The Old Smithy, 1 Green Lane, Church Lawford, RUGBY, CV23 9EF [Map]
024 7654 2333 
11-15, 17:30-23 MO-FR; 11-23 SA; 12-22:30 SU
Car Park, Evening Meals, Real Fire, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals, Quiet Bar

AJ outside the Old Smithy, February 2001

Church Lawford's a village just off the A428 between Coventry and Rugby and the Old Smithy clearly pulls in a lot of visitors from these 2 conurbations. Although quite a large, busy pub the atmosphere was still friendly and the staff were certainly welcoming. They seem to pride themselves on catering for pretty much everyone from the drinker (they have their own brewery on site - the Frankton Bagby brewery) to those that enjoy good food. They've also a games room and childrens play area outside. I guess their popularity has been such that they've had to add extensions on to the pub to fit everyone in!

The thatched building dates back over 400 years and the main drinking area still maintains an historic feel with a proper fire lit during the colder months. They always have guest beers available along with an example or two of the fine Frankton Bagby beers such as the Anvil ale that I enjoyed. Having driven there I was regretfully restricted in my consumption but have consumed the beer again at a pub down the road in Stratford. If you intend to eat at the pub it might be an idea to call and book a table. We visited on a Sunday lunchtime and were very lucky to get a table. There's always plenty of space at the bar though and lots of good beer available so even if you can't eat good food, you can certainly fill your stomach with very fine beer.