Pillings Lock Marina is a strange place. I’ve lived in Barrow upon Soar for 3 years and knew nothing of it for the first 2 1/2! Nestled half way between Barrow and Quorn and with only a couple of small signs pointing out its location down a mile long single track road, there must be a lot of local folk who are still in the dark as to its existence. May this blog put paid to that after my first visit today with my Nanna and Dad – a team of weekday free people! An unemployed person, a teacher on school holidays and a pensioner!
Drive down the single track road and you suddenly open out onto a large expanse of quite an ugly car park with a solitary modern building at the centre and the marina itself, full to the brim of narrow boats, day trip boats and other river-going vessels.
Appearances from the back of the building aren’t great but once you walk round to the front (and the entrance), the restaurant looks much better with a lovely decked area outside built right onto the water itself. There are large glass doors which presumably open up for summer.. sadly this July day was raining and cold so they were firmly shut! Inside, the space is small with a nice collection of mismatched chairs, tables and sofas. The open kitchen faces into the dining area and decor is simple but funky with chandeliers, chunky lamps and ornamental mirrors. I can imagine it looks very nice at night, with candles inside and fairy lights hanging outside above the decking.
The head chef Nicola Albiniano is relatively new to Pillings Lock, having come from The Swan in Mountsorrel, where she was known to produce amazing food. I will openly admit right now that her sous chef is my brother Lou Ryder. Of course, this means that I think he’s amazing but I am still writing an honest review and if his food was pants, I’d say so (or probably just not do the review!). He also came from The Swan and along with the other kitchen staff, they seem to be doing a great job, working to improve the quality of the food and drink available. The menus have been refreshed and improved and the constant full tables are a testament to this.
 |
| Super Chef Lou Ryder |
 |
| Burger – delish! |
Back to the grub. Dad and I chose the burger – £8.95 for a homemade (by Lou) burger, onion rings, chips and salad. The burger was a delicious homemade burger, made with good quality steak mince from the butchers in Sileby (a village just down the road). A ciabatta bun made a nice change and the chips were a nice chunky affair. My Nanna had ham egg and chips (a personal favourite of mine, as you’ll know from previous reviews!). The ham was delicious, thickly cut and very tasty.
On a Wednesday afternoon, the place was 3/4 full and most people were eating. Pillings Lock is a bit off the beaten track but the view is fantastic and well worth the effort. They also do private hire BBQs weddings and events – I can vouch that the food would be great for these too!