Buoyant outlook for canalside pub (From Oxford Mail)

Buoyant outlook for canalside pub

4:00pm Thursday 4th February 2010 in

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WHEN canal boat enthusiast Andrew Cannon floated past an Oxfordshire pub two years ago, he felt a tug of love.

So when the Jolly Boatman, in Thrupp, came on the market late last year he wasted no time buying the lease with his business partner Craig Westlake.

They want to transform the pub into a destination for boaters, with a mini-shop where holidaymakers can buy provisions.

The pub, in Banbury Road, is now undergoing a “canal-themed” refurbishment but is still open during the work.

Mr Cannon, 43, said: “When I sailed past, I thought at the time the building would be perfect for us, because it sits right on the canal.

“I have been a keen boater for years and I want to turn this into a destination for people on the canal and on land.

“We will offer a warm welcome, with muddy boots and dogs especially welcome.”

Mr Cannon previously ran a pub in Devon for six years, and had premises in Dorset and Wiltshire. He is now living at the pub after a year spent on his boat.

He plans to supply canal boaters with essentials, such as eggs, bread and milk.

Mr Cannon added: “We want to be more than just a pub.

“People on the canal need to be able to pick up provisions and if we can supply them, it makes life a lot easier.

“We want to put the pub back on the map and aim to ensure the Jolly Boatman is a pub to be proud of.”

The pub is next to the Oxford Canal, which runs 78 miles from Oxford to Coventry.

Last week, Cherwell District Council awarded the pub five stars for its food hygiene and safety standards.

Mr Cannon said: “We’re now the only pub in the Kidlington area to hold a five-star food hygiene rating, the highest available.

“Having only been here for nine weeks, this is a fantastic achievement for us.”