Pub near Coventry with ‘pies to die for’ named in UK’s top 100 places to eat alfresco

A traditional pub near Coventry has been praised for its “great home-cooked food” and “welcoming atmosphere” as diners enjoy canal views. Fleur de Lys in Hampton-in-Arden, Warwickshire has been listed as one of the Top 100 restaurants for outdoor dining by OpenTable.

Fleur de Lys, 30 minutes from Coventry, is set in the picturesque village of Lowonsford on the banks of the Stratford Canal, described as ‘the best kind of country pub’. The pub is full of “quirky charm”, with a rustic whitewashed look, open fire and a quiet canal-side garden, bosses say.

Fleur is a ‘cosy paradise’ in winter and an ‘extended paradise’ in summer, with its one-acre garden and low-level wooden children’s play area, along with over 30 tables and benches to enjoy sun.

Read more: Local restaurant with 15-course tasting menu, named in the UK’s top 100 places to eat

The pub is also ideally situated for walkers and walkers looking to explore the canal towpath or a variety of local walks – and it’s also dog friendly so you can enjoy a long walk and relax with your furry friend indoors while enjoying a hearty meal, plus if you’ve battled the legion of locks in a narrowboat, you can rest at The Fleur with a refreshing pint.

The restaurant is known for its original pies, which bring punters from miles around to offer “something for everyone”. The team have been busy revamping their homemade pies during the lockdown and have launched Lowsonford Pies. All pies are wrapped in shortcrust pastry with a puff pastry lid, served with seasonal vegetables, chunky chips and pub gravy.

The menu is prepared with hearty pub grub, using the freshest and most local ingredients sourced from first class butchers, fishmongers and grocers. As well as the menu, there is also a specials board which is a “real treat” for foodies, bosses added.

Fleur has a main menu, a Sunday menu and a garden menu for the outdoorsy. Take a look below at some of the dishes on offer:

• Warm potato and vegetable terrine – zucchini, leek and spinach Lyonnais potatoes, grilled asparagus, tomato Pomodoro sauce with garlic and herbs, vegan cheese shavings. £15.00.
• Crispy pork belly – smoked bacon, onion and sage croquette, pea puree, grilled apples and cider sauce. £18.00.
• Wild mushroom and asparagus pie – £18.00.
• Pumpkin, spinach and cream cheese pie – £18.00

• Chicken parfaits – chicken liver and brandy parfait with red onion marmalade and ciabatta. £7.00.

• Chicken Tikka Masala Curry – served with basmati rice and naan bread. £16.00.

• Strawberry cream and clotted cream – with a homemade cake. £7.50.

For those looking for a day out, The Fleur de Lys is close to Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton, a 10 minute drive to the historic town of Henley-in-Arden, 20 minutes to Solihull and 30 minutes of Warwick, Leamington and Stratford-upon-Avon.

The gastropub has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor, with other ratings including food (4/5), service (4/5), value (4/5) and atmosphere (3.5/5). It also has a 4.4 star rating on Google reviews and a 4.5 out of 5 on OpenTable.

Jo A said: “Fantastic evening, greeted and taken to our table by a friendly member of staff, order taken, my daughter is vegetarian and the guy said how lovely the veggie pie was so ordered it. All our meals were lovely, we had fish and chips, great crispy batter and chips, the burgers were tasty and the veggie pie we didn’t have to wait long for our food. We had a treacle tart to share, but that was the highlight.”

Joanna Bella said: “Always great food and wonderful service. I’ve been here a few times and it’s a great place. The interior is very cozy and quaint. Lots of outdoor seating which is well done. The food is always good quality, the pies are to die for.”

Another added: “Lovely country pub, recommend for their pies. The pies were excellent with a choice of chips or mash, all served with a selection of vegetables. Dogs are welcome and ours were rewarded with a delightful treat.”

Where to find Fleur de Lys:

• Location: Lapworth St, Lowsonford, Henley-in-Arden B95 5HJ – 30 minutes from Coventry via the A46.
• Opening time: 10:00-22:00 daily
• Reservations: Reservations can be made through the pub’s website or on OpenTable.

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