Local pub famous for its pies celebrates more awards success

The Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford was among 21 winners announced in the fourth Foodie Awards, this week.

It was selected after judges visited all of the finalists’ venues in secret. Their verdict on The Fleur given as: “The quintessential English Country Pub that just does everything extremely well. From an excellent range of beers to complement their fabulous Sunday Lunches to truly amazing pies and all with very reasonable pricing.”

It wasn’t until the early 20th century when The Fleur de Lys first opened as a tavern, later going on to introduce the ‘pioneering’ idea of serving food and giving rise to the now famous Fleur De Lys pies.

The pub first began serving pies through the infamous kitchen hatch during the 1950s, drawing crowds from all over the Midlands to sample Mr Brookes’ finest steak and kidney or chicken and mushroom pies.

Owners Nick and Emma Woodhouse, who moved to Warwickshire from Bristol to take over at The Fleur 11 years ago, are passionate about hospitality and have combined 30 years of experience in the industry.

Emma, who received the award on Tuesday night, said: “To see the Fleur De Lys recognised as the Best Pub of the Year at the Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards 2025 is incredibly special. For us, this award is testament to the tireless dedication and hard work of our whole team, from all the folks who serve you when you visit to everyone behind the scenes who ensure the wheels keep on turning day in and day out.

“Having been custodians of this beautiful old pub for over a decade, we have always endeavoured to make sure our customers know that whatever life throws at them, there will always be a warm welcome waiting for them at the Fleur.

“In a climate when hospitality has suffered so many blows and struggled through the last few years, it is hugely rewarding to be recognised for what we do. When so many other brilliant pubs and hospitality businesses are closing down on a weekly basis, this award validates all of our efforts to ensure that our pub remains in the manner to which it has become accustomed.

“So many generations have loved the Fleur for decades (and will hopefully for many more years!) which is the true reward in our business, but this awards recognition is definitely the icing on the cake.

“The whole awards process has been a joyous celebration of our sector and has also introduced us to some fantastic local independent businesses we didn’t know about before.

“We’ve always said that the Fleur De Lys is Warwickshire’s best kept secret, but I guess with this award the cat is truly out of the bag now!”

The Fleur team are no strangers to accolades, with their pies continuing to gain national recognition. Most recently, in March, the pub’s Special Spicy Pork and Basil Pie took Silver, while Bronze was awarded for both their Steak and Ale and Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Pies at The British Pie Awards.

Among the other awards celebrated, at Kings High School in Warwick, were Best Restaurant, Farm Shop, Sunday Lunch, Coffee Shop/Tea Room, Craft Drink Producer and Chef of the Year. Full list of winners is available here: www.cwfoodieawards.co.uk/winners2025. The headline sponsors were Aubrey Allen and Alliance Online.

“Awards organiser Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business, said: “Once again we have been overwhelmed and inspired by the incredible food, drink and hospitality businesses that serve the Coventry and Warwickshire community so well.

“In the face of incredible challenges these individuals and businesses prove that this sector is so resilient and can adapt and innovate to ensure they continue to offer all the amazing experiences they do.”

Visit: www.thefleur.co.uk/