Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Disappointment of the week with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Waterside, Hillmorton, Rugby
Rugby
CV21 4PW
Pub Type
Hungry Horse (Greene King)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Waterside
This pub depends very much on which side you approach it from. From the landward side, it looks like just another new build eating house, which is what it feels like inside - pleasant enough but fairly bland. From the canalside, it looks like a nice clump of old buildings, which could possibly explain the disappointment of previous reviewers. Also it has been promoted to a carvery from its previous Hungry Horse role, which has perhaps improved the clientele. So completely failing to remember visiting it in earlier guise as the Old Royal Oak, I have to regard it as an adequate "new build eating house", with a tidy interior and benefitting from some terraces overlooking the canal. The side nearest the canal seems to be used mainly by drinkers and includes a pool table. Ales were a little disappointing, with just IPA on and a Hen clip of some sort reversed, but it was in very good condition. An adequate refreshment stop.
On 13th December 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Old Royal Oak
My son was famished and we were in a hurry ,that is my excuse for using this Hungry Horse chain pub.
The best aspect of this pub is from the canal,where the former Georgian wharf building can be appreciated.However under Greene King's ownership it has been greatly extended,destroying any character the pub once had.There has been a recent internal refurb,a lick of paint here,new carpets there but no change in vibe as this place is aimed squarely at the value end of the family dining market.The musak was played much too loud ,but at least the barmaids were friendly, efficient and not unattractive.The interior is large with the bar occupying one half of the right hand wall.The best place to sit is beyond the bar,in the original part of the building with a low ceiling and views over the canal which are far more interesting than gazing around the inside.There is a large garden and canalside terrace ,invaluable in fine weather.
Another new feature was three handpumps dispensing the usual GK beers,IPA, Abbott and Old Speckled Hen,which was at least clear if indistinct in taste.The food was did exactly what it says on the tin and was voluminous,cheap and quick.
It's a great shame that an uncaring pubco can do this to an historic building at an attractive canalside location.As we left ,the 3663 lorry was depositing it's load.
On 19th February 2011
- rating: 4
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Thuck Phat left this review about The Old Royal Oak
Great location for canal users, rotten pub. A lunchtime visit found it crammed with the local mothers and toddlers group probably attracted by the tasteless but cheap fodder on offer. Despite having two real ale pumps none was on offer due to 'not being ready'. Settled for Guinness, which wasn't great. To be avoided.
On 9th March 2010
- rating: 1
[User has posted 679 recommendations about 678 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ga Andrews left this review about The Old Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Inn- Hungry Horse Greene King (Hillmorton)
We were led to believe this pub was a Martsons from our favoured canal book guide, so were slightly disappointed. Having said that we knew that it being a hungry horse it would do reasonable pub grub and some Abbot and IPA real ales with swan neck pumps! It is a large road side pub which sits nicely near the canal, obviously been recently refurbished had a great garden and play equipment for kids. However for a Monday night it was very quiet.
For canal boaters this is a short walk from Bridge 74 along the towpath, this pub is makeable cruising wise from the Napton Marina shouldn’t take more than 4 hours cruising depending on weather and light conditions. From there it is about 15 minute cruise past the radio masts to Hillmorton Locks. 21/09/09
On 4th October 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 64 recommendations about 58 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ann Spriggs left this review about The Old Royal Oak
Very good meal, the manager was very helpful ansd kind when I broke my foot on our narrowboat. He helped get me on the boat rand a taxi for me and helped my husband with our handicapped daughter. Nothing was too much trouble. Excellant service.
On 19th May 2007
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]