Ad-Invite | After discovering the Fleur De Lys – a charming country pub on the banks of the Stratford Canal, it’s easy to see why the tables were packed and plenty of people flock here to try their Sunday roasts, pies and ales.
The Fleur De Lys combines both the charm of a rustic old pub and restaurant, alongside modern elements such as the spacious canopy overlooking the outdoor terrace and entrance. Offering a beautiful country-esque escape, the Fleur De Lys is located a 30-minute drive away from Bournville, Birmingham. Truth be told, I’d never even heard of this place before visiting for a review. We packed the kids into the car and ventured along meandering roads along the way.
We arrived on a Sunday at 12:30 and the car park was nearly full. Renowned for their Lowsonford pies, the Fleur de lys has a beautiful beer garden overlooking the canal that holds a special place for the likes of locals, far-away visitors and ramblers combined. After visiting ourselves, we saw that it’s so much more than just a pub – it is also a warm welcome for anyone who steps foot here.
The pub’s owners, Nick and Emma, have done a great job by creating an inclusive, warm and inviting space where guests can order quality food. The Fleur De Lys welcomes all, be it on foot, by car, bike, or even by boat, and offers a variety of seating options, making it an ideal spot for families, friends, and even furry companions. The pub menus are hearty, and I’d love to go back when its a bit colder to try some more of their comforting options such as the Roast Duck and Fish and Chips. On this specific occasion we were seated next to the bar and the massive fire place which would also be gorgeous to feel in the winter. Paired with their selection of ales, the Fleur is perfect for anyone to enjoy a tipple or two. What’s also great is their dedication to detail on dietary and allergens requirements. Nothing is too much trouble here.
Sunday lunch menu options
On the Sunday Lunch menu, there’s a small selection of starters to choose. This is great as it means you’re not overwhelmed with choice – which is something a lot of places tend to struggle with. To start, I ordered the Crispy Breaded Whitebait with tartare sauce & salad garnish (£6.50) and Josh opted for Soup of the Day with bread & butter (£6). On this specific day, the soup was Tomato and Basil. Food came out in record time and there were no complaints here! The fish portion was huge and was so lightly battered. After squeezing the wedge of lemon on top and dipping into the tartare sauce, I found it to be a very enjoyable first course. Both of my kids tried some too which was a bonus. Josh’s soup was fairly basic, but could tell it was freshly made.
Main meals at Fleur De Lys
Mains arrived swiftly after our starter plates were collected. Although there was a slight mix up with the order as they accidentally brought out two beef dinners instead of just the one, it was quickly rectified and we were eager to tuck in. The Roast Sirloin of Beef (£19) consists of a 28-day dry aged British beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, vegetables & gravy. My Roast Pork Loin (£18) also came with a small portion of crackling (although I wish there was more!) alongside homemade apple sauce, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, vegetables & gravy. I was supposed to have a Yorkshire pudding on mine but it didn’t turn up, however it did on my daughters!
It’s always lovely to see a specific children’s menu, and this place does it well. My daughter (who is just 1.5 years) had a Kids Roast Beef (£9) and Sebby (aged 4) wanted a Cheeseburger with chips and beans (£7). While it may not have been a revolutionary Sunday roast, dinner it was satisfying enough to curb the roast cravings I had that day. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her beef roast and managed to devour at least three quarters of it – as did my son. My only bit of feedback would be for the roast potatoes as I love them a tad crispier, but I’m fully aware, being the daughter of a pub owner myself, that roast potatoes come as they do and each place has their own style.
Desserts at Fleur De Lys
By far the winning dish of the entire meal was the Warm Treacle Tart with caramel sauce & honeycomb ice cream (£7) and I’d go as far to say it’s one of my favourite puddings I’ve had in a pub review. It was sweet, and sticky, and gooey and the ice cream paired beautifully with the warmth of the pastry. It was absolutely stunning and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The Double Chocolate Brownie served warm with vanilla ice cream (£7) was also a hit with Josh and was the perfect balance of sweet and light. My eldest had the Duo of Ice Cream (£6) which we knew without a doubt he would scoff down.
Overall we had a pleasant meal at the Fleur De Lys and would recommend to anyone looking for some good homemade food that won’t break the bank. Children are also very welcome here which is lovely to know if you’re struggling for places to go with them. We also took away some of their famous pies to eat the day after at home and I can confirm they are stunning. After I paid up for our drinks, we headed outside to the park area. It’s a great location to relax outdoors and watch your kids play (if they’re old enough) on the playground area.
Despite the distance, if we ever find ourselves in the vicinity of Henley-in-Arden and in need of a satisfying meal and refreshing beverages, The Fleur will certainly be at the top of our list.
Things to know
Has outdoor seating · Serves food at bar · Dogs allowed · Free onsite parking
Address: Lapworth St, Lowsonford, Henley-in-Arden B95 5HJ
I was invited to the Fleur De Lys as part of a review. Meals for everyone were free but paid for our own drinks.