The Merrie Lion, Southam

As described below, this is an excellent village pub which makes a nice change from the new attitude prevailing in many of the canal side pubs. It’s well worth the 15 minute walk from the canal to find. We were welcomed, dogs included, with a great deal of enthusiasm. The beer was in top condition, all well received and thoroughly enjoyed – several pints of Purity Ubu made for a good evening. There was no real cider, though, which was a bit of a surprise, and some of my companions were disappointed by the wine selection. The food was top quality, and my lamb shank went down rather too quickly. I’d be very happy to come back here anytime

Pleasant multi-roomed village pub laid out on several levels around a central servery, as described by BF below, and thankfully not a foodie destination. Routine beer range, with attractively served Landlord in peak condition. Despite what it says on its website it seems to be open all day and is a far pleasanter choice than the Wharf along the road.

Official site of The Merrie Lion - merrielion.co.uk

Official site of The Merrie Lion - merrielion.co.uk

Having tried and failed at the nearby carpenters arms, lower boddington, we get a completely different experience. Welcomed in, sat down, offered table service and a full an interesting menu. Three real ales on - two from Jennings and one local brew "Fenny Pride" - which, if I heard correctly from the barman, was actually a Ringwood rebrand. Beer OK but the food was exceptional. Best meals out we have had in a long, long time. Very good prices too. A great pub - especially for diners. I would travel a distance to get here. Photos at my walking blog - http://bit.ly/2eYw195

Excellent village inn very much as described in previous review. Good beer, nice atmosphere and a warn welcome. Spotting us waiting outside, they even opened a few minutes early to let us in!

This old stone built village pub has risen from the ashes after a vigorous local campaign .The interior has low ceilings ,some exposed stone work and a pleasing nesting of different rooms.From the front door you step down into a very small tap room with traditional furniture for eight people while to the left is a larger lower room with a wood burner giving off a nice glow ,an upright piano ,much more seating and it's own bar access.To the right of the bar is another seating area with a fishtank and lot of Gilbert and Sullivan posters while beyond this and to the front of the building is a discrete dining area with laid tables.The dining room is more contemporary with modern wall paper but still containing original features such as the attractive wooden window frames.It's all quite classy,although I didn't eat so cant comment on food quality. It retains a pub atmosphere,and there are happy hour prices on standard draughts between 5-7pm Friday and Saturday bringing some prices down to £3 per pint.There is a very good selection of nibbles,the chilli scratching a real eye opener. There are 3 handpumps serving beers from the Marston portfolio of breweries,on my trip Banks's Sunbeam,Wychwood Hobgoblin (well kept) and a house ale called Pride of Fenny brewed by Marstons,possibly rebadged Burton Bitter given it's 3.8% ABV.The pub is cask marque accredited which was born out by ale quality on my trip.Real cider is served from a bar top cask. I liked it and thought it worth the long walk from the Oxford Canal along Wharf Lane.Higher marks would have been awarded if a more adventurous ale selection had been on offer,an Old Empire would have gone down better on a cold winters evening that the "summertime " Sunbeam.