Foxton Locks Inn, Market Harborough

We were greeted by a very friendly young man who happily allowed us to taste the more unusual local brews in a 1/3 pint glass. They had 6 real ales with the usual spark pumps, including Everards Equinox, Beacon, Fullers Esb, Theakstons Old Peculiar, Keltek Magik, and Landlords Timothy Taylor, all seem well kept. What I didn’t like was having to wait at the bar to be told where to sit, its unnecessary when the tables are numbered, and it wasn’t busy, so people should be able to choose where they would prefer to sit, as we still had to go and order our food at the bar! We were looking for food here, and they had an interesting menu, but due to the days tourists had run out of the specials, so Roasts were ordered, which was ok, but clearly re-heated and over the top presentation for what essentially is basic Sunday grub at a pub, I did enjoy my roast chicken breast but it wasn’t till I left that I realised that it had been served up with beef gravy rather than chicken gravy, and the enormous potatoes would have been better if they’d cut them smaller. Some people would think it was a great roast, but to me just ok. This was clearly on entering the establishment a Chain run pub, with modern pub interior, of chunky furniture, dark carpets and red walls, so slightly to dark in some areas with all the fake memorabilia they can find about the area and canals, stuffed owls and foxes, but still some interesting artefacts. It seemed to be a never ending pub, with rooms leading to rooms and conservatory and then a boxed in outdoor area, all overlooking the Canal. One criticism was the music playing, it wasn’t necessary, it wasn’t loud but people were enjoying conversation. The outside area overlooks the canal junction and has lots of seating available, with a Boat House for party hire. For canal Users this pubs is about a 10 – 15minute walk from bridge 60 where you can moor before/ after the double stair case lochs. The pub is part of a lovely view of countryside and canal activity.