Canal Pubs in Solihull

The Solihull area includes two canals - the Grand Union and the Stratford upon Avon - and the area around Lapworth where they interconnect. Here we've listed those of our pubs which are on, or very near, the canals. If you're travelling on the water they make a perfect relaxing stop, and if you're not on a boat the towpaths make a fascinating walk.

To explore a more general selection of the best pubs in and around Solihull (with land-based directions), visit our Online Pub Guide. Also, many local pubs have also been featured in the Solihull Beerhunter's Spotlight Inns.

For details of all pubs in and around Solihull in a handy printed format, check out the Solihull Real Ale Guide.

A small village linking Solihull and Hampton-in-Arden, sited on the Grand Union Canal. The local beauty spot Ravenshaw Lane is a short walk away.

Boat Inn Grand Union Canal, bridge 78 Tel: 0121 705 0474

Charles Wells Bombardier; Greene King IPA; guest beer [H]

Built in the late 19th century, the Boat is now part of the Chef & Brewer chain. It is near the Grand Union Canal, and the enclosed garden makes it popular in summer. Two log fires make a pleasant feature in the winter. Interesting food menu, though slightly pricey.

Getting there: Post code B91 2TJ. OS Grid Ref: SP 17971 80361.

New development with a village centre, based on an old settlement. Surrounded by countryside and beside the Stratford upon Avon canal, so good cycling territory.

Mortons Kitchen Stratford upon Avon Canal, between bridges 13 and 15 Tel: 0121 744 2884

Tetley bitter; Purity Pure UBU [H]

Modern bar/restaurant, in the same group as the Boot Lapworth, Crabmill Preston Bagot, Orange Tree Chadwick End and Farm Monkspath, located in the centre of Dickens Heath in the Market Square. Comfortable leather sofas. Open from 10am everyday and serves brunches at weekends, as well as lunches and dinners. Children and good natured dogs welcome.

Getting there: Post code B90 1UB. OS Grid Ref: SP 11175 76405.

Website: www.mortonskitchen.co.uk

Popular village to the south of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal and well known for its reservoir - generally called "The Lakes", with fishing, sailing and plenty of wildlife. Busy in summer with people out for a walk round the lake, or Clowes Wood and the surrounding countryside. Popular craft centre nearby. Earlswood Maze in Norton Lane is also worth a visit.

Bull's Head Stratford upon Avon Canal, bridge 18 Tel: 01564 702335

Thwaites Original, Lancaster Bomber, seasonal beer [H]

Originally built in 1740 for the navvies constructing the Stratford Upon Avon Canal. Rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a 17th century lime kiln worker. This pub consists of a collection of late 18th and early 19th century two storey whitewashed brick buildings which have been extended and linked. It became a pub in 1832 and was refurbished in the 1990s. Now a Thwaites house, unusual in Solihull. Live music every Thursday night, 9pm. Popular with cyclists and walkers.

Getting there: Post code B94 6BU. OS Grid Ref: SP 12285 74355.

Website: www.bullsheadb94.co.uk

A residential area to the west of Shirley, towards Shirley station.

Colebrook Inn Stratford upon Avon Canal, about 1 mile east of bridge 7 Tel: 0121 733 3731

Timothy Taylor Landlord; Marston's Pedigree; Greene King Abbot Ale; 3-4 guest beers [H]

A popular local pub surrounded by houses, this large inter war years roadhouse is now a member of the Ember Inns chain. Recently refurbished, sofas adorn the large rambling lounge. The pub has participated in Ember Inns’ Real Ale Months, but beware, they have been known to show pumpclips on handpumps for beers that are in fact not available, a dubious practice. Children are not welcome other than in the garden or when eating. Quiz nights are held every Tuesday and Thursday. It also has a well used bowling green that is overlooked by patios.

Getting there: Post code B90 2LL. OS Grid Ref: SP 11010 78930.

