The Boat Inn, Solihull

Nick Davies left this review about The Boat Inn

Catherine-De-Barnes is a wealthy bit of suburbia just outside Solihull. The pub has been done up since JAQPTIO attended: GK have thrown an awful lot of money at this place, removing C&B branding; it's now part of their unbranded Crafted Pubs brand. You get to pay more to eat much the same food service stuff in swankier surroundings. Some may wish to remove the 's' from the descriptor. The central counter remains, most normal height furniture laid up for eating at 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon. So you're stuck with the GK standard issue high tables, and too many stools around the bar - indeed the setup encourages bar blockers even at 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon.

Thankfully, it was a nice day, plenty of wheelchair-friendly seating outside despite a huge semi-permanent structure presumably dating from Covid times. Beer was Tribute or a house ale, GKIPA I expect, but the tersely served Purity Helles lager was fine for what it is

This place no doubt suits the well-heeled locals fine, and nice if you can sit outside. Do note that despite being called The Boat, and despite them making a thing about being by the canal, it isn't by the canal, there's a row of houses in the way, so don't come expecting to sit by the water.

On 7^th June 2024 - rating: 4
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