Kings Lock, Middlewich

Canal side pub, by the Kings Lock, number 71, on the Trent and Mersey Canal. Access via the canal road bridge. At one time it had just the tiniest of bars and a very small dining room but, (advisable to book a table in advance) in recent years has been opened out and there is much more room than there used to be. 1990s a new bar was built in the shape of a narrowboat, closely resembling the one at The Shroppie Fly at Audlem. The Kings Lock is a "stack pub", built on two levels; in this case to provide stabling and other facilities for boatmen and their families at the rear of the building. Behind the pub's garden is a short length of canal which was built for industrial purposes but now leads to a boatyard, complete with slipway for the launching of new and repaired boats. Originally an Ind Coope pub, the Kings Lock today takes full advantage of the tourists who pass through Middlewich on the canals. It played a big part in the Folk & Boat Festival almost from the start. Supports mainly local real ale breweries. In addition, two rotating keg beers from local brewers. Outdoor bars now in operation.