There’s nothing quite like tying up and quenching your thirst in a cosy pub after a day on the waterways – and the Grand Union has an abundance of fantastic places to choose from and only a few steps away from the water’s edge too. Here are eight of our favourite canal side places to eat and drink in, along the GU.
A family-run pub with a reputation for generous food portions, the Black Boy has been described as ‘one of the finest public houses in the West Midlands’. Located near to Bridge 69, its canal side location makes the Black Boy the perfect pub for hungry boaters. And in the summer, they hold a classic car meet on the first Tuesday of the month.
With a recently refurbished bar, snug and restaurant area, the Navigation Inn is an ideal setting to relax with a refreshing drink after a long day on the cut. Although the menu is limited, we think the options are tasty and with three courses priced at only £15.95, its great value for money too.
The Cape of Good Hope, Warwick
Situated near to Cape Locks, the water is only a few feet from the front door of this quaint pub – making it a fantastic bolt hole for boaters. There are three permanent and three ever-changing guest beers to be enjoyed whilst listening to some of the regular live music on offer. And if you’re looking for something to satisfy your appetite, we think the ‘famous Cape Long Dog’ is delicious.
Situated near to Lock 3 of the Grand Union, the Admiral Nelson is a dog-friendly pub with a charming canal side location. If you fancy traditional, home-cooked food and real ales, this is one of the top pubs to visit along this magnificent stretch of canal. In the summer months, guests are invited to use the beer garden BBQs for a small fee.
The New Inn, Daventry
The New Inn can be found in a spectacular canal side location, near to Buckby top lock where there are some lovely, mood-lifting views. The pub is very popular with boaters in the summer and there is plenty of reasonably priced British cuisine on the menu. Pub goers are invited to use the games area with table skittles and there are miles of surrounding countryside to explore after your visit too.
This friendly and welcoming pub overlooks the bustling top lock of the Grand Union canal. There is an extensive range of well-kept ales and home-cooked meals to choose from, as well as a host of open mic nights and boat trips to keep you entertained. Why not venture to the nearby Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum after your visit?
This fantastic freehold pub lies just next to the canal and has plenty of high quality ales and locally sourced food on offer; and for boaters there is a 10% discount on meals when you present your IWA membership card. We recommend trying one of the tasty sharing platters whilst enjoying the views of the Grand Union.
The Rising Sun claims to have the ‘finest local and not so local brews found anywhere’ and we find it hard to disagree. Although there is little food on offer, this pub is a popular venue for boaters to catch up over a beer. There is plenty of canal side seating in the beer garden and CAMRA members save 20p per pint on real ale and cider.
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