The Black Country's best restaurants and pubs to combine with a scenic after-dinner walk this autumn

A hearty dinner at a cosy warm pub followed by a stroll in the autumn breeze might be just what we need to get over those end-of-summer blues.

Our region is blessed with sprawling green spaces to enjoy some fresh air, strolling with a loved one or watching the little ones jump into piles of leaves.

We are also lucky to have a whole host of stunning restaurants and pubs – many of which are close to a nature reserve or park.

So, for that perfect autumn day out, here are our picks of the best places to eat out in Wolverhampton, Cannock, Staffordshire and the Black Country, where you can enjoy an after-dinner walk too.

The Two Greens, Old Hill, Wolverhampton – Near Tettenhall Green

One of the highest rated pubs in the area. If you're fancying a hearty pub meal or a cheeky pint (or both), reviews say this is the place to go. What's more is that The Two Greens is just around the corner from Tettenhall Green park, making an after-dinner stroll easy as pie.

The Littleton, Walsall College, Walsall – Near Walsall Arboretum

On the ground floor of The Hub at Walsall College, The Littleton has received consistently high ratings from diners. The fine dining restaurant is run by aspiring chefs who serve up 'beautiful and delicious' food. The restaurant is a short distance from Walsall Arboretum which has been rated one of the best places to go for an autumn walk.

Massalla Club, Regis Road, Wolverhampton – Near Penk Rise park

A good curry is welcomed any day of the week, and Massalla Club is one of the top rated in the area. Just a short walk away from Penk Rise Park, enjoy a little stroll and admire the autumn leaves before you head over to the curry house.

The Nelson Inn, Coulter Lane, Burntwood – Near Cannock Wood and Gentleshaw Nature Reserve

The country pub has glowing reviews and is surrounded by countryside, just a short drive from Cannock Chase woods and Gentleshaw Nature Reserve. So enjoy a lovely lunch and take a stroll in the autumn breeze.

Salt 'N Pepper, Goodall Street, Walsall – Near Walsall Arboretum

Diners absolutely love this Turkish restaurant which has nothing but glowing reviews on Tripadvisor. The portion sizes are said to be very generous, so you might be in need of an after-dinner walk. Lucky for you, Walsall Arboretum is just a few minutes down the road.

Burgy's Cafe, Yew Tree Lane, Wolverhampton – Near Penk Rise park

This five-star rated cafe serves up sarnies, baguettes and light lunches with a range of cakes, sweet treats and drinks. After enjoying your afternoon coffee and cake, you can take the footpath into the park right next door.

Gluttons, High Street Tettenhall, Wolverhampton – Near Tettenhall Green

Another top rated cafe serving breakfast, light lunches and sandwiches on the high street and just up the road from Tettenhall Green – a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle.

Homestead, Stroud Avenue, Willenhall – Near Bentley Hay Nature Reserve

Another top rated pub according to Tripadvisor, where portions are generous and the service is friendly. Whether you walk or drive, Bentley Hay Nature Reserve is around the corner for an after dinner stroll along the Bentley Wharf.

The Queen's Head, Brunswick Park Road, Wednesbury – Near Brunswick Park

Just a few minutes from Brunswick Park, The Queen's Head is loved by many for its home-style cooking and range of cask ales and beers. A visit to the pub followed by an autumnal walk in the park – what's not to like?

The Samson Blewitt, Rosehill, Hednesford – Near Cannock Chase

Diners have rated the Samson Blewitt pub close to five stars on Tripadvisor, saying they 'couldn't fault' any of the food, the meals are affordable, and there is a 'brilliant community spirit'. The sprawling Cannock Chase Forest is right on its doorstep too, making for a perfect after-dinner autumn walk.

Lucarelli, Seagar Street, West Bromwich – Near Dartmouth Park and Sandwell Valley Park

Diners say the top-rated Italian restaurant has delicious food at affordable prices. After your olives, pasta and wine, take a walk through the orange leaves at Dartmouth Park and Sandwell Valley.

Horse and Jockey, Stoney Lane, West Bromwich – Near Dartmouth Park and Sandwell Valley Park

This dog-friendly pub invites all four-legged friends and diners to enjoy their hearty home-style cooking, which is loved by many. After that, take yourself (and your doggo) for a walk in the nearby parks. It's a win-win.

The Fellows, The Broadway, Dudley – Near Priory Park

Customers have rated this Dudley pub so highly because of its 'great food and value for money', and the 'excellent service'. It's just a short distance from Priory Park where a pretty duck pond and autumn colours await.

No.92 Oldswinford Coffee Lounge, Hagley Road, Stourbridge – Near Mary Stevens Park

Customers praise the 'beautiful coffee' and 'friendly staff' at this quaint coffeehouse, which is located near Mary Stevens Park.