The Lock Keeper in South Gloucestershire

The problem with a limited menu is just that….. It’s limited. If you are a regular visitor as we are, you quickly run out of choice. When we last visited there was no “Specials” available and that really narrowed the choice. They seem to serve what is available with random ingredients, for example, every time we order chicken it is served differently, the last time it was served with cold tomato slices, courgettes and a couple of small potatoes and a pesto type “Sauce”. This was entirely different than the last time we ordered chicken. I may be wrong but it gives the impression that the chef serves up whatever is available on the day. We find the sandwich choices very strange, why not have a more traditional selection? We understand that the days of hugely extensive menus are probably over but if a limited menu is preferred by the business, it needs to be changed regularly or return customers will quickly not be…. Return customers. The prices are a little on the high side and waiting time is sometimes a problem, however, the staff are always pleasant and the manager is very polite and helpful. The actual location is lovely and the ambience of the pub is good. This review is subjective, but the consensus from our group is the menu needs more variety end should focus on more traditional food options.

Disappointed by the very limited menu. Used to come frequently and the menu was far better. Ordered the pea hummus to start this was disappointing and tasteless and burger for main, very over done, chips dry and had been reheated. My burger had no cheese so asked for it to be taken away for have some grilled cheese and it came back with cold grated cheese !! Shame it’s gone downhill used to be great! Would not return in a hurry

A tricky start for us as one of our party was stuck in traffic and ended up arriving half an hour after the booking time. Zoe took it all in her stride and took the order whilst serving other tables first, meaning as our meal arrived so did our late comer. A bit of cooperation and luck and everything worked out. Zoe gave excellent service from start to finish, the standard of the beef roast was amazing too, great new chef.👍👍

Food was pretty good to be fair (apart from (Mac and cheese side dish) but menu was very limited. Booked a table for 5.30pm and were seated on time. After 20mins of waiting had to ask waitress if we could order some food? We were told her “colleague” would be with us but didn’t see another waitress in our section the whole time. Waited a further 5mins and called over the same waitress again who then did take our order. In the meantime went to the bar myself for drinks. We’d finished starters and had to wait around 25mins for mains to arrive. When these were brought to the table our starter plates and cutlery were still there so wasn’t room for mains. Had to call waitress over after 5mins as we were still missing a side dish (Mac and cheese with beef cheek) which itself was really disappointing, lacking flavour and seemed to be slices of beef, not beef cheek. Once again no offer for drink orders so went to bar ourselves again and took empty glasses. Finally, no sight of waitress or offer of dessert so went to the bar to order it ourselves. Barman did apologise when we complained about service and side dish and did provide complimentary ice cream for our child.

First time visitor, only had coffee with friend but will be back for a meal with my wife, who I’m sure will like The Lock Keeper. Lovely spot, greeted and served by Peter who was very hospitable and friendly. Service was spot on!

Guy and Rose were great hosts and looked after us really nicely. Very efficient service. Food helpings were generous - we shall definitely revisit.

I arranged with Ryan private area to have a around 16/20 friends for a casual birthday gathering. Ryan could not accommodate us more. He put together a lovely area at the back of the pub. We discussed also putting on some sharing boards of cheese, vegetables and meat. They were absolutely delicious and so plentiful, completely reaching above all my expectations. Ryan and staff were very attentive all evening, despite the pub being busy with other customers and food orders. High praise for food and hospitality the Lock keeper gave us. Many thanks Ryan & team.

Great location, would have loved to sit outside, but it was raining. Maybe next time. Food and drinks were very good, two of our group had a rack of ribs (very large and tasty), two had the Cumberland sausage which they also said was very good. I had fish and chips, declined the curry sauce, tartare sauce and mushy peas, got the garden peas instead. Very happy with the haddock and “cooked three times chips”! Out waiter was awesome, never raised an eyebrow at my restructured order. His name is Guy, awesome, friendly with a great smile! Definitely an asset to the Lock Keeper! We were just passing through Keynsham, visiting family, but I’m sure they will be back, as will we on our next visit.

