The Big Lock Pub & Restaurant - Middlewich Canal-Side Favourite on the Trent & Mersey Canal

Location on the Trent & Mersey Canal

The Big Lock Pub & Restaurant sits beside the Trent & Mersey Canal at Middlewich, close to Big Lock itself and within easy reach of the town centre. This area is a key crossroads on the canal network, where the Trent & Mersey Canal meets the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

The Big Lock Pub & Restaurant is a well-known waterside destination located on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Middlewich. Positioned close to one of the canal’s major locks and junctions, it is a popular stopping point for canal boat users cruising through this historic Cheshire canal town.

With its direct canal-side setting, nearby moorings, and welcoming atmosphere, The Big Lock is perfectly placed for narrowboat crews navigating the busy Middlewich area.

Why this location works so well for canal boat users:

• Situated directly next to the canal and lock
• Visitor moorings available nearby
• Ideal stop when waiting for or working the lock
• Easy walking access into Middlewich

It is a natural pause point for crews passing through this busy stretch of waterway.

Middlewich – A Major Canal Junction

Middlewich has a long history as a canal town, built around salt production and inland navigation. Today, it remains one of the most important junction points on the network.

From The Big Lock, canal boat users can easily continue:

• North or south on the Trent & Mersey Canal
• Onto the Middlewich Branch towards Barbridge Junction
• Onwards to popular cruising rings and routes

This makes The Big Lock Pub & Restaurant especially convenient for crews planning their next cruising leg.

Mooring Near The Big Lock Pub

There are visitor moorings close to The Big Lock, making it easy for narrowboat crews to stop for a meal or an overnight stay.

Mooring benefits include:

• Very short walk from boat to pub
• Flat towpaths suitable for easy access
• Popular but practical stopping point
• Good location for restocking and town visits

Because Middlewich is a busy junction, moorings can fill quickly during peak season.

Food and Drink for Canal Boat Crews

The Big Lock Pub & Restaurant is well regarded by canal boat users as a comfortable place to relax after cruising or lock work.

Why boaters enjoy stopping here:

• Indoor seating with views of the canal activity
• Outdoor areas overlooking the water and lock
• A relaxed, boater-friendly atmosphere
• Ideal for both quick stops and longer breaks

Watching boats pass through the lock adds to the classic canal-side experience.

Exploring Middlewich from the Canal

Stopping at The Big Lock places canal boat users close to everything Middlewich has to offer.

• Local shops and supermarkets
• Canal heritage and historic streets
• Easy walking routes along the canal
• Connections to multiple cruising routes

This makes it a practical and enjoyable base for a short stay.

Why The Big Lock Pub & Restaurant Is Popular with Canal Boat Users

• Located directly on the Trent & Mersey Canal
• Close to a major lock and canal junction
• Convenient visitor moorings nearby
• Canal views and a lively waterside setting
• Ideal stop when cruising through Middlewich

It combines convenience with the atmosphere canal boaters value.

Conclusion

The Big Lock Pub & Restaurant near Middlewich is a classic canal-side venue on the Trent & Mersey Canal and a firm favourite with canal boat users. Its location beside a major lock, proximity to moorings, and easy access to the town make it an excellent stop for narrowboat crews navigating this busy and historic part of the canal network.