Samuel Barlow Bar & Restaurant in North Warwickshire

Nice location next to the canal and river. Decent drinks selection but could be better. Used to be excellent with great food, day and evening events but now no food, no events and often less than busy. Location saves it but a huge opportunity is currently being missed.

No chefs working but cold sandwiches Toilets disgusting Mainly the boaters who live on the marinas pub . Not very welcoming

Just thought I'd warn anyone unfortunate enough to drive to the Samuel Barlow that I've just paid a £279 court fine for a parking ticket received whilst unknowingly parking on private land. On the few times I've visited for a coffee or a beer at the Samuel Barlow, I usually walk my dogs down the canal. On this occasion I made the mistake of driving and it's turned out to be the most expensive coffee I've ever bought. The car park is in the middle of bloody nowhere and I would not have expected to be having to pay to park there. I did not notice any signs and / or warnings to make sure you've paid. I'd probably expect that the pub trains the staff to possibly inquire with diners whether they've paid for their parking and that the car park is private so as to avoid customers like me who won't be returning.

Stopped in for a few drinks after a long day out walking. It was lovely and cosy inside and I managed to warm up from the horrible British weather. Lovely staff and lovely pint what more could anyone want

What a fabulous Sunday afternoon visit. Traditional roast Beef Yorkshire pudding dinner. Beef off the top quility served to perfection. Fresh array of in season vegetables cooked aldanta. Presentations perfect, staff welcoming and there for every request. Ambience comforting clean toilets, plus great views of the marine. I am a retired restarant public house licence and I have to take my hat off tho the chief and staff. I shall be broadcasting to all this is a superb place to enjoy top quality food and service. Well done I eat out 4 times a week but this is simply the best. .

Family had great steaks tonight off the grill but the mushrooms weren't good and was recognised by the chef so gave some onion rings to make up for it. Not so good for those who dont like them! Unfortunately the cumin flatbread was brittle unlike the last time and didnt taste of anything although the Halloumi was fine on the salad. Would love to see the fkatbe8on the sandwich option minus the salad but with halloumi. Great to be back again though

Friendly staff, very quiet for a Friday lunch but I think that’s covid for you. Food freshly prepared and cooked to order so there was a wait, but when it arrived was delicious and plenty of it.

We eat at the Samuel Barlow on Friday 18th Sept despite the current covid situation the resturant was extremely well managed and mindful of social distancing The menu whilst not a large as pre covid was still full of great options and the steaks were superb 10/10 to all at this popular canalside pub & eatery

Booked a table in the resturant when we arrived we were seated in a bar area with not what I would class as a resturant. There were people in there drinking it was very casual. There was a smell of wet dogs about the place, which I guess should be expected as the pub is dog friendly. We asked to be moved on to the decking which was fine much nicer than the resturant. Menus are on the app or website but the website gives you an old menu. The waitress came to take our order. There were no homade Hog burgers, no homemade pretzel buns so burgers would be served on a brioche bun, we ordered, a few minutes later the waitress came back no burger buns! I re ordered, the food was nice although it wasnt very hot. We ate most of it in the dark as they forgot to put outside lights on this was only done when another customer asked. My partner ordered flat iron steak when we checked the bill at home he was charged for sirloin steak £5 more! I would go back but would book the decking area, service is a little on the slow side and I dont understand how you can run out of homemade food. On the plus side staff were very friendly

Went with friend as it was a lovely sunny day and wanted to enjoy watching the barges go up and down the canal. We got a menu and were ASTONISHED to see the prices had shot up since our last visit there £15 for a burger, £17.50 for a 6 oz steak £26 for a 16oz steak. I realise times are hard at present but these had almost doubled. Such a shame because the setting is lovely. We didn't even stay for a drink found another place also by a canal where the prices we more friendly. ☹☹

We booked a table originally for four people, but due to two people dropping out we went back to our booking to amend it to only two people, it then said we no longer had this booking and to rebook, which we did for 5pm, on arriving at the restaurant we were told they shut at 5pm, and they would have to speak to the chef regarding whether they had enough food as they only have so many covers. Very poor service and I suggest they get somebody professional to look at their booking system.

We use this pub during dog walks frequently and have never had an issue before. On this occasion we visited with family to celebrate my sons army passing-out and belated birthday. Food was awful .... all meals were served on cold plates, both steaks were cold and mostly fat, the buns of all 5 burgers were rock hard and inedible, the ham was very fatty, the children’s nuggets were burned and hard also and most other meals were cold. Fish and chips was a hit and everyone liked the chips. The worst bit was when we complained and the manager came out with a terrible attitude and blamed us as the customer for being “45mins late”. Table was booked for 4pm, everyone arrived between 3.30 and 4.08pm. He then proceeded to ask us if we’d made it known that there was a problem when the food came out before saying he’d have a look at what could be done. He then sent a young waitress out to offer the children’s meals to be knocked off the bill (£19.50 in total). We said the steaks should be knocked off too as they were the worst meals of them all. The waitress then returned and said the owner had offered to knock off the deposit we’d paid (£125) and the steaks in full. We were happy with the resolution in the end but still disappointed by the quality of the food for my sons celebration and the majority of our party ordered ate take away food when we got home.

