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The Coventry Canal and the Ashby Canal are connected waterways that form part of the Midlands canal network. The Ashby Canal branches off the Coventry Canal at Marston Junction, allowing boats to travel between the two routes. Both canals were built during the Industrial Revolution to transport goods such as coal and other materials from mines to nearby towns and factories. The Coventry Canal linked important industrial areas and connected with other canals, while the Ashby Canal served the coalfields of Leicestershire. Today, these canals are mainly used for leisure activities like narrowboating, fishing, and walking along the towpaths, and they remain an important part of the UK’s historic inland waterway system.

Eating and drinking by UK canals is a classic British pleasure, blending scenic views with great food. Towpaths along 2,000 miles of waterways are lined with historic pubs—many once serving boatmen—offering hearty meals, Sunday roasts, and local ales, with moorings for narrowboats. The waterways now also feature independent cafés, tea rooms, and restaurants in converted warehouses, especially in areas like London’s Grand Union Canal and the Kennet & Avon Canal. Popular venues such as The Rowbarge at Woolhampton and The Dundas Arms at Kintbury attract visitors with outdoor terraces, seasonal menus, and regular events. Whether stopping during a towpath walk or arriving by boat, canalside eateries provide a peaceful setting to enjoy local flavors, wildlife, and Britain’s waterway heritage.

Canal Pub
#1 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Coventry & Ashby Canals

Stag and Pheasant

Hartshill, Nuneaton

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#3 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Coventry & Ashby Canals

Fosters Yard – Indigo Lounge

by Bridge 53, Polesworth

  • Canalside
  • Food
  • Serves Food
Canal Pub
#4 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Coventry & Ashby Canals

The Greyhound Inn

Hawkesbury Junction, Coventry

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#5 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Coventry & Ashby Canals

The Market Tavern

21 Market St, Atherstone

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Serves Food
Canal Pub
#6 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Coventry & Ashby Canals

The Old Crown Inn

Bosworth Rd, Snarestone

  • Accomodation
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#7 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Coventry & Ashby Canals

The Fazeley Inn

4 Coleshill St, Fazeley, Tamworth B78 3RA.

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Food