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The Waterside, Hillmorton, Rugby

Crick Road
Rugby
CV21 4PW

Correct details

Pub Type

Hungry Horse (Greene King)

Served areas

Hillmorton

Reviews of The Waterside (Average Rating: 6 of 10) Add Review 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 13^th December 2022 - rating: 6
[User has posted 3641 recommendations about 3576 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 19^th February 2011 - rating: 4
[User has posted 2936 recommendations about 2936 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 9^th March 2010 - rating: 1
[User has posted 683 recommendations about 682 pubs]

View more reviews of The Waterside (5)

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