Sadly I had roast dinner here the other Sunday. I was so excited as I saw the beef look great. I had a child portion as unfortunately the girl suggested I don't know why as I did want adult one. Anyway the meat was absolutely awful not what I saw before I ordered. They have something separate tiny piece of meat as thin as a piece of sheet , you could see through it all the way to London if you looked! The edges were dry and old. You know even a child wants to enjoy a good beef especialy @£11 per portion! I wish I sent it back. The spuds, veg was fine, just the meat was literally nonexistent. You won't see me here again.

Great food in a very pleasant pub with excellent service. The overall quality and value for money is well above average.

We booked a meal at the Lock Keeper for my mother’s Funeral Wake, and I have to say the whole experience was excellent. From the initial booking of the table to the final “Last Round” before we left. The hospitality, friendliness and empathy shown in light of the occasion was outstanding. The food was superb, the prices reasonable and befitted the quality of the food and the service was brilliant that led to an overall fantastic experience. Extra mention to Russ who we dealt with from the beginning and looked after us throughout the afternoon. What a great, funny and charming young man he is. Well done all at The Lock Keeper! ❤️

Lovely place for lunch. Cute scenery

Had really good Birthday family meal Service was very prompt and efficient

Parking limited so be prepared to park a few hundred yards away, but that’s the only down side with this venue Lola was our waitress and, despite it being her first night for service she knew the menu back to front and was attentive to us the whole time The menu is varied and we had a variety of dishes - fish, meat and salad. All were cooked perfectly and tasted delicious Leave room for dessert - they’re superb!

My family and I were back from Germany recently to visit family members in the UK. We were staying in Bath but, due to close family living in Keynsham, we had the pleasure of visiting your establishment. On that particular day, our son was celebrating his 10th birthday but understandably, was a little under the weather being so far away from his friends in Germany. I spoke to their staff member Zoe and asked if, due to the circumstances, she would be able to do a little something with candles on his dessert or something similar. WOW! is all I can say. She pulled out all the stops and presented his dessert on a plate with a birthday message in chocolate cream sauce, candles, card and a song to boot. The singing encouraged everyone, even the other customers sitting in our corner, to join in. My son was dumbstruck! What a fantastic experience and one I am sure my son will long remember. Your food was excellent, your pub charming, your staff all extremely friendly and helpful but Zoe made the night for us. What a superb establishment you have and I am already looking forward to my next trip back.

Lovely pub set in a nice suround overlooking a river, has a raised patio area overlooking a lovely garden area that also has more seating. The food was good and so was the beer. Well worth another trip out.

Lovely Sunday Lunch at The Lock Keeper. The food was gorgeous and we were served by Guy who was very friendly and helpful.

Great experience this evening. Rose, and the rest of the staff were fantastic. The premises is clean and modern, with a nice rustic feel. Food was very good. Would highly recommend the ox cheek stuffed yorkshire pudding.

Good range on the menu which seems more extensive than previous visit. Definitely more choice for non meat eaters which is a positive. All food was well made, tasty and served together in good time (there were 5 of us). Russ' service in particular was superb and he is an asset to the team.

I came here for a cup of tea, the staff were very friendly.

Really good food with a variety of vegetarian options. The building is lovely with an old timey feel and the views of river are stunning. Service from Lola was fantastic and we were well looked after.

Lovely place to drink or eat. Very cozy. Good service. (Unfortunately no mobile internet, but this company can't do anything about that)

Guy was a great help and food was great and prompt.

Lovely pub at affordable prices. Delicious food.

Left a post for the lock keeper two years ago, it wasn't great .Tried again today,17,08 24, and it has got worse,absolutely appalling, three diners,as follows, fish and chips ok,not many chips, diner two,starter of mackerel pate,poor,diner three,absolutely dire,chicken supreme, one and half potatoes, the smallest chicken ever,should be reported to the rspca, What are these people thinking, 18 pounds , pictures will allow you to make your own judgement Ahhhhhhh, On reflection i should have complained there,but it is what it is,ahhh

Excellent, service from Guy, attentive and caring. Delicious food too!