Came here today for Sunday dinner with my son and partner. Booked online and was easily done. Food was spot on not faults at all very hard to find a pub like this anymore home cooked food and not trying to be anything to much as they do have it right I believe. Staff were awesome, very friendly and welcoming. Felt very safe and lots of air coming into the restaurant. Will be back again in the coming weeks no doubt.

Visited greeted by a rude member of staff who continued to talk to someone else whilst I asked for any availability to sit outside

Visited for dinner and was disappointed with food- very over priced! Won't be visiting for food again but it is a lovely pub by the canal and staff were friendly

Lovely pub , staff really nice & friendly. We didn’t eat only some chips but the food we saw looked amazing . Will definitely return

Grey wet Febuary evening we arrived in our motorhome and received a warm welcome. Our food was excellent (lasagna and a steak with excellent chips) and a reasonable price. Friendly helpful staff. Ambience somewhat lacking.

Loud, brash, kitchen staff very loud, bar staff noisier, arrived at 1-45pm inquired about food to be told kitchen closed 5 mins ago, this was 1-45pm, yet advertised until 2pmThe beer was poor, lines need cleaning, tables sticky, yet no customers, won’t be going back.

Venue is very tired looking and old fashioned would benefit from a makeover. Found Alison the Manager extremely rude from the beginning she really let the place down.Blamed us for a mark on the wall 5 days after the event happened. We had called up the Sunday after the party and we were told there was no issue and we could collect our deposit. When we turned up to collect the deposit they then had conveniently noticed a mark on the wall this was 5 days after the event had happened so it could of been anybody that had made that mark. Manager Alison was extremely rude denied that we had previously called until my husband showed her his call history she then withheld half our money without any proof and she hasn’t answered a letter of complaint.They used a bench at the top of a stairwell to block one of the fire exits one of our young guests sat on the bench it collapsed and fell down the stairs he was lucky he jumped up or he would of been seriously injured.Really would not recommend this venue especially because of how obnoxious the manager is. AVOID

We visited for the Historic Boat Gathering weekend which was absolutely heaving! We managed to find a table and ordered food, which for how busy it was arrived in ok time! The food was lovely and arrived piping hot! Good choice of drinks. Will be visiting again in the future.

We were visiting during the annual historic narrow boat gathering and ate on a couple of evenings. The fish and chip special on Friday night was excellent. The roast on Sunday was delicious - the roast pork just melted in your mouth. Looking forward to more visits in the future

Second visit here for food both times the food has been excellent and the service. Yes you may have to wait but it's not fast food it's cooked to order.

Unbelievable food , very reasonable price for what you get ,great staff lovely location , little hidden gem, recommend to any one.

Fantastic night out, made very special by lovely surroundings and super friendly staff, great place for a private function.

Canalside pub with extra rooms and seating on upstairs balcony, downstairs and plenty of outside seating. Reasonable choice of soft drinks and very keen pricing.

On our way back after a family day out we found this place on Google. Reviews were positive, so we made a slight detour and called in. It's a canal side pub/restaurant that is a modern build. There was an event going on upstairs - may be a wedding reception. Any way ordered food, then waited, and waited, and waited. After an hour we got the meals. The food was fairly standard pub fare, good enough but not expetional.

Would have been higher rating but signs telling dog owners not to park has put us off visiting for lunch or a drink.This is a major missed opportunity for the place as dog walkers are potential customers.We have from time to time popped in for lunch or a drink after a walk, now we pop into the Tea room at Pooley or just go home.

Every time we have been the food has been very good and the service perfect. Sat at a table with a view of the canal, which was very pleasant.

Seven of us had Sunday Lunch here today and the meal was excellent. When the Menus said Half a Chicken, I expected a small one, but it was massive. My fellow diners said that the beef and Pork were superb. The meat was served with a couple of roast potatoes, but there was more vegetables (served separately) than we could eat.

Stopped here for a drink the bar staff were young & rude & the place was cold. A large women who we think is the owner arrived & shout at he bar staff for sitting around but to be fair there was only 6 customers in the place. They allowed dogs in the pub but moved cooked food on a trolly from the kitchen to upstairs passed animals very bad hygenie. Would not recommend this place

Stopped here on our way home to South Wales from Leeds. Very reasonably priced lunch and fresh perfectly cooked veg and roasted. Big chunk of real meat and tasty gravy. Lovely setting and dogs allowed (wish I had mine with me). I would definitely recommend and return again. You can only speak as you find, lovely staff. Impressed and we eat out often, so finally in my top 5 for Sunday dinner!

We visited at August Bank Holiday when they were really busy but they were serving beautifully cooked food in good time and serving it with a smile.

We managed, just, to moor outside. Staff friendly. This is a down to earth venue. The steak and trimmings was very well cooked. Sadly the lamb rump was a tad tough and not sure that puréed parsnips and potatoes is the best things to out together as my husband thought both were potato so perhaps something nice and colourful may be better, perhaps a green og some sort and/or red cabbage.

Tried the veggie lasagne for the first time and it was lovely. Most of the group had a traditional sunday roast which were good sized portions and good value for money

We were passing on our boat and saw this place. A gentleman who turned out to be the owner made eye contact and after a bit of banter invited us in as it was Curry night.

