Few things in life are better than fishing, but one thing that runs our beloved sport pretty close is enjoying a good pint on a hazy summer evening. At many places it’s possible to combine the two, so here we’ve compiled a list of places where you can enjoy a superb day’s fishing before retreating to the boozer for a well-earned beverage. On some venues here the pub is so close to the water that you can enjoy a drink while you fish. Pure Heaven!
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The White Bull Hotel, River Ribble, Lancashire
Over recent seasons, the Ribble has been one of Britain’s stand-out waterways. Barbel, chub, huge shoals of dace, quality roach and lots of predators are there for the taking, notably the day-ticket at Ribchester. Among some great pubs in the village, The White Bull Hotel- which serves food - is the closest to the river.
More info: www.radac.org.uk
Postcode: PR3 3XP
The George, Hampshire Avon, Hampshire
With outside seating overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Hampshire Avon at Fordingbridge, the George is a beautiful 18th Century pub. Not only can you watch shoals of chub and dace swimming by as you enjoy a pint, but you can also fish in its shadow. It’s only a short cast from where the Greyhound Hotel once stood – the very place where Angling Times was formed back in 1953 at the instigation of the legendary Bernard Venables!
More info: www.riversidekiosk.co.uk
Postcode: SP6 1AH
The Bay Horse Inn, Aire and Calder Canal, East Yorkshire
On the Aire and Calder Navigation quality bream and roach, big perch and pike can be caught on a range of tactics on this wide, deep venue. The fishing isn't for the faint-hearted, but after a day catching in peaceful surroundings, why not visit the Bay Horse Inn at Great Heck, just up the road from the canal?
More info: www.bacjcc-canalfishing.co.uk
Postcode: DN14 0BQ
The Fox Inn, Trent and Mersey Canal, Cheshire
There’s some quality roach fishing to be had on the Trent and Mersey Canal, with fish well over the 1lb mark on the cards. The stretch in the Sandbach area can be a good bet, and hemp and casters score at this time of year. The Fox Inn is three-quarters of a mile away from this affordable stretch, where the fishing is shared between several local clubs.
More info: www.davesofmiddlewich.co.uk
Postcode: CW11 3BF
FIND MORE FANTASTIC CANAL FISHING VENUES BY CHECKING OUR OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDES.
The Ferry Boat Inn, River Trent, Nottinghamshire
Situated on the famous road stretch at Burton Joyce, the Ferry Boat Inn is a great place for a post-fishing pint. There’s food on offer too, but really it’s the quality of the fishing on this stretch of the Trent that steals the show. The river here is alive with dace, perch, and roach, not to mention the odd bream, chub and barbel.
More info: www.ashfieldangling.com
Postcode: NG14 5HX
The Bear, Warwickshire Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon
Located within the riverside Swan’s Nest Hotel, The Bear is just a short feeder chuck away from the famed Recreation Ground section. Pick from a range of cask ales and an extensive menu. What to fish for on the river is up to you. The ‘Rec’ is famed for its bream fishing on the feeder, while float anglers are likely to enjoy plenty of bites from small fish.
More info: www.leamingtonangling.co.uk
Postcode: CV37 7LS
The Saracens Head, River Wye, Herefordshire
Few rivers in the UK match the beauty and quality of sport that the River Wye offers, making it a must-visit destination for any angler. Symonds Yat is one of the Wye Valley’s most famous spots, and the Saracens Head Inn offers seating overlooking the river, as well as great accommodation for a fishing trip.
More info: www.anglingdreams.co.uk/www.saracensheadinn.co.uk
Postcode: HR9 6JL
WANT TO HOLIDAY ON THE RIVER WYE? HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY AND FISH.
The Ship Inn, River Severn, Shropshire
The scenic stretch of the River Severn at Highley is rammed full of barbel – some of which run to double figures – not to mention plenty of chub. And right on its banks is the superb Ship Inn, which serves quality food and drinks. There’s outside seating, too, as well as accommodation, not to mention the Severn Valley Railway just behind the pub, along which steam engines regularly chug.
More info: www.theshiphighley.co.uk
Postcode: WV16 6NU
Charters Bar, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Once home to the prestigious Team Championships Final, this free stretch of the River Nene in the heart of Peterborough has fallen out of favour with anglers of late, but it still has plenty to offer – including big zander and the chance of a mammoth haul of bream. To celebrate (or commiserate) a session, you only need to stroll a hundred yards or so to the other side of the town bridge to find Charters Bar, a converted Dutch barge with a huge beer garden and even a Thai restaurant upstairs.
More info: www.charters-bar.com
Postcode: PE1 1FP
The Dog Inn, Ludlum, River Ant, Norfolk
The Norfolk Broads has more riverside pubs than you can shake a stick at, catering for the hordes of summer boating holidaymakers and anglers in need of a pint or two after a day on the river. Just a short walk from the bustling Ludham Bridge section of the Ant, where the fishing is free, the ‘Dog’, as it is known locally, is just the place for a post-fishing beer.
More info: www.thedoginnludham.co.uk
Postcode: NR29 5NY
THE BROADS IS A PLACE YOU HAVE TO VISIT. CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PLACES TO FISH BEFORE YOU DIE.
The Greyhound, Coventry Canal, Warwickshire
Cracking ales and lots of outdoor seating slap bang on the Coventry Canal. Light floatfishing with pole or waggler is ideal for mixed bags of roach, perch and skimmers. Try maggots over a little groundbait or pack your drop shot gear for the zander. Soft shads and pintails of 3ins-4ins are perfect - and the zeds can often be caught very close in.
More info: www.tussesangling.co.uk
Postcode: CV6 6DF
The Boat and Anchor Inn, Taunton and Bridgewater Canal, Somerset
The canal here is rich in features and bonus fish. Big bags of silvers can be had on bread and maggot, but the highlight is the tench, with 30lb-plus bags possible to worm, caster and corn. It’s ideal for an early start, before heading to the Inn, which has decent pub grub, local ciders and regular live music.
More info: www.bridgwaterangling.co.uk
Postcode: TA7 0AG
The Black Horse Inn, Kennet and Avon Canal, Devizes, Wiltshire
With a beer garden backing straight on to the water, this is a perfectly placed boozer for a day out on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The venue has stacks of species to go at, from quality silvers to ruffe, gudgeon, cracking tench, perch and some large carp.
More info: www.devizesaa.org.uk
Postcode: SN10 2AU
The Beauchamp Arms, River Are, Norfolk
he prolific rivers of Norfolk are a hit with match and pleasure anglers alike, as superb nets of roach and bream are always on the cards. Few venues are better than the tidal Yare, and the stretch by the Beauchamp Arms is always a popular spot. The pub itself is a charming place, with no shortage of good beers and food.
More info: www.riveryarefishing.co.uk
Postcode: NR14 6DH
The Old Granary, River Frome, Dorset
In the town of Wareham there’s some great fishing to be had on this tidal stretch of the Frome. Small chub, dace, even the odd big roach are on the cards. It’s free to fish, too! You’ll find no shortage of pubs in the town. The Old Granary, right on the banks of the river, serves some satisfying food, and plenty of good drinks too.
More info: www.theoldgranarywareham.co.uk
Postcode: BH20 4LP
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