Food was good though possibly the small chicken breast going, ended up order a side of chips as left hungry

Fantastic service from the second we walked on the door by Russell and the team, all the staff were so switched on and professional on such a busy & extremely hot day! Sunday lunch was to die for, we both had the roast pork and dessert! Would highly recommend and return again soon! Thanks to all the team, a real treat! Helena.

Guy was an exceptional server and genuinely made the experience 11 out of 10. A lovely place. Highly recommend.

We had the cauliflower soup; the problem was that it didn’t taste of cauliflower, it was dark brown and had a very strong taste which we couldn’t quite identify. My friend had fish and chips, which she enjoyed.

Excellent meal and drinks at the lock keeper. Guy our server was excellent all night and really made the effort with the kids. Great night thanks.

Really nice pub with Excellent food.

Clean and well presented, good range of choice, nice large garden on riverside.

Everything was great, table, food, service and Guy really looked after us too. Totally recommend!

Friendly staff, lovely roast. Ordering through the app was, for the first time ever of the ones I've used, quick and easy.

Haven’t been for couple years. Disappointed with the food. Cod batter was soggy. French fries cold, had to go back and be replaced. Burger raw in the middle, had to go back and replaced. Burger then came out cooked through but hard. £17 fir burger that was not worth it and £18 for soggy fish batter! Very disappointed will not be returning again.

Very friendly, welcoming staff team. No problem at all asking for substitutions to our meals. Our outside table needed a good scrub. We waited 30 minutes for our food. The place was about a quarter full. The fish and chips were excellent 👌but my chicken supreme was tasteless.

Very nice setting and nice food

Quiet and friendly place for an evening drink. We didn't eat here but the look and smell of the food means we will be back.

Good meal with friendly service from some of the staff. The staff would look more professional if they wore Lock Keeper polo shirts as since the refurbishment the dress standard has gone down.

Great ambience around the water

Wonderful friendly staff, very attentive. Food was great.

Lovely pub, great location and fantastic food!

Thank you all, we had a lovely lunch top quality.

Beautiful pub with lovely outdoor area. However the food was extremely overpriced for what it was. We ordered the burgers. There was a burger with a small pot of chips on the plate for £18. The burger had no sauce and was so dry. We also ordered the mac n cheese for my daugher but the cheese wasn't melted on top. Wasn't terrible but not what you expect for those prices. We would definitely drink here again but wouldn't eat.

Everything was lovely nice presentation hot and delicious

This pub is great, whether you're looking for a great meal out or a casual drink in their wonderful beer garden next to the river. It's dog friendly and they have a great selection of drinks including real ales. The staff are friendly and welcoming. We love spending a summer evening in their delightful outside seating area. Highly recommend a visit, you won't be disappointed.

Lovely place, great caring and friendly staff. Startete and Mains were served at the same time, though very tasty. Will be back for more

Tasty food, attentive service, lovely setting.

We are visiting from California, and we loved our one and only visit to your restaurant, especially your servers Zoe, Layla, Caitlin and James. The food and desserts were terrific. Bristol locals, Vicky and Mike, recommended your place, and our group, aged 12 to 77, all enjoyed their meals.

Lovely pub by the river, great food and a good selection of real ales. Definitely recommend.

Had lunch today at The Lock Keeper and can't recommend the food and service highly enough! Great place. We will be back.

This was an absolutely fantastic experience in the UK. I’m from Norway and you don’t really get Tartare sauce there, but the sauce here was absolutely OUTSTANDING! Same with the fish and chips. It was maybe some of the best food I’ve tried here in the UK and possibly all of the wide world! 🐟 🍟 The staff were super friendly! Server Caitlyn (Caitlin?) was so nice that she gave me the Tartare sauce recipe and a wonderfull beer glass for my dad. (Paid glass obviously, not free 😆) The mood was absolutely amazing. Just that there were a bit many women there who had gotten a bit much to drink. Honestly it was absolutely great all of it! 🍷 Absolutely good pricing as well! For my parents and my uncle it was probably about 20-40 £ because of their drinks, but I was having fun at the 21 £ mark. Very low prices atleast! I would personally stop by here anytime. And hopefully every time I’m here in the UK on a Canalboat vacation. Love this Pub so much! 😄🍻🇬🇧 All of this was great for a 14 year old! 🥰

Food was absolutely fantastic, far better than when I last came. Staff were v friendly.

