As one comes south towards London, this lock (actually seen looking northwards) drops the Grand Union down to the Paddington level, where a section of the main line, the Slough Branch, the Paddington Branch and the first part of the Regent's Canal offer 24 miles of lock-free boating.
What used to be The Malt Shovel (formerly The Shovel) beyond the lock on the right used to be a small pub for boaters and local people, but then became a Harvester Inn and very food-oriented. It has since change ownership again and no longer has access from the towpath.
There are visitor moorings beyond the bridge on the left.