The Old Smithy in Rugby

5 stars for food and beer as it was great but 1 star overall as thats all that was good. Service very lacking/disappointing. No one cleared plates/glasses. We were a group of 11 and plates at one end of the table were cleared onto another uncleared vacated table by one of our group. Desserts were brought to the table with plates still uncleared at the other end. Waited ages for final 2 desserts to be served so asked for them. They were served and the waitress said we hadn't ordered or payed for them but they'd give them to us anyway. After showing receipt for them it was just 'oh' NO apology. Spoilt what was (despite poor service ) a great family meal. Table arrangement needs looking at, too close to the main entrance door. We moved our tables along so the of our table wasn't sat right at the door. The chap on the small table behind the door regretted his choice as door wad constantly getting bashed on his chair. Very disappointing evening

Pleasant atmosphere, good food and beers. Friendly staff and good value food. Excellent lunchtime after a nice local walk.

Great food, atmosphere and service! Definitely recommend the wine and meal deal, 25 for wine and a Nice steak or vegan meal if you don't eat meat. Dog friendly pub a bit out in the sticks but located in a beautiful village with cute cottages and loads of fields to explore. The landlady recommended a walk in the field just around the corner, was just the right thing after a big meal.

Great Pub, unbeatable offers, nice food and service. Thank you

Recently, moved to long Lawford and someone recommended the Old Smithy for a nice steak that is on the £25 deal, basically you can get 2 steaks and a bottle of wine, took my mom she was very happy. definitely is worth the visit! Will be returning soon with some more friends and my family! New management have really improved the place! It's such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Lovely beer garden and Super dog friendly. Keep up the great work!

We used to eat here weekly and the food was brilliant. We have recently moved back to the area and went for food and were told something was broken so no food was being served for a while. That’s fair enough so we went elsewhere. We went back last night and both ordered steak, same thing we used to order every time we went. I ordered rare and my partner asked for medium, both steaks were completely cooked through. Personally I never send food back, usually I just wouldn’t return. This time, I couldn’t have eaten the food because it was horrible. I couldn’t believe it when I sent it back and the lady brought my food back to me and said “this is how the chef cooks a rare steak” 😂 I went to speak to someone else, the assistant manager came down and said they would cook us both a new one. She was really cheeky, she came back around and said, your “blue” steak will be out soon, with a very sarky face. 😂 we went a few months ago too and they forgot our food order even after I chased it 3 times, we waited 2 hours for our dinner. 🫣This place is up and down, changes hands a lot. They have another pub called the man at arms and it’s 10x better, always brilliant food. I would recommend to go there instead, especially if your planning on eating your dinner. Ps the second steak they brought out was 90% fat so that didn’t get eaten either👌🏽

Very helpful staff and couldn’t fault the two meals which were ordered we will be back again. Good service all round couldn’t fault it.

An absolute gem of a pub. We visited 22/04/2024 for lunchtime food. The atmosphere and service was a breath of fresh air! The food is cooked to top standards with quality ingredients, I would definitely recommend a visit if you like attention to detail and a good traditional service, in such a nice location 👍

This is a revision from my experiences last year .We have been going back since the New manager has taken over . Its a great improvement and have been very pleased with the service . 100% better than the previous management , keep up the good work

Great old pub, but would recommend the staff be a bit more welcoming and considerate to their customers , no thanks or please, terrible down faced and hard done by I felt!, also maybe a good idea is to take on a extra chef as the wait for a meal is tiring

Great and friendly staff, superb value for money lunch. A large pub in the Warwickshire countryside. The bar staff/waiters and waitresses were super friendly and very efficient. We all had the lunch specials. They were really well cooked with a price that will be difficult to beat. The portions were not huge so if you want a large plate go for something off the “normal” menu. We were all very happy with our meals.

Popped in at 6 on a Sunday. Bar man was great but was soon taken over by a young lady that was very abrupt and somewhat lazy. Finished our mains and never cleared the table. Brought dessert out with just a fork to eat ice cream asked for spoon, and it was an issue that took 5 minutes to get. The toilets were not clean and just very messy like it just needed a deep clean.......missing a trick because it could be brilliant. Sunday roast would triple your takings.