I went here with my son. Very friendly and helpful staff. I had the meatloaf and my son had the man size steak. Both meals were excellent and cooked to perfection. The location is good with ample parking and outside seating. All in all a good experience and well worth a visit.

So here we go my son visited this restaurant and said it was nice home cooked food better than a Toby Carvery... So Sunday we go for Sunday lunch for his 18th a table of 8. Yes I knew the establishment was small but my god if you want to try and eat a meal with a room full of damp dogs one of which was virtually on my other half's lap when the owner said shall I wind its lead in.. Come on please were a dog family ourselves but who ties a dog to the table in a so called Restaurant. The meal was less than adequate the look on the waitress face when I asked for more than one tray of veg between 4 dinners rolling her eyes back to the kitchen.. The Lasagne was baked up to hell and no garlic bread to go with it. I cant believe the prices they charge to sit enclosed in Battersea Dogs home it was the worst place in the whole of Tamworth each to their own Vile!!

Last time i said never again but i live locally and this place is just a short walk down the canal so is convenient. It infuriates me that there is so much potential here that is just being wasted.

Stopped at Alvecote where we used to have a mooring some years ago.Had booked a table which proved wise. Only one ale, doombar, which was well kept and not too cold. Food was good, pub style and reasonably priced. Arrived quickly and was well cooked. Downside was noise level as music in bar area was competing heavily with music from disco upstairs, perhaps that is me being old,

Right next to the marina this large friendly pub has loads of outside seating. Good choice of soft drinks and plenty of interest in the marina if you are sitting outside.

We were passing this place on bank holiday and had decided to stop for a drink. When we arrived there was a boat festival and we thought great, this will be very nice to view the lovely traditional boats. As we pulled alongside the building there was some 'joker' on a loud speaker shouting abuse at all the passing boats, and encouraging the other parties on the balcony to do the same. There was no reason for this onslaught, but the amount of drink they had all had consumed. As we were a family with small children on board, I cannot express how appalled we were at this behaviour and felt I wanted to report this abuse. This was advertised as a family establishment. During the following days of our holiday many other people we spoke with had the same experience as we did, I think you have lost a lot of respect, and on-going custom. Such a shame.

What a Gem!!.. My love of working boats and the canal drew me to visit this astounding little pub at Alvecote Marina on the August bank holiday, and boy were we in for a treat! Not only was it a great afternoon of fun and banter enjoyed by both visitors like myself, but also the traders and working boaters who attended. I know those that are reading this won't really be that interested in the above description of myself indulgence, but just picture how busy it was. Well I can assure you it was heaving and service for our food was top rate. We didn't have to wait long and it was both friendly and polite. Which is often over looked when ya local carvery is bursting at the seams and your poor meal is thrown at you from the kitchen door. Nope the staff here were on the ball. As for the food. Well it was very good. Hot, tasty, plentiful portions and reasonably priced. What more do you want really. Well done to the owners of this establishment for a great experience. I shall be returning soon.

Had a lovely meal there Saturday night stake first class friends pie was the best he ever had, belly pork cooked brilliant, could not fault it will be going back

We had the roast beef dinner, plenty of vegetables and very tender beef. All well cooked and very tasty.

Después de leer las críticas favorables en tripadvisor, 4 de nosotros en 2 barcos canal decidimos visitar para empezar la cena de regalo de vacaciones.

Agradable pub con mucho potencial, un magnífico lugar para tomar una copa y sentarse en el canal personal son agradables y el lugar está limpio y relajante.

I live in Polesworth and decided to go for a nice walk along the canal, we had every intention of going for a pint and a gin along with a meal at Samual Barlows, as I had heard such a lot of good things about the place. I can honestly say it was well worth it. Whilst the menu is not particularly large approx. 15 options + sweets, the food was out of this world. I had the sirloin steak, my wife had a 3 fish platter along with salad etc. The service was excellent the food was excellent. For 2 meals, 2 pints & 2 very nice Gin & Tonics the bill was only £40. Will definitely be going again.

Have visited many times over many years but each time seems to get a little worse.Tonight we order Doom Bar... sorry ran out, okay Guinness... ran out of that too! Settled for a Speckled Hen and vodka and coke but both were flat! Sat outside - grass was overgrown, pathways and building green with algae and basically the whole place looked like a dump!Such a shame as there seems so much potential but the place has had too many second chances off me to give it another go.

Had some nice dinners in there. Because its a small place the alcoholic down and outs that hang out in there stick out like a saw thumb on saturday nights theres always one with a red jumper named alan with a map of africa on front of his trousers sitting in front of the telly bullys his mrs and shouts and rants etc. If the barred him people would probably go more often

Awesome 10 pf us for dinner and it didn't disappoint kaz the chef really excellent and came out to check all was good and have a chat defo recommend but pre book for sundays as gets busy and right by marina

Very attentive service, warm welcome for us and our dog, good quality pub food and friendly customers !

We eat at Sammy Barlow's a couple of times a month and always look forward to each visit. Service can seem a little slow at times but that's because food is freshly prepared, and is always worth the wait. Our grandson has special needs, he is always well catered for and never disappointed. There are also huge carp in the marina that beat the ducks to the bread. Can't wait until next time!

