The Boat Inn Stoke Bruerne

The Boat Inn is an independent freehouse in the quiet, historically rich village of Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire, situated beside the Grand Union Canal close to the Blisworth Tunnel, opposite the Canal Museum and by a working lock. Owned and operated by the Woodward family since 1877, it is believed to be the longest running family pub to have maintained the same family name throughout, with over 140 years of continuous lineage. The thatched canalside bars occupy the oldest part of the building and retain their original stone floors and open fires. A spacious lounge bar offers a wide selection of fine ales, lagers, ciders, wines and spirits with natural oak and timber decor. The bistro caters for breakfasts, meals and snacks, while Woodward's Restaurant has a reputation for friendly service and high quality food produced by an experienced team of chefs. A conference room is available for public and private functions, and the inn is a popular venue for wedding receptions and anniversary celebrations. Boat trips run along the Grand Union Canal and through Blisworth Tunnel aboard the narrowboat Indian Chief. The Boat Inn also hosts a range of special events throughout the year, including sit down meals and live music. In its early days the inn was run alongside the family's butchery, bakery, smallholding and working narrowboats as part of the Duke of Grafton's Wakefield estate.