The Waterside Inn, Loughborough

Steve of N21 has done an excellent review,I would just add that I liked the distinct two bar layout and was pleased to have a public bar in which to drink away from the many diners.This room has a wooden decor like a boat cabin and various light of a nautical theme and a darts board which would mean playing across the full width of this room.All very cosy with fitted bench seating running around the walls,it's dog friendly and there was a friendly welcome from some local liveaboards.On my trip the six handpumps were drawing Everards Beacon,Original,Sunchaser,Tiger (good nick,£3.10),a real Westons cider and a guest ale in the shape of Okell's Spring Ram. The french windows of the long thin restaurant give diners a full view of boats working through the lock,and this area was busy on my lunchtime visit.Always tempting to pop in for a pint when boating ,and a very decent ale selection.

The Waterside Inn is an Everards tied house in the village of Mountsorrel roughly halfway between Loughborough and Leicester. It has a great location on the navigable part of the River Soar right next to Mountsorrel lock. It was originally built in 1795 to service the large boat working community as they came through the lock, and the long dining room section used to be stables for the ponies used to tow the boats. It was purchased by Everards in 1965 who changed the name from the Duke of York to the Waterside Inn. The pub consists of a bar area in what was the original stone pub building and then a large long and thin lounge section (the former stables as mentioned), both sections having the benefit of overlooking the lock. There is then a large outside garden and patio area also adjoining the river. There is an extensive food menu which is served throughout the pub and outside during fine weather. And as most people come here to eat it does give the place more the feel of a riverside restaurant than a pub. But the small bar section in the original section does support a selection of five cask ales which include Everards Tiger and Beacon as regulars and then Everards seasonal specials and usually at least one guest beers. Then there is also three standard draught lagers available. All the beers we tried were in good condition and well-kept and we did eat here and found the mains to be very good and value for money. So in conclusion, if I lived in the village I’m not sure it would fit the bill as a village local just to have an evening beer in, but a place to stop if walking or cycling in the area for a decent pint and meal, then it hits the spot.

Official site of the Waterside Inn, contains menus - www.thewatersideinn.co.uk

Official site of the Waterside Inn, contains menus - www.thewatersideinn.co.uk

very nice place lovely food and ale friendly staff and customers, the pub is right on the bank of the canal