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There is so much to see and do on
a barge holiday,
each cruise is so different, that it is impossible to
describe a typical day. From the moment you step aboard you are
in a world apart from everyday life.
The day's boating starts at
nine-ish, after a short chat over breakfast about the
highlights of that days barge cruise. This may include helping work
locks or lift bridges, or walking along a canal towpath. For the
experienced walker, there may be time to venture away from the
river or canal into the surrounding countryside and rejoin Gallinago further on for lunch. We generally moor for lunch on
board, perhaps at a village wharf or an old waterside inn.
During the afternoons on your
barge holiday, there
may be a castle to visit, or perhaps you would like tuition from
Derek on steering Gallinago. Many of our guests enjoy painting
the tranquil scenes, while others take pleasure in photography
or observing wildlife from the wheelhouse or bow deck. Those
wanting to do as little as they like can indulge in an afternoon
nap, or sunbathe on the cabin roof!
In the truly English tradition,
tea and cakes will be served at four-ish and towards evening we
will reach our quiet mooring for the night. Throughout the week,
the nights mooring can vary from an historic town to what we
call ‘ a stop in the sticks’, a mooring in the middle of
nowhere.
A pre-dinner drink in the
wheelhouse is always popular, as the events of the day are
discussed before we serve our four course evening meal – a
leisurely affair where conversation flows easily around our
large family table. Coffee may be taken in the wheelhouse, for
panoramic views of the sunset. At night, after a day in the open
air and sunshine, the sound of water gurgling over a lock weir
provides a restful backdrop to sleep. |
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We offer not just a barge holiday,
nor a regimented tour, but a flexible itinerary to cater for
your interests. As Derek says, ‘everything good on board works
on the ‘ish’ principle’. That is to say, breakfast is at 8.15
sharp-ish, lunch may be at one-ish and dinner probably
seven-ish.’ This is because if we are all
enjoying a stroll round a pretty village or a drink in the
village pub before lunch, we aim not to rush you back – we try
not to have inflexible timetables. |
Guests & crew relaxing at a
waterside inn. |
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can be nothing more homely than an ‘Aga’ cooker, and our
cooker is one of the first things you see when you enter the
main part of the boat. Any one who has owned one will tell you
there is nothing quite like it to cook on and somehow it make
everything taste just that bit better!
We believe fine food in beautiful
surroundings is an essential part of a good holiday.
We take pleasure in
preparing our meals using the very best local produce, so the
dishes we serve each week will vary depending on where we are,
and what the local butcher, green grocer or fish monger
recommends. This is therefore just a taste of what may be served
during your cruise.
If you have a specific dietary
requirement, allergy or dislike please let us know when you
book. Then, let us take away the worry of what you will eat,
just sit back and savour the varied cuisine.
The Kitchen is generally the
heart of the home, and our galley is no exception. You are most
welcome to come join us here, just be prepared to be handed a
tea towel while we chat!
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Breakfast – a light or hearty
meal – the choice is yours. Help yourself to cereals, fruit,
toast, preserves, fruit juice, tea, and coffee. You may also
choose to add a hot cooked course, which changes daily, e.g.
bacon and egg, local sausage and grilled tomato, kippers.
Lunch – a two course meal,
freshly prepared during the morning.
Derek’s own recipe – cheese and tomato crusty pie with mixed
leaf salad.
Ploughman’s lunch, with local cheeses and Emma’s home made
bread.
Local sausages with ‘mash’ and onion gravy.
Followed by fresh fruit basket, tea and coffee.
Dinner – a four course
leisurely affair….
Sample Dishes that may be served.
Evesham Asparagus with Hollandaise
Sauce
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Quails Eggs with Stilton mayonnaise
Boursain cheese puffs with
caramelised red onion chutney
Traditional Roast Beef with
Yorkshire Pudding
A selection of summer salads with home baked ham and new
potatoes.
Roast ‘Gloucestershire Old Spot’ pork with bramley apple sauce.
Lemon Pudding with double cream
Sticky date pudding with toffee sauce
Spiced Apple Crumble and custard
Cheeseboard, Coffee and Tea. |
