ONE OF Reading’s venues has shifted focus to a more “stripped back” approach, but has already seen punters make use of its unique features, managers say.
Back in August, Fuller’s announced that The Bel & Dragon on Blake’s Lock, central Reading, was under new management– and under a new name: The Narrowboat
Situated on the banks of the River Kennet, the building was once used as part of the biscuit manufacture for which the area is famous, but is now offering a range of services as the new waterside venue.
It also features a narrowboat, which inspired the name, as part of the venue’s footprint, moored on the banks of the River Kennet.
New manager Natalia Foley joined the team after working at the Victoria Arms in Binfield, and runs it with partner Tristan.
Tristan said: “We’ve had so much great feedback from the public about going from the Bel and Dragon to The Narrowboat.
“We’ve turned into a bit more of a pub, and especially from customers in the area, most people were heading straight to the restaurant for a drink.
“We wanted to strip it back to basics with the pub, and we’ve been getting really positive feedback on the pub– it’s somewhere where people don’t feel so obliged to come and eat, but still have that option.”
He added: “Location-wise, it’s great: it’s right by the water, so it’s really nice to sit and watching the world go by along the river.
“We also have the narrowboat itself, which is something I’ve not seen in a venue in my 18 years in the business.”
The boat is already being put to creative use, too: “We had a wedding take place on the narrowboat, which was really cool.
“We set it up with all of the chairs and stuff, but it’s unique and I think that’s a cool and special thing to have.
“You can even open up the roof, which in nice weather will be really unique.”
As well as unusual events, the venue has also had some customers arrive in unconventional ways, thanks to its location.
“I didn’t even realise, originally, that you can just moor up to the dock, and I’ve seen quite a few people park up in their boats and come in for lunch.
“There’s not many venues that can do that, so I think we’re one of a special few where you can moor up to the pub–
“I couldn’t help myself but to take a picture when a couple and their dogs moored up to come for Sunday lunch over the weekend.”
It also benefits from proximity to the nearby museum, Blake’s Lock Museum, which holds regular exhibitions and showcases.
While it is a separate entity, Tristan said it’s something he’d be keen to incorporate in terms of events in the future.
“Right now, it’s part-owned, so it’s not part of the pub, but a lot of people love to visit the museum.
“We’d love to try and hold something like an afternoon tea which would compliment an exhibition or event– not straight away, but it’s something we’d like to do.”
More information about The Narrowboat is available via: narrowboatreading.co.uk