We are a small group of people known as the Friends of Alvecote, we meet on a monthly basis as we are currently working on raising money for the play area refurbishment.We eat and discuss our next moves.I have never been disappointed with any of the food I have had, and last night was no exception, Stilton & Garlic baked Mushrooms are to die for.Please go try out Kaz's Menu soon.

we walked from the gate pub (dog friendly in the bar) to there with the dog, along the canal (about 35 minutes). It is dog friendly, the staff were lovely and the food portions were massive and really nice (glad we shared). There was lots of other dogs and a good, friendly atmosphere. We'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to combine a dog walk with a cheeky drink and a bit of food.

Went on Tuesday night. Staff were excellent and friendly. Food was freshly cooked and was really superb. Definitely on our meal list. Thanks everyone.

Six people attended the pub, each one of us all said the food was excellent, fresh vegetables, meat locally source.Pub setting, around a marine and canal.Boats a plenty to look at, fish numerous, small big.Bar staff ,waiters, chef, manager (chef),on number of times we have been there, are friendly and talkative.GREAT place to eat.

The best thing I like coming here is they rotate the menu so from a veggie perspective there's always something different Today I had Mediterranean Canneloni which was lovely but for my own palette lacked a little seasoning but I did discuss thus with the Chef who is very amenable to suggestions The rest of the gang had a mixture of roasts or specials and as its a dog friendly pub it's a win win situation

We have just had the pleasure of spending a weekend at The Historic Boat Gathering at Samuel Barlow's and we really cannot fault them on anything. We ate a total of 8 times during the Bank Holiday weekend. A fantastic breakfast was laid on for just £5 with bottomless coffee and tea for £1.50. At lunchtime there was a great choice from baguettes to burgers to chip butties then in the evening we were spoiled for choice. I had a gorgeous steak one night, a Sunday roast another. The vegetables were cooked to perfection as was my steak - not easy when you have so many people to try and feed all at once. There was a wide range of wonderful real ale, a "Gin Palace" were you could buy gin cocktails and some really great entertainment laid on all weekend. The staff were rushed off their feet from first thing in the morning to last thing at night but they just kept smiling and the service was really good. We will be back next year, the atmosphere is so friendly, happy and relaxed and even though you know there is a vast mount of organisation goes into this event does not stop the atmosphere being relaxed and enjoyable. The guys and girls that pull it all together deserve a medal

Went, with two friends to this pub/restaurant on Friday 8th July as we fancied a night out with a good steak. Both myself and one friend had the sirloin steak with chips, onion rings and salad. My other friend had the chicken covered in chilli & cheese with salad. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals that were served in good time and with a smile. In fact, the steaks were some of the best I have ever had and all sourced locally. There is no online menu as the meals are changed and prepared daily with fresh ingredients but you will not be disappointed with the choice. Situated by the canal with moorings for narrow boats, the pub is homely, clean and spacious. The staff were very friendly and helpful so there were no complaints whatsoever. It is not the cheapest eating establishment but worth the money for the quality of food.

A big thanks to everyone at the Samuel Barlow. We gave them a very difficult task in feeding a very large group with no fixed arrival time. All of our party were fed and watered properly! Apparently food was very good (Thursday curry night) as was the service.

what a fantastic place - being on a boat / living on a boat - its always great to visit places which not only provide for those watching but those paying to moor within - we heard from such a moorer how good the food was and he was spot on!! - four of us ate four different meals and each was superb -all for 38 quid or 9 quid a head - cannot fault the service - the setting or the prices - well worth a visit!!

We have eaten here a few times now and the food is always lovely. Not the cheapest place but I think you pay for the setting. It is right on the canal so you can sit and watch the boats go by. Lovely to go to on a nice summers evening

It's about three years now since I last visited. In that time things have changed, new chef, staff move on etc.. But, I have just eaten a superb meal (Crispy Pork Shank) served promptly and efficiently by friendly staff and washed down with a glass or three of well kept fine ale.I absolutely recommend this place.If you come in, find a few glasses on the table and have to wait a little longer than you'd like, you should assume the team have had some unexpected difficulties - all bars and restaurants get caught out occasionally. Take the glasses to the bar, sit down, relax and get over it.

Have visited here many times before and always left good reviews but walked up the canal tonight for drinks in the sun after work and was disappointed for the first time.One person serving at the bar, took 20 minutes to get drinks then found a table outside with 18 dirty glasses, 2 full ash trays and numerous crisp packets and other tables were the same.Please sort yourself out as I have always loved this place and would be a shame to stop coming

Moored right outside. It must be the shortest walk to a bar ever! We were very pleasantly surprised, the bar was busy, and the locals and staff were pretty friendly. I had Mexican chicken and my wife steak and ale pie ( a proper pie as well, not a stew with a bit of puff pastry plonked on top!) Both portions were large, and very tasty. With a couple of beers each the bill was less than £30. A bargain, and we'll return!

Popped in literally for a couple of drinks, good real ale and decent prices to match. Pub was very busy inside and the smell and look of the Sunday roast was most impressive, would definitely come back just to try the food! Picturesque canal side setting, dog friendly and plenty of places to sit although I did find some of the tables very low. Can't wait to come back for a second visit.

