please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
On its way back to best pub in the village.. Really trying post lockdown, and delivering a proper pub experience... give it a go.! You won't be disappointed..
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And so the calls for help were finally heard! Following on from my last post, the inevitable happened - The Navigation closed... So sad to walk past and see it empty... However I'm pleased to say it has now re-opened with new owners (The same people who own The Swan @ Mountsorrel). The Swan is a pub I like, and the owners also run the Quorn annual Beer festival, so these guys know how to run a pub! Purchasing the Navigation would seem like a match made in Heaven, and I'm sure it will be a great success. I've been in a few times and am pleased to report the pub has improved dramatically. A lick of paint, a change of decoration, no TV's, good beers (Hoegaarden a nice addition) have seen the regulars return. Initially no food, but the kitchen open as I post this. Very positive.
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A collective cry to all those who have enjoyed The Navigation down the years; THIS PUB NEEDS YOU!! I can’t quite believe how one of the most popular pubs in the area, with a canal-side location has been allowed to get so run down. Subsequent landlords who either don’t know the business (or are being charged so much as tenants they can’t make a go of it) have allowed this pub to fade. My last visit in Feb 2017 found just a few drinkers even on a weekend lunch time. Beers seem to be being ran down as well… (just two Bitters). Interior is looking tired and needs a re-fit. Most regulars seem to have de-camped to the Soar Bridge… With the summer months coming I think this is crying out for one of the small chains to invest. Steamin’ Billy breweries would have this back as the best pub in the village again in no time…
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Yes, it's a got a lot going for it. The food seemed a motley selection, but it turned out to be excellent - good, simple, tasty pub grub, reasonably priced. Staff worked like Trojans on a Sat. afternoon with a sizeable crowd in. Three separate patio areas, with three different vibes, two right beside the canal, where there is a constant passing cabaret. No passing traffic, so wonderfully pacific.
Regis - 14 Aug 2016 14:53 |
The Navigation was our favourite of 3 pubs in Barrow upon Soar. It is set in a residential area and as you'd expect is alongside a canal. We arrived to see a bunch of Hare Krishna's jumping up and down and seemingly setting off on a boat journey along the canal, which was all a bit surreal. Ales inside were Wychwood Dirty Tackle, Caledonian Golden XPA, Theakston Best, Navigation Inn Ale & Greene King Abbot. There was a strong smell of urine in the bar area from something or someone. Championship football was being shown on the TV. We retreated to the suntrap patio with nice views of the canal. You could spend hours there. Not the best selection of ales. But a lovely location.
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Still no place better on a hot day... Barrow boating just along the canal also brings in a lot of Tourists, giving this pub an almost "holiday" feeling sometimes. One of the guest ales on July 7th 2013 was Theakstons River's answer; I normally like a good guest beer, but not this one - It is brewed with bitter hops and apparently blended with the character of smoked Lapsang Suchong china tea, but for me it didn't work. If you have never been to this pub, give it a go...
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Best pub in a village with quite a few decent pubs! Has got the mix of drinking / eating spot on. In the summer there is no better place to have a few pints than next to the canal.
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My favourite pub in Barrow. Great canalside location and four real ales on the bar. Nice little sheltered outside area.
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My favorite pub in village (out of 7). Great in summer sitting outside on patio next to canal. excellent atmosphere Friday nights & saturday afternoons / evenings. Sky sports on tv. meals lunch times (inc Sundays) (food nothing special but very edible). I love it.
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I agree with Ninja45 - this is a superb canalside pub with excellent beer and a friendly atmosphere.
cobbo - 13 Jan 2007 11:18 |
Can't understand the low rating of this one, it's a gem. Good beer, great canalside patio, cosy little rooms and friendly staff. Only problems finding it and parking. Definitely one for the summer.
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No MILD here but it looked a lovely cosy little place with a few real ales on handpull. The pub has a very attractive exterior in a nice out of the way location. Were very helpful in my search for MILD even though I was not buying a drink.
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