Super food and lovely staff. Will definitely be back with all the family. Prompt service and outstanding value for money.

Thoroughly enjoyed, and would 100% recommend!! Food and service were both exquisite 🥰 Mighty man mixed grill 10/10 👌🏻

The place was lovely but the food took a long time to come out and when it did it was unfortunately cold so had to be sent back which meant by the time it came back out most of our table had finished their dinner. Lovely atmosphere and would visit again but probably not for the food.

Went to old smithy this evening 24/3/24 not so good, no fish n chips, waited 1 hour for food, atmosphere not good need more staff there had to as for drinks twice

What a lovely evening with friends, food was great and the staff were wonderful. We were there on Monday and it was quite busy as a party came in around 6, the staff managed to keep their spirits high even when there was a very unhappy disgruntled lady who had to wait a few minutes to be served, she could clearly see the staff were busy, but she was so rude to the young lady with the tattoos, to be honest I don't know how she remained so professional, but she did. It's a shame the staff had to put up with her obnoxious behaviour as I don't think I would have stayed so calm...so 👍 to the tattooed girl and the other staff and 👎 to the customer who thought they were more important to anyone else...shame on you

Could not fault the food chips perfect however waited far too long for desert. Tattooed bar lady very curt could not be bothered waited a good 10 mins to be served.Conservatory door kept opening freezing cold and lights didn’t work. Only one waitress could be bothered to help and be professional.Candi.thanks Candi

Great steak meal, 2 steaks and drinks £23 on B s Saturday. Great value and tasty. Would recommend. Service was great also.

Went to Old Smithy 15th March at 5.00pm the service and food was excellent not overcrowded and was served quickly with everything we ordered understand its a new manager and is working to help everyone who calls for a meal Will be back shortly to enjoy another good meal

Large family gathering! Great food, Good service. Meals were large for me so went with a children's size. Allowed for a pudding so was excellent. Fantastic red wine! Heartily recommend. Only observation was a need for non alcoholic/low alcoholic wine (don't like beer!). This will come soon!

Repeat visit for an evening meal, the first since Mark took over as manager. Good selection of real ales and an excellent choice of meals, with a good level of variety to serve all tastes. We chose the Bistro Rump Steak off the 'Two Meals and Bottle of Wine for £23.99 menu'. Steaks were cooked to perfection and I would certainly choose t his option again for both taste and VFM. Prompt and friendly service from all the staff on duty but a special thank you to Mark for helping make an enjoyable evening. Good pub food offering excellent value for money

this was absolutely incredible ,the service was incredible fast and helpful specially mark who was extremely helpful and very chipper it was very fast and considerably cheap if recommended this to anyone i came across

Incredible food and an incredible service. Mark and his team were extremely attentive and personable. Their friendly approach ensured that we had a wonderful family meal. The food was delicious and the staff adapted to dietary requirements with pleasure. Thank you!

Wow what a place great food at a great price.

Nice place but the customer service could be better. My coffee came cold and we didn't get any cutlery or napkins with our food.

Long wait ..which we did have advance warning of beforehand but when food did come it was barely warm when I wait an hour for my food to come out I do expect hot food at the very least staff were very friendly to be fair but with a bill of £90 nearly for 4 people with only one alcoholic drink in that we won't be back also a few things not available ... all in all a bit off for a Friday evening

Food was good, but could have been hotter.

We went here today seem to take ages for the meals to come food was nice

2nd visit in a week,what a difference the new manager has been, polite, attentive , and well mannered , food very good and staff all polite, big difference on a month ago,

Early Friday evening! No Salmon No fish pie what a waste of time.

Went here for a family celebration. Service and food all good. No complaints:)

Pub ok, very basic. Bar was good. Food took to long to be served. No steak knives nor serviettes. Had to ask for them. Steak was OK, chips 🍟 and peas luke warm. Grilled tomatoe 🍅 very small. Staff bickering at each other behind the bar 🍸 in front of customers ( very unprofessional ). Will I go there again. NO!

Nice surprise to come across this place after a walk around Coombe. Good selection on the menu. Great service. Friendly staff. Run out of lamb chops though!!!

