Pub near Coventry offering 'pies to die for' named in top 100 places for outdoor dining in UK

A traditional pub near Coventry has been praised for its 'great homemade food' and 'inviting atmosphere' while diners enjoy the views of the canal. Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford, Warwickshire was listed as one of the Top 100 restaurants for Outdoor Dining by OpenTable.

Fleur de Lys, located 30 minutes from Coventry, is nestled in the picturesque village of Lowonsford, on the banks of the Stratford Canal, described as the "very best kind of country pub". The pub is packed full of "quaint charm" with a white-washed rustic look, open fire, and a peaceful, canalside garden, bosses say.

The Fleur is a "cosy haven" in the winter and an "extensive paradise" in the summer, with the garden boasting an acre of land and a low-level wooden children's playground, alongside over 30 tables and benches to enjoy the sunshine.

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

The pub is also ideally situated for walkers and ramblers who wish to explore the canal towpath or a variety of local walks - and it is also a dog-friendly place so you can enjoy a long walk and relax with your furry friend inside while enjoying a hearty meal, plus if you've battled the legion of locks via narrow boat, you can rest at The Fleur with a refreshing pint.

The eatery is known for its original pies that bring punters from miles around to offer "something for everyone". The team has been busy redeveloping the homemade pies during lockdown and launched Lowsonford Pies. All the pies are encased in shortcrust pastry with a puff pastry lid, served with seasonal vegetables, chunky chips, and gravy in the pub.

The menu is curated with hearty pub dishes, with the freshest and most local ingredients used by first-class butchers, fishmongers, and grocers. Alongside the menu, there's also a specials board which is a "true treat" for foodies, bosses added.

The Fleur has a main menu, a Sunday menu, and a garden menu for those doing al-fresco. Take a look below at some of the dishes on offer:

• Warm Potato and Veg Terrine - butternut squash, leek & spinachLyonnaise potato, grilled asparagus, garlic & herb tomato Pomodoro sauce, vegan cheese shavings. £15.00.

• Crispy Pork Belly - smoked bacon, onion & sage croquette, pea purée, grilled apple &cidersauce. £18.00.

• Wild Mushroom & Asparagus Pie - £18.00.

• Butternut Squash, Spinach & Cream Cheese Pie - £18.00

• Chicken Parfait - chicken liver & brandy parfait with red onion marmalade & ciabatta. £7.00.

• Chicken Tikka Masala Curry - served with basmati rice & naan bread. £16.00.

• Strawberry & Clotted Cream Creme Brulee - with a homemade cookie. £7.50.

For those looking for a day out, The Fleur de Lys is close to Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton, a 10-minute car journey to the historic town of Henley-in-Arden, 20 minutes from Solihull and 30 minutes from 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 veggie and the guy said how nice the veggie pie is so she ordered it. All our meals were lovely, I had fish and chips, crispy batter, and great chips, the burgers were tasty and the veggie pie good. We didn’t have to wait long for food. We had a treacle tart to share as we were all full but it was the highlight."

Joanna Bella said: "Always great food and lovely service. We have been here a few times and it’s such a great spot. The inside is very cosy and quaint. Lots of seating outside which is nicely done. 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 veg. Dogs are welcome and ours were rewarded with a lovely treat."

Where to find The Fleur de Lys:

• Location: Lapworth St, Lowsonford, Henley-in-Arden B95 5HJ - 30 minutes from Coventry via A46.

• Opening times: 10am-10pm daily

• Bookings: Bookings can be made via the pub website or on OpenTable.

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