On our last visit there were two interesting guest ales which was a welcome surprise. Mooring alongside the pub is limited but there is plenty on the towpath side. Food is served. Wedges bakery is signposted near bridge 20 and has wonderful bread and pies. At Hockley Heath there is the Wharf Tavern an ordinary roadside pub that serves a decent guest ale alongside the more ordinary Boddingtons.
Lapworth locks are easy enough and in a very pleasant environment.
At Kingswood we normally moor between locks 14 and 15 or on the GU junction. There are two pubs here. The Navigation is our favourite and serves good food, Highgate mild and a guest beer. The locks south of here are now all single gated and in many cases heavy and rickety especially south of Wilmcote. The scenery however is gorgeous.