I'm gonna be honest it was one of the best meals I've ever had out I highly recommend going there as its delicious and not that expensive

Food was lovely but they ran out of sundae glasses so they served the sundaes in smaller bowls, but at the same price. Could do with some more blinds in the conservatory, it was like a greenhouse when the sun shone.

Not the old smithy of old food is very poor hence not many people in restuarant, very poor food and cold i dont think they have a trained chef,if you have a event or birthday choose elsewhere.

Well.... Haven't been here for 18 years. It was my 50th birthday, and I always wanted to come back here as I loved it before but never had another opportunity to come back until now. This place, years ago used to be talked about a lot at work on a Monday morning as having a lovely meal over the weekend. After reading reviews from the last 2 years, we were a bit concerned, 50% of reviews are 4/5 Star, and 50% of reviews are approx 2 Star rating. We thought that we would bite the bullet and give it a go. We are so glad that we did. The staff were very accommodating, came out with my Birthday cake, sang Happy Birthday, supplied serviettes and a knife to cut up cake. The main meal was fantastic and all of our table were very happy with main meals and majority of the puddings, my apple pie pastry was soggy as it had been heated up in the microwave. Thank you 'The Old Smithy' for making my 50th birthday meal a success. we'll be back soon.😁

Attended as part of a celebration. Everything was a bit of a sham, from getting drinks to getting lukewarm food. perhaps having a time of it with staff shortages as I have read. Will give a year and retry as we did like it before hand.

Having just spent 2 hours waiting for food for a nice family of four meal, meals came out separately over a 20 min period, having spent £100 in totally would liked to have eaten together, when complained was offered a dessert but that was before one of the party had not even had his main, avoid at all cost

Give one star because no star is not available ,disgusting service, nearly 2 hours for food ,when it turns up it taste like its been sat all day ,avoid.at all cost

6 of us had a lovely meal here from the 2 meals & a bottle of wine offer. Good portions & well cooked. Slight delay due to a shortage of staff in the kitchen. Helpful & friendly staff. A disruptive loud family were asked to leave after causing unpleasantness for the staff. We would happily return.

Been visiting here for years, now absolutely awful save your money When we complained was greeted with what can only be described as the worst customer service ever.

All food apart from chips was over cooked

Hadn't been in a long time, used to be great, we hadn't booked, turned up off spec hoping to get a later lunchtime meal for 5 adults. Car park & pub looked quiet, lots of empty tables around especially in conservatory area so didnt think it would be an issue? Was greeted by an unfriendly lady, (think she was the pub manager). Pub was very quiet for a sunday in comparison to how I remember it being in the past. Told we wouldn't be able to place a food order for at least 30 mins as they had a big party in which was already being served and lots of other food orders too? Couldnt see or hear the big party? ..Most people looked like they were already eating food. Obviously staff can't cope with the pub half full? Didn't feel friendly, no atmosphere so we left and went to the Man at Arms in Bitteswell instead (same chain King Henrys but totally opposite, outstanding service) got us a table straight away food and service 5*. Will never visit the Old Smithy again and by looking at more recent comments we had a lucky escape. Worst customer service I have ever experienced. Really gone down hill.

Me and wife and daughter went in tonight and the meal and service was the best ever staff really polite nothing was a problem for them really pleased will deffo be back

Always rated it but had a terrible experience yesterday. Ribs came out cold once raised they came back 30s later after a quick trip in the microwave. Chef forgot to plate part of the meals and misread two pieces of the ticket and didnt make it to us. Steak was well done and dry instead of medium rare. Cola was flat and fruit flies on the bar. With regret i wont be returning soon

Great beer and a nice place to be

Food was warm at best, no cutlery so got colder waiting for that to turn up. Lager, only Heineken was available was as flat as a pancake and desserts were mostly not available. I paid £24 for a meal and drinks that I could have got at a sizzling pub for £17 and the Lager would have been much better. The entire bill for 7 was over £150 and probably worth half that amount. I won't be returning.

I used to come here once a month over 6 years ago and never had a bad meal I moved to London but came back to visit some family this weekend and I can say it's only got better! (and it was great before!)