Black Boy Grand Union Canal, bridge 69 Tel: 01564 772655

St Austell Tribute; Fullers London Pride [H]

An ex-Bass pub, now a free house, this old canalside pub has been extensively modernised with an extension that has overwhelmed the original small boatman's pub. It has a reputation for meals of sizeable proportions. In fact the food seems its main raison d'être, hence it is very popular. It has a large children's play area and garden overlooking the Grand Union canal, ideal in summer. Children are welcome in the pub if eating a meal, but must vacate by 8:00pm.

Getting there: Post code B93 0EB. OS Grid Ref: SP 19266 74728.

Heron's Nest Grand Union Canal, bridge 70 Tel: 01564 771177

Bass; Everards Tiger [H]

A pub, a restaurant, a hotel - this establishment has had a varied career over the last few years. Now belonging to the Innkeeper's Lodge group, it is a family food oriented pub with a smart but comfortable and traditional interior. The beers vary from time to time, but usually the better big names. The accommodation is next door. It has a large canal-side garden and there is an animal sanctuary across the canal.

Getting there: Post code B93 0EE. OS Grid Ref: SP 19045 75155.

Website: www.vintageinn.co.uk/theheronsnestknowle/

Hockley Heath straddles the Stratford Road (A3400) between Stratford and Birmingham. A pub crawl of the three (now 2) real ale pubs would be a pleasant way to while away a couple of hours, with maybe a wander along the towpath of the Stratford on Avon Canal. National Trust properties at Baddesley Clinton and Packwood are nearby.

Wharf Tavern Stratford upon Avon Canal, bridge 25 Tel: 01564 782075

Courage Directors; Theakston Best Bitter; 2 guest beers [H]

Relatively modern pub (formerly known as the White Lion) on a site dating back to 1868 beside the Stratford-upon-Avon canal. The garden straddles a tiny spur of the canal which was the wharf and is popular with families in summer. Plenty of mooring space nearby on the canal. The interior is open plan, but divided into a public bar area, a lounge and an area for eating. Quiz night is Thursday and two local darts teams meet here regularly.

Getting there: Post code B94 6QT. OS Grid Ref: SP 15220 72530.

Website: www.hockleyheath.org/Pubs_Hotels/Wharf/The_Wharf.htm

This is a superb bit of Solihull countryside. Lapworth is a village centred around a junction of canals (Grand Union meets Stratford upon Avon at Kinswood junction). A pleasant walk can include both the pubs whilst taking in the spectacular flight of locks on the Stratford Canal and the interesting junction with its barrel roofed lock keeper’s cottages. Nearby are the National Trust properties of Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House. You can easily spend a day here and if you take in the Boot, spend a lot of money. Pub-crawl wise, visit the Navigation and Boot, but eat in the Navigation, it's cheaper. For a really nice slightly longer summertime walk do a circular based on the canals and visit the Tom O' The Wood, Finwood End, Rowington.

The Boot Stratford upon Avon Canal, bridge 33 Tel: 01564 782464

Tetley Bitter; Morland Old Speckled Hen; Wychwood Hobgoblin [H]

The Boot is the oldest pub in the village, with records going back to 1722. A gentleman named Tom Sly once brewed his own beer here. It has a reputation for good food, but it is expensive. It has a separate restaurant although the food can be eaten anywhere in the pub. The bars retain a pub atmosphere.

Getting there: Post code B94 6JU. OS Grid Ref: SP 18114 71165.

Website: www.bootinnlapworth.co.uk

The Navigation Grand Union Canal, bridge 65 Tel: 01564 783337

Timothy Taylor Landlord; Caledonian IPA; Holden's Black Country Bitter; Adnams Bitter [H]

Solihull CAMRA Pub of the Year for four years from 1994 to 1997, this tastefully extended pub is very popular. Backing onto the Grand Union Canal the garden is always busy in the summer, whilst the small traditional bar and cosy lounge, although busy, are a pleasant escape from the pubs busy food operation. A guest beer is featured regularly. New kitchens and a restaurant were added in 1996. The cider varies. Food is served 12-2 Monday-Saturday; Sunday from 12-3, all evenings 6-9 and includes both vegetarian and children's dishes. Children are welcome at all times if well behaved.

