We visited on a bank holiday weekend afternoon, and we were not quite sure what we would find, as the information online is largely out of date. The Samuel Barlow is set in a very pleasing location on a delightful stretch of the canal, with a terrace overlooking Alvecote Marina. It could be a real destination dining location with some investment and dedicated management.... but for now, at best, this is only a traditional pub, and certainly not a restaurant. They have not had a permanent chef since lockdown, so they only serve rolls and pasties, which can be heated up if required. Seating outside is comfortable and there is a large canopy for shade. The small number of customers, despite it being a bank holiday weekend, is a good indication of what the pub is like. There were a couple of chaps playing bar billiards inside, and a few people outside, some with dogs. We had a pleasant time sitting in the sun and watching the boats. Bar service (one barman) was friendly and efficient. Parking is strange - part is for the pub and part for the moorings, but neither are well signposted and the pub parking area seems quite small. Sadly, it's not our kind of place, but I hate marking things down, so I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt in case things improve, and I'm mainly dropping down to 4 because to get inside the pub you have to go past the toilets, and they were very smelly indeed (stale urine). Not a good first impression.
A nice traditional public house. A sociable landlord. The Taylor's Landlord beer is just as it should be. This pub serves mead.
!!!! AVOID THIS PLACE !!!! Poor service and disgusting food, cold and greasy, pig skin full with hair. Food overpriced and after 1 hour and drinks after food, no cutlery available so we need to wait 10 more minutes after food arrived.
Amazing food, service was quick and the prices were reasonable. The place is dog friendly as well. Lovely area and a great stop off from a walk along the canal. Will definitely be coming back. A lovely little gem.
When for a lovely walk along the canal with the family. Stopped off at the Samuel Barlow for a snack at the halfway point. Just had sides of chips with dips, cheesy chips and onion ring. Really nice portion sizes and reasonably priced too. A good selection of ales too. A great stop off point.
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Alvecote, Tamworth, B79