Took my son for his birthday he had the herculs steak which was 48 oz and he loved it on the whole nice meal

Fantastic food good quality brilliant service staff friendly. Very clean. Steaks are wonderful quality produce

Lovely meal, no tea or coffee available which I find for a bar and restaurant very odd, just was told machine not working quite bluntly, food was good though

Lovely pub lunch with an older relative, her food was presented well with a good portion of food. The younger people present enjoyed their choices. A very friendly atmosphere that the publicans can be proud of.

Been here a good few times thought it was a good place for food then I got some starters one day and I found a hair in one of them which put me off the food all together after telling the staff I was refunded £2.02 after paying £12 for 3 starters, while ordering them the staff started serving people behind me in the line? don’t go here cob webs everywhere and you’ll get hair in your food!

Nice country pub serving decent food. Homely friendly atmosphere with polite and friendly staff.

Today I ordered there large fish and chips, well worth the money, I shall not rush to Whitby for a while, thanks so much

Hello Colin and Lisa. It was our first visit to your astablishment and I would like to share with you that today was a fantastic visit. Lydia was a fantastic hostess and we thought she was the deputy manager but she told us she was just a supervisor. I have worked in customer services for 28 years and I can tell a up and coming manger material in Lydia she did you proud and yes we will be visiting again soon. Thank you for a great experience. Dawn Carlton and Rob Carlton from Leamington Spa.

Lovely village pub. Amazing food.

Excellent all round. One of the best steaks I've eaten cooked to perfection

Food ok but prices are alot higher than they used to be

Trip down memory lane, hadn't visited for many years. Friendly staff, good food at excellent prices. Happy memories thankyou.

Food here is lovely however the staff look miserable and need their customer service skills updating. The young waitress actually looked really upset. Also, the interior looks like you have stepped back in time literally, with cob webs everywhere too.

On Wednesday 23rd August I was with a party of 9 that was booked in to have lunch, we ordered meals from the main menu when we received our meals they were from the specials menu that was at least 4 pounds cheaper than what we had paid we told the waitress who was very apologetic and she said that the manageress would come to speak to us but the manager declined, she told the waitress within earshot that she was too busy to speak to us, we decided not to stay for dessert as we had planned. We have come here frequently in the past but won't be back, we were very disappointed 😞

Great 10oz steak, going back for another!

Got given cold ribs, which were replaced with hot ones

A nice country pub, super dog friendly, great friendly staff and even take my horse 🐎 😀

We were made to feel really welcome and they were happy with us having our little puppy with us. The food was served promptly and was of a really great quality. A good hearty serving too! Would definitely go to this lovely pub again.

Food was great,staff and service poor cleanliness shocking, not hoovered the carpet from the previous day or days staff do not understand English.

Been to the pub a fair few times, had some very nice meals and had a fair few that haven't been great, today we both had fish and chips as the grill we wanted wasn't available, it was the worst meal ever in there. The fish was dry and the batter looked like it was cooked in old oil it was black and absolutely sodden in oil. I am now home with tummy ache. The toilets were very dirty looking compared to normal they were smelly and no loo roll either. Disappointed partners Birthday meal was pretty awful.

Food wasn’t up to the usual from here new people perhaps that’s the reason I only had Mac cheese dads lamb chops were well over cooked service was great but my spoon had lipstick on it

We enjoyed our night out. The only issue was another diner on speaker on his phone while he was eating.

Can't fault the food. Very quick service food was on the table within 15 minutes. The steak was cooked exactly as I like it and at £21.99 for two and a bottle of wine in the price. I would definitely recommend a visit. You can't go wrong.

Food up to its usual standard. Prompt service and pleasant helpful staff

Lovely meal, very pleasant staff, . Prices are good, plenty of variety of food, kids menu, good selection of drinks. Massive car park. Wheelchair access. Would recommend.

Nice staff, peaceful Sunday around 5pm. Chips were lovely and crispy.

We haven't eaten then for a few years due to The food, it wasn't all that, again stakes came out bloody, the jacket potato was still frozen, and you only got a handful of chips we had to send some of the food back! We don't think we will be going back! Disgraceful......

