The Moorings at Myton, Myton, Leamington Spa

Now expanded and part of an hotel and restaurant complex, we were pleasantly surprised by this pub.  Popular with a wide variety of people due to its waterside location, it has plenty of outside seating overlooking the canal, lots of car parking at the rear, and it has the benefit of its own moorings for canal boats.  The staff were very pleasant indeed, very helpful and took pride in what they were doing.  We found it comfortable, modern (in a good way) and convivial.  Water and biscuits were provided for the dogs without asking.  Ales on were Wye Valley HPA, plus DNA and Origin from Charles Wells.  The beers were served colder than I should have liked, but they were in good condition.  Food came in good sized portions and was better quality than many other, similar establishments.  One of the better canal-side pubs we visited this time, and certainly worth a return visit in the future. 

Close to the Waterside, but this pub / restaurant is the more upmarket of the two establishments. Although a Charles Wells house, it is unbranded apart from the traditional pub sign beside the Grand Union Canal. The smart interior is divided into three parts - the entrance lobby with part of the bar counter, a rectangular lounge-style bar to the left and a 'L'-shaped dining area on the other side - with modern furniture and decor throughout. If the weather allows, the split-level front patio terrace sits close to the water, but oddly the vegetation has been allowed to obscure the view. Four real ales on handpump: Bombardier, Courage Directors, Young's Special (£3.60) and Purity Pure UBU as a guest.

This is one of those edge of town affairs you get near retail parks and major road junctions, so you've a fair idea of what to expect: newish build, huge car park, food led with the usual steak and chips stuff, screaming kids at weekends. This one has a few redeeming features. It isn't a Hungry Horse or a Wacky Warehouse for a start, and it has a very pleasant canalside terrace though blighted by the noisy main road nearby. It's reasonably tastefully got up inside, though any pubby ambience has been expensively designed out. Charles Wells, so Directors/Youngs Special/Bombardier on the pumps and guests from Purity. Sort of place your in-laws take you for lunch.