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The top 10 waterside restaurants, pubs, or eateries in the UK, as voted by Promarine Finance followers


In August 2021, Promarine ran a competition to win two tickets to the Crick Boat Show. The competition asked Facebook users to tell us their favourite waterside restaurants, pubs and eateries in the UK.

We’ve selected 10 of these beloved locations to inspire you to try a new stop on your next canal boat trip. 

  1. The Cheshire Cat Pub, Chester

    With a great atmosphere and decor, excellent food and service, The Cheshire Cat Pub, Christleton, is located right on the canal and built on a site of historic importance. 

    Selected by Sue Young 
The Cheshire Cat Pub, Chester
  1. The Boat Inn, Northamptonshire

    Situated in the centre of Stoke Bruerne, beside the Grand Union canal, the Boat Inn serves great food and beer — and is a place for making memories.

    Selected by Dan May, our competition winner 
The Boat Inn, Northamptonshire
  1. The Lock Inn Cafe, Bradford-on-Avon

    Located in Bradford on Avon and home to the famous ‘boatman’s breakfast’, a visit to The Lock Inn will set you up for a day’s cruising.

    Selected by Mike Carter 
The Lock Inn Cafe, Bradford-on-Avon
  1. The Bridge Inn, Burton-on-Trent  

    With Italian influences, The Bridge Inn, Burton-Upon-Trent, is an old favourite located upon the Trent and Mersey canal.

    Selected by Bob Bolton 
The Bridge Inn, Burton-on-Tre t
  1. Sutton Hall, Macclesfield

    Based in Sutton, near Macclesfield, this stunning countryside location is situated by the canal. With fantastic food and hospitality, and an extensive gluten free menu, there’s something for everyone. What’s not to love?

    Selected by Jazzalina Garcia 
Sutton Hall, Macclesfield
  1. Witham and Blues, Lincolnshire

    Located on the River Witham at Langrick bridge, Wittham and Blues is a New York themed pub with a feel-good atmosphere and old American cars.

    Selected by Babs Turner
Witham and Blues, Lincolnshire
  1. The Shroppie Fly, Cheshire

    Located near the locks in Audlem, with mooring nearby, this canal-side pub offers a great Sunday lunch and plenty of other options. The bar itself resembles a narrowboat, and the staff are always friendly.

    Selected by Susan Thomas
The Shroppie Fly, Cheshire
  1. The 3 Magpies, Wiltshire

    Boater and dog-friendly, with amazing food on offer, The 3 Magpies at Sells Green, Melksham, is a traditional country pub with a friendly environment.

    Selected by Helen Carter 
The 3 Magpies, Wiltshire
  1. The Pyewipe, Lincoln

    A traditional pub right on the waterfront, visitors can moor right outside of The Pyewipe, Lincoln. It’s dog-friendly, with a large garden, great food and local beers — what more do you need?

    Selected by Suzy Swanson 
The Pyewipe, Lincoln

The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted

An award-winning, canalside real ale and cider pub, described as a ‘proper pub’, The Rising Sun Berkhamsted is situated on a lock with more ales and cider than you can shake a stick at.

Selected by Mark Rowan

The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted

Promarine Finance is a leading provider of marine finance. To find out if you’re eligible, get a quote today.