We just got home from having Sunday dinner at Samuel barlows,now I must stress I have not been here for a couple of years,when I have it's only with the dog & had a couple of drinks,we have never ate here & never heard anyone talk about it, OMG WHY????? the dinner was beautiful,we all had beef (well it was half a cow),beef,roasties,veg was cooked to perfection,also we was naughty (as its Easter Sunday) & had the Malteser cheesecake once again faultless, I will be highly recommending to my family,freinds to go, & also dogs are allowed too that's a bonus if you are walking your dog on a sunny Sunday afternoon.We will definitely return

Called in Sunday evening for some drinks with my husband. The one thing you can always say about this place is they are welcoming!We noticed more of the canal heritage showing in the bar this time which is great for where the place is based and gives it a good character.Real ale on the bar and not too badly priced either.Somewhere we will return again and again

We went here for a drink and some dinner, the bar is ok for a marina bar not plushley done out,Loo`s old fashioned need up dating, staff nice seating out side which is nice to sit and watch the boats.Food service ok quality of food good prices is ok

Nice homely pub set in a picturesque spot on the Marina. The pub doesn't look too much from the outside but has the cleanest loos I think I have ever been in in a pub! It has a homely - if slightly shabby - feel but the location makes up for that. Dog friendly which is great as there is a lovely nature trail literally over the road which is perfect for dogs. It is a circular walk which ends up back at the pub. We did not taste the food so can't comment on the standard of the pub grub but definitely worth another visit - Lovely!

We have just spent August Bank Holiday attending a historic boat event held at this venue and we have been really blown away by how hard all the staff worked all weekend long to ensure everyone was fed and watered and I never saw one of them without a smile on their faces either. We were fairly reliant on eating there as we had a busy weekend volunteering on one of the stalls at the event.During our weekend we consumed three of their wonderful breakfasts, a really tasty Madras curry, pulled pork rolls (stacked with so much really tasty pork you could hardly keep the lid on), a jacket potato with chilli and a Sunday roast which had an enormous amount of succulent tender roast beef, Yorkshire pud, roast potatoes and no fewer that 5 different varieties of vegetables that were all cooked to perfection with a little bit of "bite" To serve food of this quality to a restaurant so bursting at the seams that people are standing waiting to be seated when your staff are on their second day of being run ragged by the enormous amount of people wanting to dine ... and then serve it with a smile.. takes a very special type of establishment. Oh and they server fantastic real ale too!

Just had the man sized steak. Cooked just how I like it - very rare - and really good value at £16.95. Excellent real ales and right next to the canal. It's a while since I've been: still as good as ever.

We eat here regularly and the food is always freshly prepared. The Sunday lunch is good value, good portions and the beef perfect

We organised lunch here for our walking group of around 25 people. The food was excellent and home made, the service was very good considering the size of the kitchen and number of staff. The staff were very friendly and looked after our requirements with smiles all round.

I had booked my baby girls christening for the 22nd of February and had decided to book Samuel Barlow for the suite afterwards after being here once before.Rang the manager who said the 22nd of February was a free date in the diary for the room I duly paid the £50 deposit. My partner rang 3 more times to confirm the booking with all assurances that it was. Now on the 9 January we get a call from a so called "manager" to tell us that the room is double booked and we will have to cancel, no other explanation was given or any help or advice in any form. The manager blamed everyone but himself for this - he blamed the owner, he blamed that they have two booking systems, he blamed the young bar girl everyone but himself a guy who is suppose to run the place, now I understand the place can be busy but surely taking bookings is not a hard task, and I can only assume only a clown would have two separate booking systems for one venue.Do not in any circumstances book here, not if you want to cancel your daughters christening and cancel invites at a cost and also inform friends and relatives who have booked hotel rooms that they now also have to cancel as every other suitable location is booked. Absolute disgrace from a guy calling himself the "manager" who cannot accept responsibility for anything.

this has had a few different chefs but the latest chef has done the place proud they had put the bar and restaurant upstairs now so you get the beauty of the views around the marina and all thats going on with a wrap round balcony to step onto with a nice drink or you can sit and have a nice meal

Visited here on the 4thoctober for an anniversary meal. Lovely food , friendly staff and a warm welcome.

Visited yesterday for Sunday lunch and hubby and I were very impressed. I had the slow roasted beef which filled the plate - hubby had chicken breast which looked really small to compare with the beef I felt guilty and ended up giving him half of my meat! The food was lovely and fresh with 5 different variety of vegetables cooked to perfection with real home made gravy. We would definitely recommend and will return many thanks!

First visit for Sunday dinner and was not disappointed, dinners were excellent, all family members could not fault the food or the service. Nicely kept real ales which is always a bonus in any pub.Would visit again, cheers.

I was approaching my 60th birthday and the family pressured me into having a party, because I had left it so late i couldn't find a room anywhere. Then my brother suggested the Samuel Barlow. I was so lucky I just got a cancellation and then the people changed their mind and wanted the room so I was really lucky to get in when I did. They were so helpful, we were allowed to do our own buffet and even take in our own bottles of fizz for the toast, where on earth do they let you do that? The upstairs function room was lovely and they put down a great black and white checkered dance floor. Everyone enjoyed it so much I took my immediate family back the next day for Sunday lunch, well I never expected it to be so fabulous. I never have sunday lunch anywhere because I have never had a good one, until Samuel Barlow. All the vegetables are fresh, the beef filled your plate and just melted in the mouth. The grand children had chicken and loved that. I am going back today if I can get in! You DO have to book because it is so popular. Good luck to this wonderful pub and all the staff, they are amazing!

