The Fleur De Lys, Henley-in-Arden

Well described by others below, and certainly worth avoiding during the holiday weekends, Mothers’ Day, bank holidays and so on. During the normal week, though, it’s well worth visit. The garden is currently covered by a large marquee, and the Covid signs and measures are all there, albeit largely ignored. I found the staff really helpful and friendly, and the customers who were in mostly a decent bunch. Three ales on, Ubu from Purity, Tribute and Abbott. This time I had the Purity, which was in very good condition. Although not my preferred style of pub I’d be happy to come back.

An impressive historical pub nicely situated on the Stratford canal with an extensive garden. The inside has been subject to a comprehensive but largely sympathetic refurbishment with many original features remaining. These include ceiling beams and old fireplaces one with an original bread oven. The pub wraps around a central bar and is subtly divided into different areas so it doesn't feel open plan. Menus are on every table offering pub grub and there's a specials board with a more adventurous selection. Although it still feels very much like a pub, food is important here. Beers on we're GK IPA and Abbot, a decent Timothy Taylor Landlord and Nethergate Suffolk County. A nice spot to stop for a pint or some lunch.

A fine old building parts of which date to the 13th century and predating the Stratford on Avon Canal which runs below the beer garden.It's famous as the origin of Fleur de Lys pies,these days mass produced elsewhere but a nod to history means you get pies from the standard pub grub menu. The best part of the pub is to the right,a sunked drinking area with banquettes,an unused dart board and a flatscreen (off) above a wood burner.These are about the only tables not numbered,the rest of the pub is mainly for diners with most mains around £11 including the daily specials. The interior winds around a brick faced L shaped bar ,with wooden dining chairs and some less attractive pine furniture to the left.The low beams remind customers of the age ,but the meanigless muzak mark it out as a chain country diner. There are two sets of handpumps so walk around to see the full range which on my visit meant GK IPA,Abbott ,Slaters Worcester Sourcerer and West Berks Dr Hexter's Healer,the latter two in good condition. Sadly the focus on food has stripped the pub of ambiance despite the original interior but a decent ale offering made it a worthwhile stop after working the many locks in the area.There is an Anthony Gormley sculpture at the nearby lock,but its a temporary installation.

Official site of The Fleur De Lys, contains menu - www.fleurdelys-lowsonford.com

Official site of The Fleur De Lys, contains menu - www.fleurdelys-lowsonford.com