The Folly, Napton on the Hil

We visited the Folly Inn at lunchtime on Thursday 9th August. A delightful pub situated on the Grand Union Canal with pretty grounds, a campsite and holiday lets. The pub itself is very quaint but I would imagine gets very busy at weekends. When we visited it was very quiet and a nice sunny day. The landlord is very pleasant and dresses quite appropriatly for he pub. I'll let you find out yourself. The barmaid was also very friendly and welcoming. Although we did not eat the menu appeared reasonable and the house specialities are their home made pies which did look very apetising. Around this area there are a lot of pubs on the canal but this is one of the best for surroundings and comfort.

17 Aug 2012 17:10

The Kings Head, Napton on the Hill

Kings Head, Napton
Whilst staying in the area we visited a number of pubs to look at the menus and clientele as in the past during our travels we have been disappointed with the food and surroundings of places we have booked despite researching them on the internet and being told that they rated highly. Unfortunately businesses can go downhill very quickly and lots of reviews are very old.
We visited the Kings Head on Tuesday 9th August 2012. The outside of the pub appears a little drab and not particularly inviting but once inside the surroundings are very pleasant. I had a pint of very well kept Old Hookey beer . My wife had a soda water with ice and lemon for which we were not charged. The staff were extremely friendly and not overbearing despite our just perusing the menu. I have to say it is one of the best menus I have seen for a long time with an array of unusual starters, mains and sweets. We would have had difficulty choosing if we had been eating. We decided to book for Sunday lunch.
At 2pm we arrived and were swiftly shown to our table by a very pleasant young lady who handed us the menus and explained the daily specials available. We both opted for a starter of terrine of smoked mackerel, trout and salmon with gherkin relish and wholemeal bread at a cost of �5.95 each. Absoloutely sublime and well worth the price considering the ample portions. For mains I had the slow braised blade of beef and my wife the lamb Sunday dinner. These came accompanied with a massive Yorkshire pudding, mashed potato and roast potatoes. A large bowl of seasonal vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower cheese, carrots and baby onions accompanied the meal. Despite the indulgent sweet menu beckoning we were unable to partake as we were as full as ticks.
Well worth a visit but book early as it was busy. Ample staff of two young ladies and two young men all of whom were extremely well mannered, polite and helpful made the service was excellent.

17 Aug 2012 17:00

The Blue Lias, Stockton

The Blue Lias, Stockton
Whilst staying in the area we visited a number of pubs to look at the menus and clientele as in the past during our travels we have been disappointed with the food and surroundings of places we have booked despite researching them on the internet and being told that they rated highly. Unfortunately businesses can go downhill very quickly and lots of reviews are very old.
We visited the Blue Lias on Tuesday 9th August 2012. The outside of the pub, set on the side of the Grand Union Canal is a picture postcard setting. Bedecked in a wondefull display of well tended window boxes, hanging baskets and border displays it makes a lovely place to sit and while a way a few hours over a beer and watch life on the canal pass you by. I had a pint of very well kept Bombadier bitter. My wife ordered a soda with ice at which point the barmaid made it clear that they charged the same for soda water as for lemonade as it came from a bottle not tap. This is most unusual as most pubs do not charge for soda water and at �1.49 was little expensive considering it came from and already opened Schweppes bottle and was flat.
The menu looked reasonably priced with sandwiches and baguettes priced at �4.50 and main meals around the �9 mark we earmarked it for another visit with some friends later in the week simply because of the beautiful surroundings.

17 Aug 2012 16:54