My friend and l came here to indulge in a steak or a meaty pie, it was a sat evening, we got a taxi from Lichfield and he had so much trouble finding this place, he began to think l made the place up!! Eventually got there, but on arrival was disappointed, as all the down stairs and restaurant was being renovated, (end of March this year). But we went upstairs and came into a big room with a big tele on the wall, some big comfy leather sofa's and of course a bar, we had a drink and chatted to the barman who was really friendly and told us the history of the place. I had to go downstairs to the ladies but there was a lift which suprised me, toilets were clean and smelt nice. The views and the canal with the narrow boats there were very impressive, so what we had seen and experienced that evening was very nice and happy the 'taxi man' found it. I am more than sure that this place will be fabulous in the summer.l have heard its under New Management now, so l would like to wish Malcolm the proprietor all the best in his new ventures. Susannah, Thankyou.

10 boats descended on the Samuel Barlow for the weekend for our annual rally. Friday night lots of us went in independently for dinner but soon rearranged the furniture to give us along table to sit together. Somehow after the early birds had already been served the staff managed to feed us all in one go, goodness knows how many different dishes were ordered and it was all great. On the Sunday we all sat down for Sunday lunch, I am very pleased I didn't order a sweet as there wouldn't have been room for it. The vegetables were nicely cooked and fresh, the meat so tender it was not true and the portion size was "large"The bar was downstairs and we had upstairs as a function room for the weekend complete with bar on the Saturday night. The management and staff couldn't do enough for us.I will definitely visit again

My wife and I ate here last week and it was fantastic. The food was fresh and very tasty. Our little spaniel Lola, was made a fuss of by the staff and the drinks were lovely. We have eaten here many times and always been impressed. The steak pie is the best for miles and the staff are great. Laid back atmosphere and awesome surroundings.

We have eaten here a number of times before (when the Aussie Chef was there) but we hace recently been drawn there for two separate occasions within a couple of weeks. The first occasion was a friends birthday and a group of us met up to celebrate. There was another big function going on downstairs so we all knew they were busy but I don't think any of expected to wait quite as long for food as we did. The biggest problem was that rather than take our orders and warn us at the time that it could be 45 minutes or an hour before we would get our food they would not take our orders at all until the chef could process them. This meant each couple or table eyeing up the other tables with suspicion as to whether they were getting served ahead of others that were waiting and very hungry. I feel it would be far better if expectations were set. At the time of ordering you are told the kitchen is very busy and it will be an hour before you are served - that way you can decide whether to place the order or go elsewhere. As it stood I avoided a second drink in case I had to drive us to the chip shop in the village if the wait became too much. Eventually our steak was served and it was very good. Cooked to perfection and with plenty of well kept real ale to wash it down and the company of a great bunch of friends the wait for food was forgotten. The waiting staff (who were very young) did a great job and were very polite and apologetic which must be hard when there is a large group of people all baying for food and filling themselves with beer instead. The second time we ate was at The Historic Boat Gathering. Again a wait for food but the place was absolutely heaving with people and so we could not expect any different. I had a dish which was duck in a rather unusual sauce. I can't remember exactly what it was called but it had coconut in the sauce. It was gorgeous! Once again there was copious quantities of well kept real ale to wash it down with and a great time was had by all. I would certainly have no hesitation in eating there again. If they can serve food to that quality when they are under such a huge amount of pressure then I imagine a normal day would see fantastic food served in a much more timely manner. I just wish they would take orders and set expectations on waiting time rather than deferring them. The replacement chef is obviously very well up to the job. Keep up the great work team. This place is making a name for itself as a premier location for the boating community

Attend Historic Boat Gathering 2014, and as you do went in search of a pint, now the Samuel Barlow struck me as sort of office building come Club House, after getting across the threshold I was expecting the old type Formica table,complete with park-drive fags burns and a game of dominoes taking place ! I was taken a back with lowlights, fresh modern bar,welcoming staff, served quickly by attentive staff.Real ale of the first floor was OK , but nothing too write home about, good views from the balcony, and the room itself looks to have recently been improved.Couple of draw backs?What looks to be a couple of old sofas under the balcony look like dumped furniture.Loads of hanging baskets around the balcony that looked completely dead, or never been used this season.Bench outside the entrance,looked like it should be in the skip.And final these a suunken tug boat on what to me , should be welcoming mooring spot for passing trade.Would I return....only for quick half if moored for the night, but tidy up the outside I sure there a very lucrative trade passing by that could be tapped into.

Sadly, after enjoying 2 years of regular visits here, the pub has lost its inviting character of before. Known for the dog pub, to which some may dislike, this has changed from when once we felt we,come with our dog, to now been told to sit out the way with the dog, .... The meals are not as good as they used to be, and the service is not as it was. I hope that this pub can go back to the way it was, friendly, welcoming, and enjoyable.