There is a wide range of choices on the menu and the atmosphere is great.

We went at 5.30pm and got a table. The food was very good and very affordable.

Good value meals. Worth a visit.

2 steak and chips and a bottle of wine. 29.99. Well cooked food. Wine was more than acceptable. Can't fault it.

It's a lovely, very reasonably priced (the mid-week £5.99 menu is amazing) village pub/restaurant. A nice clean eating area and conservatory. It does lack atmosphere, perhaps a little music in the conservatory would help, I don't know what else you could do to help that, but it is a really good feeding point and that's what counts.

Came to eat in Saturday. Seemed very busy. Food was perfect, steak lovely. Had 2 steaks and a bottle of wine. Are here previously. Management not the best before. We had a lovely waitress serving us, Bethan I believe. The only downside is it would seem if the bar staff cracked a smiled once in a while the world would burn.

Well what can I say …… Fantastic lunch….. Fantastic Guinness Fantastic Friendly Staff looked after us ……. 👍👍👍👍

Nice semi-rural location, a few miles outside Rugby town centre in the village of Church Lawford. Spacious pub/restaurant with good sized car park and friendly staff. On my last visit, there were a few things that weren't as they should be, with undercooked food a sticky table and flies buzzing around us, but previously it has been a nice experience here.

The 1st time my wife and I have been here in about 5 years and I've got to say the experience was brilliant. Both had an 8oz steak with bottle of house red, all for £20.00. staff were very informative and helpful and we will definitely be going back.

Good quality pub grub and a nice if not slightly dated restaurant will definatly go back

Young lady serving didn't know the difference between chicken or pork. Cajun chicken was meant to be marinated but was not, just sprinkled with Cajun spice and grilled. Was also very dry. Chips were nice. Also peas were solid. Hope it improves.

Went for lunch and I could not fault it. Lunchtime bargain at a great price

Went 2day 4 a meal new staff iv not seen b4 1 of which is probably the rudest waitress iv seen if she smiled would probably crack her face think it's hit & miss

Found some staff to be a little rude and abrupt, some faces would crack if they attempted a smile, ordered food ( burgers) only to be told we have none, however what I ordered in place was pleasant.

Good place for a cheap hit staff friendly but need prompt training

Friendly staff food excellent service good

I'm still in shock now from yesterday's poor service. I ordered the vegetable lasagne which I have had many times from here but unfortunately yesterday it was very dry and chewy and i struggled to get a knife through it. I asked the waitress if I could swap it for another one and next thing a blonde lad came out and was extremely rude and said "whats wrong with it then", and no you can't swap it because they are pre made and they will all be the same. I then asked if I can have something different and he replied," no because you have eaten some of it", so my husband had to ask for the money back and I sat there with no meal whilst the rest of the family ate but he did say I could go back to the bar and order another meal with the money!! Just shocking, we visit here once a week and will not be returning!

We had lunch here today, I asked for my burger meal to have no relish on or salad garnish on my meal. But I'm afraid no one listened in the kitchen to my request. To add to this, my burger bap was stale and when served and my plate was basically chucked on the table.

I've been here before and it was great but I feel like now its popularity has grown it's all a bit like get the plates out and that's it. I had the braised beef it was horrible and the mash tasted like frozen mash heated up. The ppl at the next table had to send their food back as well. My gravy was horrible. I would come back here. Too crowded and not worth the money. The place hasn't been updated inside for years!

Lovely pub, nice staff, horrendous food. Thought was vue gor money until tiny portions on side plates arrived! No presentation, steak tough, sauce gelatinius and vegan burger cremated and texture of a car tyre. Said came with salad which consisted of a peice of lettuce in the burger bun. Only saving grace the puddings and the trainee chef that served us who was friendly, chatty and funny. So much so we felt we couldnt complain and therefore paid. New chef please. Wont be returning.

The food has improved since the last time we visited, I believe there is a new chef. One particular member of staff seemed like she'd rather not be there and handed me my drink by holding her hand over the top of the glass which is very unhygienic.

Drinks were overpriced but otherwise a nice country pub

Good food and friendly environment