Picturesque canalside pub with a scrumptious a menu to tickle your tastebuds.

The Venue
From St Peter’s Street, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Narrow Boat doesn’t look up to much, but take a trip inside and walk down the winding staircase, and you will see what all the fuss is about. This beautiful spot on the Grand Union canal is the perfect location for a boozer, and the Narrow Boat certainly makes the most of it. Spread over two slim floors, this pub actually has a boat-like shape about it, with wooden floors and furniture, and two small balconies with decking overlooking the water. Every spare inch of space is used, and if you can grab a decent table then a visit here can be a fine way to while away an afternoon.

The Atmosphere
The Narrow Boat is unmissable from the canal’s towpath, with many a jogger or walker passing by. On weekends expect it to be packed with a mix of people, from families popping in for food to groups of friends sitting on the balcony enjoying drinks while watching the barges go by. Sundays are probably this pub’s busiest day, due to their famous roast. There is normally a hubbub of chatter from punters over the mid-level music. The waitresses briskly walk around cleaning the tables and bringing out the food, yet they’re always friendly when asked a question.

The beauty of this pub is that you will only notice it from the canal, therefore only people who enjoy a brisk walk along one of London’s most beautiful towpaths will see The Narrow Boat and put it on their ‘must do’ list. However, in the summer, expect to see these punters spilling out onto the path, which sometimes results in cyclists/pedestrians struggling to get past.

The Food
The Narrow Boat operates a traditional British menu, with scrumptious delights such as braised fillet of lamb and rosemary mash costing £13, or a homemade Aberdeen Angus burger served with salsa and fries, setting you back £10. On Sundays it’s all about the roast, with Scottish beef and Welsh lamb costing £12.45, and chicken breast £11.45. For those with bigger appetite, you can order an extra Yorkshire pudding for 50p. The prices may be slightly expensive for a roast these days, but the portions are large and the setting more than makes up for the extra couple of quid.

The Drink
The Narrow Boat is more renowned for its menu than its beer, and operates a safe but sufficient menu of lagers and ales. A pint of Fosters will set you back £3.30, or Moretti on draught is £4.20. There is a decent wine list with an Italian Pinot Grigio available for £4.30 for a glass/£16.40 for a bottle. A bottle of Argentinean Pinot Noir costs £17 per bottle.

The Last Word
A great Sunday pub, The Narrow Boat is the perfect way to top off a stroll along the Grand Union canal.

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