This is an interesting building that looks more like a working mens' club than a pub, especially as the bar etc is all on the first floor, so the closed and dark ground floor is a little unwelcoming.Get past the door and up the stairs and the atmosphere changes to a warm and comfortable pub with a balcony on three sides overlooking the canal and marina. There is a big TV in the corner if you want to watch sport.The menu was short but appealing, just main courses and a few puddings. I had a rib eye steak which was cooked perfectly and just the right amount of chips and veg for me - not so many as to overflow the plate or dominate the meat. We were amused that the sirloin steak on the menu came in two sizes, 'man' and 'lady/boy'. A touch of Thailand perhaps? Others had pork and duck, all well cooked and in sensible portion sizes - maybe note has been taken of previous reviews?The chef came out at the end and we thanked her for a good meal well cooked.Our table was out of sight of the bar so we had to go and fetch drinks and a waitress to clear the table - out of sight was perhaps out of mind, as they were busy but not frantic that evening.

Hi- we used this pub regularly last year and have tried it several times this year. The chef Paul has left and it seems a family member is now running it. At first the food was ok, but now its just seems piles of chips and salad surrounding the main course whiich is usually quite dull. We've eaten here now 4 times since Paul left (it's the nearest pub to where we live and a nice walk), the first 2 meals were ok, but the last 2 have been terrible- and it isnt cheap- £9.95 for a lemon and garlic marinated chicken breast, chips and salad- the chicken was small and dry- grilled too long and didn't taste of anything. The frying oil needs to be changed more regularly- the chips have a slightly rancid taste- and the state of the skips outside is shocking- full to overflowing and you can smell them from the carpark- If that is considered acceptable outside somewhere serving food then I worry about inside

We arrived by boat at this much advertised waterside venue and looked forward with eager anticipation to a comfortable evening with a decent meal and a few drinks. Unfortunately only the upstairs bar was open and the clientele seemed as bored with the environment as the staff were disinterested. It was a Tuesday evening in early July and the night's peace was about to be broken by the all night presence of Network Rail workmen and their generator but this should not have put off anyone from visiting the pub so one can only assume they had stayed away because of the food and amateurish service. We chose steaks of different sizes and these were edible if uninspired with the larger being very fatty and far from tender. They were served with far too much chopped salad and enough chips to feed a family of at least three. The mushrooms were unappetising and other garnishes equally disappointing Why do these places insist upon displacing quality with quantity? In an age of increasing health consciousness it must be seen as irresponsible to serve such large portions!The local draught beer was delicious but I could only manage two before the filling effect of the food took over and we left to walk back to our boat in the pouring rain.All in all we felt that we had probably chosen the wrong dish from the menu but steaks seemed safe. We will give them another try when next in the area as we feel sure they can do better and the canal environment is pretty special.

Had a lovely meal tonight. My husband and I had the steak and ale pie which was delicious, our friend had the steak and really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend. Very good value for money.

Recently visited on 13 June 2014 with my partner. I had the pork loin which was perfectly decent and my partner had the one vegetarian option which was also decent. Although decent, the pub could do with a two or three veggie options rather than just one. The pub itself seems to have changed hands since last visit a year or so ago hand is now, slightly oddly, in the upstairs of the building. Beer was decent enough and staff were friendlyHowever, what really let the pub down on my visit was what I assume was a regular customer. This individual was sitting outside and was presumably not enjoying the music coming from a near by canal boat. Instead of just asking politely if they would turn it down, the individual shouted to a friend about the music and made comments that the person playing it was probably not English. This man than started shouting at the woman on the boat asking if she was polish and did she understand English before making a comment that at least she was not black. When the woman's husband came out on deck the man started swearing at him loudly saying and then threatened the boat occupant with physical violence culminating in the man gathering three local friends to go round to the other side of the canal to assault the boat occupants. Fortunately a threat of calling the police was made by another customer and everyone stopped. Given there were children within hearing range of this argument across the canal and that the person who started it was a patron of the pub I would have expected the management to take a stern line and ask the individual to leave and refuse further alcohol. People like that put customers off and i for one will not be visiting again in a hurry.

food and management as poor as it gets.food and management as poor as it gets.food and managem......

Me and my partner found this place a couple of weeks ago, and only intended on having a couple of drinks. But after sitting there for a while the smell of food cooking persuaded us to have some thing to eat I had the steak and ale pie and the other half had the pork hock, Now my partner is the fussiest person with meat ever but he said it was amazing and could defiantly have seconds. For dessert we had the chocolate fudge cake it was a slice of heaven it's was moist and not too sickly. I would defiantly recommend.