Getting there: Post code B94 6NA. OS Grid Ref: SP 19093 70924.

The Punchbowl Stratford upon Avon Canal, about 1 mile north from bridge 34 Tel: 01564 784564

Timothy Taylor Landlord; Banks Bitter [H]

The previous Punchbowl, demolished during 1993-4, was a characterful but cramped 18th century pub. The new pub, typical of a Banks' rebuild, has little character, having "olde worlde" beams, tiled floor and distressed woodwork. It's a combination of a foodie/drinkers pub. Live music fortnightly, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday night. The garden is pleasant enough, with benches and a grassed area. Unfortunately it gives fine views of the car park.

Getting there: Post code B94 6HR. OS Grid Ref: SP 18406 72002.

Website: www.thepunchbowllapworth.com

Lowsonford, lying on the Heart of England Way is in what appears to be remote countryside where small country lanes predominate. The whole area is ideal for walking and cycling.

Fleur de Lys Stratford upon Avon Canal, bridge 41 Tel: 01564 782431

Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale; guest beer [H]

If you don't know the area this pub can be difficult to find despite its large size and extensive gardens and play area. The garden overlooks the canal and is exceptionally pleasant to sit and drink in. The interior has a wealth of oak beams (mind your head!) and quarried floor tiles where, in winter, five open log fires make the pub warm and cosy. A wine of the week is featured and for the beer drinker two-pint carry-out containers are on hand. The guest beer is changed monthly. The pub is the home of the original Fleur de Lys pies, and is very much food orientated. If you're coming by canal it has its own moorings.

Getting there: Post code B95 5HJ. OS Grid Ref: SP 18807 67876.

Website: www.fleur-de-lys-lowsonford.com

A residential area just west of Shirley, in Bromsgrove district (Worcestershire).

The Drawbridge Stratford upon Avon Canal, bridge 8 Tel: 0121 474 5904

Marston's Pedigree; Charles Wells Bombardier; 3 guest beers [H]

Popular with the locals - live music and quiz nights. An ever changing range of beers - including ones recommended by local CAMRA members. Food available lunchtime and evenings. Some outside seating by the road to the canal bridge. 2006 most improved pub in Solihull CAMRA branch area.

Getting there: Post code B90 2NE. OS Grid Ref: SP 10340 77905.

A scattered village in pleasant countryside. A walk alongside the Stratford upon Avon canal rewards you with a view of the canal’s unique barrel vaulted lock keeper’s cottages and split bridges.

The Crabmill Stratford upon Avon Canal, bridge 48 Tel: 01926 843342

Tetley Bitter; Greene King Abbot Ale; Purity Pure UBU [H]

An ex-Whitbread pub/restaurant near the Statford upon Avon canal just outside Henley in Arden. It describes itself as a "country pub and eating house". The traditional exterior belies the mock Mediterranean interior, which has polished timber, washed walls and wooden tables and chairs. A small back bar has sofas, but it is primarily a waiting area for those using the restaurant. The main preoccupation of this "pub" is food. Those who wish to drink only are not necessarily made welcome. The website lists only wine on its drinks page - no mention of beer or soft drinks. The main menus are on the expensive side with a reduced menu at lunchtime. The garden is both pleasant and large and is the only comfortable drinking area. Unfortunate, then, that it overlooks the car park.

Getting there: Post code B95 5EE. OS Grid Ref: SP 17180 65390.

Website: www.thecrabmill.co.uk

A collection of villages and hamlets beside the Old Warwick Road and the Grand Union Canal, Rowington is an ancient village known at the time of the Domesday Survey as Rochintone. Ideal for walking and cycling. Baddesley Clinton & Packwood House are National Trust properties within 2-3 miles.

