Ye Olde Saracen's Head Pub in Coventry

Balsall St, Balsall Common, Coventry CV7 7AS

About This Pub

Ah, Ye Olde Saracen's Head – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper local gem, tucked away in Balsall Common near Coventry. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the place really shines with its warm, community-spirited vibe and that classic English charm that makes you want to settle in for the afternoon. The staff are absolute stars; they're quick to show you to your table, take your order, and keep things running smoothly, which always makes for a relaxed visit. The menu's packed with all the favourites – think hearty Sunday roasts and a good mix for vegetarians and families – and with offers like 30% off mains, it's easy to see why folks keep coming back. Plus, being dog-friendly and having a nice beer garden adds to the appeal for those lazy days out. On the flip side, it's not all perfect; a few reviews mention that some dishes, like the pie or mash, don't quite live up to expectations – they can be a bit bland or underwhelming compared to the hype. And while the food's generally good and hot when it arrives, there are times when portions feel a tad skimpy or desserts aren't as moist as you'd hope. Overall, though, it's a solid spot for a meal with mates or a quick pint, and I'd say it's worth a try if you're in the area – just go in with realistic expectations and you'll likely have a cracking time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
They've got a cracking menu with plenty of choices, including options for veggies and kids, and the food is generally spot on – think hot, tasty meals that hit the spot.
Love the promotions, like 30% off mains; it's a brilliant way to make a visit even more enjoyable without breaking the bank.
It's got that real community vibe with English charm, plus it's dog-friendly, so you can pop in with your furry mate after a walk.
The beer garden is a lovely spot for a sunny day, perfect for relaxing with a pint and some grub.

Cons

A few dishes fall a bit short, like the pie that could do with more seasoning or the mash that feels a tad uninspired.
Portions aren't always spot on – someone might fancy a bit more veg with their meal, or notice that desserts like the brownie can be a little dry.
While most experiences are positive, there are occasional niggles, such as things not being quite as exceptional as the hype suggests.
It might not stand out as the absolute best for every dish, so if you're after something truly extraordinary, you could end up a touch disappointed.

Contact Information

Balsall St, Balsall Common, Coventry CV7 7AS

+441676533862

Pub

Closed today

Opening Hours

Monday	11:30 - 23:00
Tuesday	11:30 - 23:00
Wednesday	11:30 - 23:00
Thursday	11:30 - 23:00
Friday	11:30 - 23:00
Saturday	11:30 - 23:00
Sunday (Today)	11:30 - 22:30

Location

Recent Reviews

Nice place to eat. Staff were friendly and showed us to our table straight away. Menu was good with lots of choice. Order was taken for drinks and food quickly and brought to the table in a timely manner. Food was nice and hot and everyone enjoyed their meal. Staff were attentive and responded quickly to any requests. Nice atmosphere in the pub which was clean and tidy.

Angela Chattaway

Good service, good food. I had the vegetarian Sunday lunch, the tart and tasty and there was a fair amount of veggies - I'd have liked a little more cabbage. The brownie was a little dry, the caramel sauce with the caramel sundae was great! We were placed in the middle area of the front of the pub, which seemed to be a dumping ground for broken furniture, which didn't give us a great atmosphere

Nicola Mc

Visiting for the first time today. I was very vert impressed with this historic place. The staff were very attentive and the food was delicious! Will deffo be back. They also had a promotion with 30 percent off. Very happy indeed. Well done guys!

Dave Warwick

Kept driving past and seeing the “best pub pie” sign only for it to be mediocre at best. Veg was solid, mash potatoes straight from a hospital kitchen and the pie needed some more seasoning. Whitebait starter was lovely best food of the night. Partner had a flatbread which was nothing to write home about. Drinks outrageously expensive. Overall disappointing but would choose some different options next time

James Speer

Had not been here before but chosen due to location, for meeting up with friends for lunch. Place had a great feel to it with the staff friendly. There is a decent menu range, including for veggies and children. Most of us chose 2 courses from the lunch and early evening set menu. As it's been my big food discovery of the year, I went for the cauliflower wings for starters with the calamari for mains. Unfortunately it was realised, some time after we ordered that they had run out of calamari but that I could order anything else from the menu for the same price. This was a good offer and I went for the plant burger, which didn't disappoint. We were all too full for pudding and definitely a place to return to.

Elizabeth Baker