The location is lovely, right on the canal, in the heart of the marina - a good start...........We dined on the first floor of the building, as there was a private party being hosted in the ground floor room. The bar on entering was pleasant, lots of seating and a nice bar area, and we had our reserved table. There are no toilets on this level though, only downstairs.There was a good choice of dishes on the menu, however this is where is started to go a little wrong.I would have thought the chef would have been well equipped to cope with the 8 of us (as there was only another table of 2 eating, along a few drinkers at the bar). We ordered our meals, nothing too taxing - 2 stir frys (although they were described as mixed vegetable, this in fact consisted only of two colours of peppers, and an excessive abundance of noodles), 2 steaks and a four other pub-type meals.The wait we had to receive our food was extremely excessive, and we had resorted to the 'are they catching the cow' etc jokes as we were all tired of waiting, and hungry.In the meantime, a couple more parties had arrived, bringing their unruly and disruptive children with them - I know this is not the fault of the bar, however when we had mentioned the loud disruption to the waiting staff, they just agreed and said the children were causing a nuisance - it would have been nice to see the bar consider the diners, and ask for the children to be kept in one area or sat, and not running around the tables and bar area, and climbing all over the furniture.We eventually received our meals, some of which were fine, others not so good. In fact one of our party did not eat his meal, and when it was taken away, it wasn't mentioned by the staff. The steaks were also a little over-cooked, and the accompanying tomatoes/mushrooms virtually unrecognisable, and should certainly not have made the plate. Nearly everything on the menu was described as 'char-grilled. I would say that this method obviously does not suit all dishes.If there was a little attention to detail, refinement, and consideration to customers, this place would be 'ok' - as it is, we won't be returning.

Found this place by accident, was a lovely day so decided to pop in, the lady behind the bar was very welcoming and although it was pretty busy kept us engaged in conversation which was lovely. We felt so welcome we ended up staying and decided to have our dinner there. My husband had the man size steak (huge) and I had the steak n ale pie which was absolutely delicious and obviously homemade. Overall great experience and will defiantly be returning.

Me and my hubby called in tonight for the first time for a couple of drinks and the service was excellent. Two very nice friendly girls behind the bar and good choice of drinks. The bar is upstairs which offers lovely views over the marina and canal and we will definitely come back here again.

I visited the s.b with the intention of trying out the new menu, but also to drop off our local parish magazines which the pub has always made available to its customers and locals, and popped the 70p per issue in the till for us to collect when the next issue is ready for delivery.On this occasion, I had the misfortune to meet the new landlord for the first time...I will not be repeating the experience!!He informed me without turning from the till to speak to me properly, 'dont think anyone will be paying for them'...'chuck them on the table if you want to leave them', but don't expect any money for them' !!I thought I had misheard, and tried to start a conversation with him to explain how we have done it before, and how easy it is to collect 70p per magazine, but he simply could not give me the time of day!I left immediately taking my community mags with me and informed him I would not be giving him any custom ever again..What a shame this man is ruining the efforts of other staff with his complete lack of customer service , and obvious disdain for the very people who will make or break his business.A work colleague of mine was double charged for 4 meals that same night when they had only had two, and the landlord insisted it was his wifes 'large glasses of wine' that had pushed the bill from around £35 to over £60. On printing of the receipt it was clear 4 meals had been charged, but no apology or acknowledgement of the mistake was made. This man has made comments that 'I don't do dogs and I don't do kids'...well then that's 50% of his clientele counted out!I think he might be better off in less of a front line position, ie cleaner, where he can do less damage to the business, because at the rate he is offending local people, there will be no business to speak of very soon.

We went to the Samuel Barlow to see what it was like under new management. The owners are the same but Paul has gone. Upstairs has been re-vamped to make the new restaurant area which has lost it's character. The food was dire. The fish looked as if it was out of a Farm foods pack and some of the food was luke-warm, even though it took a while to arrive.. Definitely one to be missed. The view of the canal is now more restricted as the window sills seem higher than downstairs.

We visited the Samuel Barlow yesterday for lunch. It has recently changed hands, the new owners have refurbished it to a high degree. We used to visit frequently when Paul managed it, he was an excellent host, very dog friendly including food especially for the dogs, the human food was lovely too very high quality, his home baked ham was to die for. So ... The place looks good but has lost its soul, the food was dire, we had haddock and chips, the haddock was bland, mushy and the batter cardboardy, not sure what had happened to the peas, deep fried maybe? Oily anyway. The chips looked good but were entirely without taste. If the food quality could be addressed it would be a truly lovely place to visit.

As an avid user of this establishment, when the Cranky Aussie Chef was there, I was anxious to try it under the new regime.The first time I called in there, I had the " SMALL BREAKFAST" which at the price was a lot more than other local eateries, I was asked if I wanted beans or tomatoes, the breakfast arrived, and it was a small breakfast, at least it was hot, and arrived in a short space of time, but they had buttered the toast, which by the time I was ready to eat it ,was limp and soggy.I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and try it again. This time the plate was cold, the sausage was cold and the beans seemed if they had just come out of the tin. I sent it back, to be told they were having teething problems. My breakfast came back on a cold plate, the same egg, bacon and sausage, I sent away, moved onto a new cold plate, with warm beans, still with cold limp ready-buttered toast, it was better than I sent back and under protest I ate it.3 days later I return,to see if they had sorted out, their teething problems. I ordered the " SMALL BREAKFAST" this time when it arrived, on a cold plate, with ready-butter toast, I had 2 halves of tomatoes, which were burnt on the top, but cold inside, the bacon looked as if it had been sitting, cooked on the side,and left, the sausage was tepid, and when the staff were asked about the cold temperature, I was assured it was over 65 degrees, but did not state, if that was centigrade or not.By this 3rd time, I had had enough, and asked for my money to be returned.I can understand teething problems, with a 50 person banquet, but a "SMALL BREAKFAST"If they can not get this right, I fear for the future of the establishment.