey, one of film and TVs biggest stars.
The Plume of Feathers doesn’t shy away from flaunting its famous proprietor, with signs leading to the establishment emblazoned with “Plume of Feathers… With Neil Morrissey”, making it abundantly clear who’s running the show. On entry, guests are welcomed by a plethora of his childhood photographs alongside a detailed biography that narrates Neil Anthony Morrissey’s rise from humble beginnings in Stoke-on-Trent to television fame.
Once inside, the menus boast a silhouette outline of Mr. Morrissey himself, and at the bar, there’s the opportunity to toast with his own creation—the Morrissey Blonde pale ale. A prominent wooden plaque celebrates his signature role as one half of the dynamic duo in “Men Behaving Badly – Gary and Tony”, harking back to his standout performance in the cherished ITV sitcom, where he famously performed alongside Martin Clunes.
A trip to the facilities leads past more snaps of Neil, even featuring one with his dog paired with the humorous caption “men to the left because women are always right”, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Pushing the personal touch further, Morrissey frames his 2009 Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) document, testament to conquering financial obstacles from former business endeavours, prominently displayed for visitors.
There’s no mistaking it; this pub is an homage to Neil Morrissey’s legacy, an ode to someone who overcame adversity since his years spent at Penkhull Children’s Home beginning in 1974. Kudos to the pub team, who’ve got the pub grub down pat without a hint of Morrissey-theme in sight. They’re serving up classic dishes with an unpretentious touch and creating a warm atmosphere that’s just spot on.
On a busy Sunday afternoon, we rock up to Barlaston village and it’s clear from the packed scene at the local that we’re in for a treat. The interior is spacious, and by some good fortune or maybe smart planning, my reservation scores us the last available table, perfectly placed for a view of the bowling green.
Our group, a mix of ages from kids to grandparents, settles around a large oval table, curiously inscribed with “HMS Bounty – Matthew Quintal”, tipping the hat to owner Neil’s part in ‘The Bounty’, alongside big names like Sir Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson. Fans of Neil might remember his cheeky set prank, pretending to be Gibson’s brother to woo the ladies.
But to impress the little ones, I kept it simple: “Guess what, the man who owns this pub is Bob the Builder!” The pub itself boasts on its website, “Welcome to the Plume of Feathers, a fantastic new pub venture in association with Neil Morrissey. When you visit you have to sample some of Neil’s own beers and ales.”
Taking their advice, I indulge in a pint of the Morrissey Blonde, which is not only scrumptious but also comes with an attractive price tag of £4.30. The establishment’s website boasts a commitment to homemade cuisine, proudly announcing: “We pride ourselves that all our dishes are homemade from the finest fresh ingredients, sourced from local suppliers. Bruce Mackie is our Head Chef and Neil Morrissey, one of the owners, loves to spend time in the kitchen and might even be preparing some of your meals.”
Yet during our visit, if Neil was lending his culinary talents on the premises—or was present at all—he remained decidedly behind the scenes; his low-key presence being the only thing amiss from an exceptional Sunday lunch experience with the family. Our culinary exploration as a family took us deep into the Sunday menu, where we tried some rather standout starters.
Being in Neil Morrissey’s home turf of Stoke-on-Trent, it seemed almost predestined that oatcakes would make an appearance, and they didn’t disappoint. Presented creatively, the shredded duck oatcake starter (£8) offered a unique twist on a regional classic.
Sampling the traditional Stokie oatcake—reminiscent of a soft, spotted tongue—and marrying it with crispy duck and plum sauce was a treat to my palate. Another pleasant surprise were the Biscoff halloumi nuggets (£8), a sweet-meets-savoury concoction that I had never envisioned, but which proved to be an ingenious mix.
The main dishes centred around familiar favourites such as beef and pork roasts, each dish priced at £17. However, my attention was caught by the Morrissey Blonde Ale Pie, also for £17, inviting a taste of locally brewed influence.
The pie was a triumph; a hearty portion of tender slow-cooked beef brisket wrapped in light-as-air pastry, accompanied by a hearty helping of bubble and squeak and topped off with crispy kale – a personal highlight for me. The seasoned diners at our table couldn’t hide their surprise at the generous portions of the Sunday roast when it landed on the table.
Each plate boasted hefty, golden roasties, an impressive Yorkshire pud, and was smothered in a good dollop of thick gravy. Plus, there was a big platter of shared veggies to go around too. Meanwhile, my nine year old demolished his kid’s portion of sausage and chips, which came with a £10 price tag, and gave it a resounding “10/10”. We were all in agreement about the top-notch quality and value of the food served up.
Despite feeling stuffed, we couldn’t resist peeking at the dessert menu. The chocamocca was calling my name at just £7.50, while others at the table tucked into the raspberry ruffle, priced the same. The kids got their hands on ice creams, with two scoops setting you back £5. Whether Neil himself was in the building didn’t really make a difference. It’s not like you’d expect Gino D’Acampo or Gordon Ramsay to personally serve you at their restaurants, right?
Neil can rest assured that, with such a fantastic team at the helm, his pub is making waves with its standout grub and warm vibes.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.