Excellent service and food was lovely, service was really fast. Definitely be back again, great service from Zoe abd Caitlin

We had a lovely roast dinner here. The staff (particularly Caitlin) provided great service and accommodated our last minute booking. We will be returning!

Great food, lovely service and even better atmosphere

We had a lovely Sunday roast. Delicious unusual vegetables (golden beetroot!). I had the veggie celaric roast which was great so flavourful and my partner had the beef which was really well cooked, not dry, it was medium rare and moist with beetroot horse radish! The potatoes weren’t the best but then we were a bit late in the day, eating about 3pm. Nice garden, really helpful friendly welcoming staff. Would definitely recommend.

Lovely spot for a drink after wondering around Keynsham and the surrounding countryside. Nice interior and garden with plenty of space. Food was good too and staff were great!

Very disappointed,not a great choice on the menu,mine and my friends starter was burnt and the main was overcooked. Very expensive too. So sadly won't be making any recommendations and probably won't return.

Great place to grab a drink on a summers evening. Lots of tables inside and out. Always a nice crowd. Parking can be tricky at peak times

Lively place to watch england win in penalties and have a burger with the boys!!!! It's coming home ⚽️ ⚽️⚽️🍔🍔🍔🍟🍟🍟🍻🍷🍹

Wanted to leave a review as I hardly do. But the food was so tasty I had too. And caitlin our waitress was amazing! Even the manager (bald with a collars shirt and built like a mountian) brought our drinks over and asked how we were. Everything was perfect t and the sunset was beautiful too!

Food was vey disappointing the lamb was very nice but it only came with a few chunks of courgette and some bread, it felt more like a starter. Dessert menu was vey limited and there were a few items that had ran out. Overall very disappointing

Got a table the same day for a Sunday roast. Food was hot and delicious. Staff friendly and helpful.

Great food! Loved the roast, lovely to sit on the terrace

Lovely place, beautiful weather and fabulous food, all in all, a fantastic day x

Very disappointing ordered the lamb (very small piece) that came with a tablespoon of hummus a few slices of courgettes and a small piece of sourdough bread. The lamb was tender and tasty but definitely not worth what they charged.

Chosen as a lunchtime venue for a meeting of old friends. Sat in the glass conservatory. A very pleasant experience. The lunchtime menu is very suitable and reasonably priced. Clean plates all round! Nothing to complain about! Very well done 👏

Great setting & staff were brilliant. But, I’m Coeliac & since it’s under new management the options are very limited. With a few menu tweaks it would be easy to provide a few more options with minimal to no compromise on quality I.e. GF sausages for a start. Do miss the ham or gammon egg & chips too ☹️ That was always available & GF as well. Plus the food was a little pricey.

Lovely building and gardens. Tasty roast (bit more veg would have been good) Fantastic staffing team friendly and hospitable

Very popular canalside pub (on a sunny evening) with aspirations of gastropub eating. Somewhat limited menu (which can be a good sign, but in this case isn't). Service a bit chaotic, but very enthusiastic. Not great value for money, but not a rip off either.

Lovely food and staff. Pleasant unhurried atmosphere.

We ordered the burger at a pricey £17 and it was incredibly disappointing. A chewy, overcooked burger with some basic salad and oven cooked fries. Some of the group were savvy and ordered the kids burger at half the price, and it came out with the same burger, bun and fries, just without the salad! The location is fantastic and the service is pleasant, but don’t waste your time or money on the food.

my go to place in Keynsham- great food and people! Lovely location by the river - even when it rains!