Cockhorse Grand Union Canal, bridge 62 Tel: 01926 842183

Hook Norton Hooky Bitter; Caledonian Deuchars IPA; Fuller's London Pride [H]

A traditional oak beamed pub, which used to have a forge at one end. Popular, with a separate restaurant and extensive menu. The lounge/bar area is quite small which emphasises the "village local" character to the pub. Has occasional beer festivals with live music and has recently instituted a folk club and encouraged local artists through an exhibition of their work. Well worth a visit.

Getting there: Post code CV35 7AA. OS Grid Ref: SP 20912 68817.

Tom o'the Wood Grand Union Canal, bridge 63 Tel: 01564 782420

Purity Gold, UBU, guest

Modernised 18th century canalside pub, named after a local corn mill. Located in a rural setting between Lapworth and Rowington, the pub overlooks the Grand Union canal. Heavily into food, which is served in either the conservatory restaurant or elsewhere throughout the pub. Beer garden by canal side. Makes a pleasant circular pub crawl with the pubs in Lapworth. Closed in summer 2008 - reopened October under new management.

Getting there: Post code CV35 7DH. OS Grid Ref: SP 19394 69724.

A small, pleasant village by the Grand Union Canal. Well worth a look is the horse towpath of Shrewley Tunnel on the canal (not far from the Durham Ox). Tied in with a day at Lapworth, Hatton Locks and Hatton Country World the family can have a fascinating day out.

Durham Ox Grand Union Canal, between bridges 58 and 59 Tel: 01926 842283

Greene King IPA; Ruddles Best [H]

Built in the 18th century the pub supplied beer to the navvies building both the nearby canal and railway. The name is said to derive from a famous beast of that name which was exhibited at local cattle shows, and until recently portrayed on the pub’s sign. This large pub was once a Bass house, became a free house and was refurbished in 2002 and is now owned by Greene King has a smart lounge with comfy armchairs. Large seated area outside on wooden decking, mainly under cover. Food orientated.

Getting there: Post code CV35 7AY. OS Grid Ref: SP 21195 67055.

Website: www.durham-ox.com

Bordering Yardley Wood and the Maypole, Solihull Lodge is a housing conurbation to the west of Shirley and Hasluck's Green. A pleasant walk is to be had along the Stratford upon Avon Canal. See Drawbridge in Major's Green.

A pleasant rural area adjoining Earlswood, and popular with walkers and cyclists, nearby are the famous Wedges bakery and a model steam railway open at weekends. You can also visit the Bulls Head, a Thwaites house, unusual in Solihull. Leave the Blue Bell along the road which follows alongside the Stratford upon Avon canal. The Bulls Head is a quarter of a mile down the lane on the right at the junction with the B4102, on Salter Street.

Blue Bell Cider House Stratford upon Avon Canal, bridge 19 Tel: 01564 702328

Weatheroak Light Oak; guest beers [H]

Standing beside the Stratford Canal this pub is renowned by cider drinkers as a mecca for the real stuff. Today it still serves real Medium and Sweet Cider from Bulmer's and usually has at least two real ales. One is usually a well-known national brand whilst the other is usually from a smaller one. A popular pub in summer with an extensive garden, it also has a bar, lounge and a conservatory for families. Up until the 1930s it was a working farm and brewed its own beer to slake the thirst of the navvies working on the canal. The brewhouse still stands behind the pub. It is also one of the very few free houses in Solihull. The bar sports darts, cribbage and dominoes. For those arriving by boat eight temporary moorings are available. Solihull CAMRA Most Improved Pub of the Year 2002

Getting there: Post code B94 6BP. OS Grid Ref: SP 12860 74275.

Photos: Gordon Clarke, Robert Cawte, Chris Lloyd