The Navigation Inn, Solihull

This has got the potential to be a fantastic pub with it’s traditional interior and picturesque canal side setting. Unfortunately though, on a recent visit it didn’t quite live up to expectations. There were no real ales on and the loos are clearly in need of some TLC – there was no soap in the ladies, no hot tap in the gents, and the windows were wedged open with knives as the handles had broken. It’s a pleasant looking pub from the outside with visible timbering, and the olde worlde theme continues inside. The main bar has enormous flagstones on the floor, and wood panelling on the lower part of the walls with whitewashed brickwork above. There was a fireplace at one end with an unusual curved brick chimney. A very large pike (maybe, I’m not a fish expert) was mounted in a glass case above the fireplace. Adjoining this was a slightly smaller bar again with a fireplace and wood flooring. We didn’t try the food on this occasion, but there was a decent looking menu chalked up on a board. At the rear is what looks like a restaurant area, although this wasn’t in use on our visit, which seemed odd as it was a Sunday lunchtime. The main draw for many people will be the large canal side garden at the rear of the pub which also has attractive flower boarders. The canal runs immediately next to the pub, so offers a great view of the narrow boats going past, and if you’re on a boat yourself there is a convenient gate leading directly in to the garden. There is also a patio area with an unusual straw roof covering. Despite four hand pumps on the bar, unfortunately none of these were in use. The chalkboard listed Holdens and Timothy Taylor Landlord, but it would seem that both of these had run out (along with the San Miguel, which Mrs B. Was none too pleased about). To make matters worse, the only cider on offer was Strongbow.