Went for lunch with a friend. We only had sandwiches … but they were huge and delicious. The staff were lovely and the pub itself is in a beautiful spot by the river. The recent refurb has given the conservatory a more cosy feel.

The Fish was totally overcooked and the Beef fillet should have been medium rare but was medium. Even when I asked them to be precise. The broccoli was hard. The wine is very average. The personnel is very friendly! I think they should stick to simple food.

Initially underwhelmed with reception upon arrival as no-one acknowledged us for a while (a nice greeting would make all the difference). However the service picked up and the food was good. Ambiance lively and location lovely by the river.

I firstly want to say the atmosphere is lovely, it's clean, welcoming and beautiful decor. We didn't get into the garden but are coming back for a drink in the garden soon. We had the Sunday roast, I opted for the beef, my partner the pork, I pinched a bit of his and both were delicious! The Yorkshire puddings, the only word for them is YUM! Portions were good, and well worth the price. Very busy and I can see why. All staff were brilliant but I want to give a shout out to Rose (Roseanna), who was a pleasant, polite and friendly waitress. Some places the food can be great and the service ruin it, but at the lock keeper, that is not the case. She always had a smile, but it was real and welcoming. Our first time, and not our last!

Went after seeing that on website it says lunch time deals 2 course for £20, 3 course £25. But they said we don't do that deal anymore. That spoilt the afternoon with friends.

Caitlin was a fantastic waitress and the food was amazing..!!!

The gentleman with the mullet - named Guy - served me a gem of a glass full of peanuts, alongside a sublime ale paired with simply delectable crisps.

Our favourite place in Keynsham. Sunny days? Garden games & drinks on the terrace = Perfect!

Nice to sit by the river on a nice day and have lunch.

Friendly and welcoming staff, great atmosphere and food was delicious.

A lovely place to visit, particularly after a walk - the food was amazing with a great selection, well priced and the service was excellent

We had a meal here at lunchtime today which was yummy! It poured with rain as we arrived so everyone had to rush inside unfortunately for them as they have a lot of outside dining. They did run out of custard which was early as we booked for 12.15, so bit off for us and anyone after us..... Lots of staff and attention- never been asked if meal and pudding ok so many times!!

As usual , excellent service and good fresh food. We have a B&B Fox View Guesthouse and we always recommend this restaurant and we get positive feedback following their visit. Great garden for eating and drinking.

Good food, ordering is a bit of a bottleneck

Delicious food. The service was great. The young lady was very helpful.

Real good service from Rosie 👍🏻

Excellent service from Grayson, friendly and welcoming, had an excellent meal out!

Rose served us on Sunday excellently as was the meal

Rosie was an excellent waitress!

Family and pet friendly. Very clean environment. The staff are polite and friendly especially Rose. Foods are also well presented.

Nice pub serving good food. Also has a nice garden but busy during the summer. Just visited again. More great service lovely food. 50mins from walking in to finishing main course and desert. great. 5* rating for Zoe who looked after our every need with a warm smile. Will be back v.soon

Great gastro pub - spot on location by river and canal in Keynsham. Loved the Sunday lunch. Staff friendly. Will be back

Food was lovely, Zoe our waitress was very attentive. Nothing was too much trouble, she apologised because they had ran out of cauliflower cheese. On a miserable day this was a welcoming highlight.

Had a sunday lunch. Both ordered belly of pork which i was disappointed to find it was like slow cooker pork, no rind, no colour or sticky caramelisation. Thats just my preference for belly pork. Veg was 3 small roast pots, a small bit of greens and a carrot with a puree underneath. No beets as on menu. Extra roast potatoes were 4 for £6. A bit extortionate. However the pub is beautiful and the staff are excellent. The service is first class and the food was very tasty and we thoroughly enjoyed everything on the plate. Its a shame you have to spend double the price to get extra veg that really should be included as standard

Ran out of everything we wanted, our second options came out cold, but by the time it arrived we were just grateful to be fed, this isn’t the first time we’ve been disappointed, I am never returning.