Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Random news of the day with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Merrie Lion, Southam
Fenny Compton
Postal town: Southam
CV47 2YH
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Merrie Lion
As described below, this is an excellent village pub which makes a nice change from the new attitude prevailing in many of the canal side pubs. It’s well worth the 15 minute walk from the canal to find. We were welcomed, dogs included, with a great deal of enthusiasm. The beer was in top condition, all well received and thoroughly enjoyed – several pints of Purity Ubu made for a good evening. There was no real cider, though, which was a bit of a surprise, and some of my companions were disappointed by the wine selection. The food was top quality, and my lamb shank went down rather too quickly. I’d be very happy to come back here anytime
On 13th September 2022
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3285 recommendations about 3250 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Nick Davies left this review about The Merrie Lion
Pleasant multi-roomed village pub laid out on several levels around a central servery, as described by BF below, and thankfully not a foodie destination. Routine beer range, with attractively served Landlord in peak condition. Despite what it says on its website it seems to be open all day and is a far pleasanter choice than the Wharf along the road.
On 13th October 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 567 recommendations about 559 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about The Merrie Lion
Having tried and failed at the nearby carpenters arms, lower boddington, we get a completely different experience.
Welcomed in, sat down, offered table service and a full an interesting menu.
Three real ales on - two from Jennings and one local brew "Fenny Pride" - which, if I heard correctly from the barman, was actually a Ringwood rebrand.
Beer OK but the food was exceptional. Best meals out we have had in a long, long time. Very good prices too.
A great pub - especially for diners. I would travel a distance to get here.
Photos at my walking blog - http://bit.ly/2eYw195
On 29th October 2016
- rating: 10
[User has posted 277 recommendations about 276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Merrie Lion
Excellent village inn very much as described in previous review. Good beer, nice atmosphere and a warn welcome. Spotting us waiting outside, they even opened a few minutes early to let us in!
On 4th June 2016
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Merrie Lion
This old stone built village pub has risen from the ashes after a vigorous local campaign .The interior has low ceilings ,some exposed stone work and a pleasing nesting of different rooms.From the front door you step down into a very small tap room with traditional furniture for eight people while to the left is a larger lower room with a wood burner giving off a nice glow ,an upright piano ,much more seating and it's own bar access.To the right of the bar is another seating area with a fishtank and lot of Gilbert and Sullivan posters while beyond this and to the front of the building is a discrete dining area with laid tables.The dining room is more contemporary with modern wall paper but still containing original features such as the attractive wooden window frames.It's all quite classy,although I didn't eat so cant comment on food quality.
It retains a pub atmosphere,and there are happy hour prices on standard draughts between 5-7pm Friday and Saturday bringing some prices down to £3 per pint.There is a very good selection of nibbles,the chilli scratching a real eye opener.
There are 3 handpumps serving beers from the Marston portfolio of breweries,on my trip Banks's Sunbeam,Wychwood Hobgoblin (well kept) and a house ale called Pride of Fenny brewed by Marstons,possibly rebadged Burton Bitter given it's 3.8% ABV.The pub is cask marque accredited which was born out by ale quality on my trip.Real cider is served from a bar top cask.
I liked it and thought it worth the long walk from the Oxford Canal along Wharf Lane.Higher marks would have been awarded if a more adventurous ale selection had been on offer,an Old Empire would have gone down better on a cold winters evening that the "summertime " Sunbeam.
On 4th January 2015
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Robert Purse left this review about The Merrie Lion
Recently re-opened after a massive re-furbishment following years of neglect Excellent beer (Hobgoblin on draught). Very nice atmosphere with (Thank heavens) no games machines, or juke box. Food (Presentation, Quality & Quantity) spot on. Currently only cold platters, but hot food starts in September. Well worth a visit!
On 8th August 2012
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]