The Black Lion Pub, Consall: Caldon Canal Heritage Guide
History
The Caldon Canal, which opened in 1779, was engineered by James Brindley to carry limestone from the quarries around Caldon Low and Cauldon in Staffordshire down to the Potteries and beyond. The route stretched from Etruria on the Trent and Mersey Canal through increasingly remote countryside, with the section through Consall Forge representing one of the most isolated and dramatic stretches of inland waterway in England. The canal was extended and improved in stages, with the final section to Froghall opening in 1811, creating a vital artery for industrial materials that fed the insatiable appetite of Josiah Wedgwood’s factories and the expanding ceramic industry around Stoke-on-Trent.
The Black Lion at Consall stands on the wooded slopes of the Churnet Valley, accessible only by foot, by boat, or by the Churnet Valley Railway. The pub served as a vital refuge for boatmen working the gruelling haul through this narrow, winding section of the canal, where heavily laden narrowboats carrying limestone, coal, and iron ore had to navigate tight turns and swing bridges. During the canal’s working life in the 19th century, the pub would have been a welcome sight for exhausted boat families after a long day on the cut, offering hot food, beer, and a chance to rest before continuing their journey. The surrounding area was dominated by Consall Forge, an ironworks that depended entirely on canal transport for both raw materials and finished goods.
By the early 20th century, railway competition and declining industry had throttled trade on the Caldon Canal. The section beyond Froghall closed to navigation in 1944, and much of the canal fell into decay, choked with vegetation and crumbling locks. The Black Lion survived through these lean years, serving walkers and railway enthusiasts rather than boatmen. The canal’s fortunes changed in the 1970s when the Caldon Canal Society, later working with British Waterways, began the painstaking work of restoration. Volunteers cleared decades of silt and overgrowth, rebuilt lock gates, and reconstructed bridges that had been removed or collapsed.
The restoration of the Caldon Canal, completed through to Froghall Wharf in the 1990s, brought boats back to Consall after more than half a century of silence. Today the Black Lion remains one of the most atmospheric waterside pubs in the country, its isolation preserved by the lack of road access. Boaters moor on the towpath, walkers arrive via footpaths through the woodland, and railway passengers alight at Consall station to make the short walk down to the canal. The pub stands as a living monument to the canal age, its trade once again sustained by the water, though now by leisure craft rather than working boats.
In March 2026 had a lovely shared platter meal! So visited yesterday, May 27th and what a contrast in the food! The menu had changed , so decided to have the cheese salad and my partner had the ” hot chicken salad”. Absolute disaster! Left most of the food and really disappointed. Hope the Black Lion can pull the menu back as would not go again, at present due to the poor food . Really good venue, food historically good, come on Black Lion, get out of this dip and produce. Have used this place for a long time, even when Ethel ran it !
petel744
14:22 24 May 26
Another perfect day at the lion. Great location, great food and beer, set amongst the backdrop of consall nature park . This place is a mecca for anyone who loves the great outdoors, then fancies a bite to eat and a cold refreshing drink. Wave to the choo choo train, or the barges sailing gently down the canal. True gem of the staffs moorlands
andyrL5787DU
08:46 18 May 26
An idyllic setting in the Consall Valley near Leek with the only access crossing the Churnet river, navigable canal plus the heritage railway with its steam trains making a magnificent sight on their frequent trips past. About the only thing missing is any mobile phone signal, but the pub’s got free wifi to make up for that.Our group have been meeting up here once a year for over 30 years, and under the same ownership for over 20 of those. This is a subjective “shout-out” to a few of the staff, plus an objective review of the pub. Jason – a dyed-in-the-wool publican for his “beyond” service to our group of really old vintage motorcyclists, Ruby – a young bar person who with her youth and cheek (to say nothing of us continually regaling her with Kenny Rogers’ lyrics) for serving our supper with great expertise and admonishment for not being able to manage the enormous portions, and Carly – a wannabe Robbie Cummings who provided the same service at breakfast time. As well, each and every one of the rest of the staff worked hard to provide service far beyond what you’d expect from a (very) rural, British country pub.The food is mostly “pub classic” but they will try to accommodate the many dietary requirements of today’s clients. Locals, walkers, train riders and also folk from the nearby Tawny resort crowd the place on sunny days, but with a large outside seating area, there’s always room to sit and enjoy the food and ambience.For real-ale lovers, there’s always a range of craft beers on sale, beautifully curated and frequently changing. All are reasonably priced. Jason also has some “secret” stocks of more potent liquors, but don’t expect them to be trotted out willy-nilly!We were camped nearby for a couple of nights, and as we finished our properly English, huge breakfasts, one of our number commented how – with few other exciting distractions – the pub had “…made our weekend…” How true. Try it for yourself and see!
Whoppett
09:20 16 May 26
Brilliant little countryside pub. CAMRA award winning ales. Great food and a steam train and canal right on the doorstep
Wanderer56682479202
15:11 15 Mar 26
Pouring with rain wet tired bedraggled my wife and daughter had walked from churnet valley railway to the Black Lion intending to walk back after refreshments at the pub, however, weather was far to bad so we decided to take a taxi back. The landlord Jason ? Organised a taxi for us after we experienced contact problems. A Good Samaritan thanks.Geoff Warrington.
I have been sent some money, via Paypal by one of my subscribers to go …
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THE BLACK LION PUB AT CONSALL & A CHURNET VALLEY STEAM TRAIN SURPASSING
Nestled snuggly in the heart of Churnet Valley lies the Black Lion Pub …
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Episode 12 – Visiting Consall Station and the Black Lion Pub
https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/
Sources and Further Information
Canal & River Trust: Caldon Canal – Official heritage and navigation information for the Caldon Canal, including its history and restoration.
Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust – The organisation responsible for supporting restoration and heritage interpretation of the Caldon Canal since the 1970s.
A national campaign calling for urgent investment in Britain’s canals and rivers.
Britain’s inland waterways are at risk from chronic underfunding. Fund Britain’s Waterways is bringing together organizations and individuals to campaign for the government funding needed to protect their economic, environmental and social value — now and for future generations.
A national campaign calling for urgent investment in Britain’s canals and rivers.
Britain’s inland waterways are at risk from chronic underfunding. Fund Britain’s Waterways is bringing together organizations and individuals to campaign for the government funding needed to protect their economic, environmental and social value — now and for future generations.
