I guess they were referring to me, sitting infront of a camera while being filmed by Sage, of Sage Accounts fame. I’m very grateful to them for deciding to feature Canal and River Cruises as a user of [...]]]> I just heard someone passing by say “No it’s not Brad Pitt.”

I guess they were referring to me, sitting infront of a camera while being filmed by Sage, of Sage Accounts fame. I’m very grateful to them for deciding to feature Canal and River Cruises as a user of their online accounting software called SageOne and hope I gave them some useful comments to use in their customer testimonials.

I’m sorry to disappoint anyone who passed by and wondered what was going on, that it was only me and not Brad Pitt – and I can hope that once they edit the film of me fumbling through badly prepared notes, that something useful comes out of it.

The professional looking chap in a suit was my accountant and his much more practiced delivery will hopefully make up for any inadequacies on my part!

If and when this epic is released on YouTube I’ll be first to post it here.

It seems Spring doesn’t officially start until 20th March (I had to look this up – it’s not the sort of thing I know by heart) but this weekend has seen some most excellent weather, and today, Monday, it’s been so warm that it feels like summer is just around the [...]]]> Monday 18th February 2013

It seems Spring doesn’t officially start until 20th March (I had to look this up – it’s not the sort of thing I know by heart) but this weekend has seen some most excellent weather, and today, Monday, it’s been so warm that it feels like summer is just around the corner.

Saturday saw a bit of boating action here in Little Venice as the St Pancras Cruising Club had a gathering of around a dozen boats at Rembrandt Gardens. (I hope this comes out OK as my iPad is determined to change their name to St Pancreas!) Normally the Regents Canal is quite quiet at this time of the year so the extra boats added a bit of interest for our visitors as they headed up the locks at Camden and then through Regents Park to Little Venice.

Lady A was out cruising too – despite the cold, thanks to our customers for taking a chance and booking with us, to be rewarded with this lovely weather. Camden Lock Market was busy as ever when we got there and I had a great lunch from the Venuzuealan arepa stall in the West Yard. One day I’ll get round to writing about my favourite food stalls from all over the world, here in Camden.

Sadly on Friday things weren’t so great – lots of emergency services in and around Little Venice dealing with several incidents ranging from break-in to a very serious fire on a boat, but luckily nobody was hurt. Hopefully that will be the end of the bad news, as the Little Venice area rarely sees anything like this.

Our local geese have been warming up their voices too – another sure sign that spring is in the air.

So that was the weekend – and with four weeks to go until Spring why not join me on Lady A for an early season cruise!

Although I’ve done it hundreds and probably thousands of times, there’s always an air of excitement as we approach Camden on the boat. If something interesting is going to happen on the trip then it’s pretty certain to be in Camden, and as we approach the Camden Market mooring point there’s often [...]]]> 18th February 2013

Although I’ve done it hundreds and probably thousands of times, there’s always an air of excitement as we approach Camden on the boat. If something interesting is going to happen on the trip then it’s pretty certain to be in Camden, and as we approach the Camden Market mooring point there’s often live music for us to hear.

Last year we were lucky enough to meet the Ryan O’Reilly band on several occasions, busking on the towpath while our passengers disembarked. If you haven’t heard of Ryan, check out his website http://www.theryanoreillyband.com/ and see why I’ve been going to his gigs in London wherever possible. However I fear this is going to become more and more difficult as they seem to be spending most of their time touring Europe now – but we can say we saw them first from the canal in Camden.

Today a new face, well new to me anyway. A most excellent singer songwriter called Nate Maingard busking in our favourite towpath spot, just outside Camden Lock Market. Another name to look out for especially in the bars and clubs of Camden right now where he has been appearing for the last three or four weeks!
Here’s a link to his website www.natemaingard.com where there’s plenty to download – and I just love his cards which contain seeds which grow when wet! Must get some for Lady A

It may still be February but the sun has been out for the last few days, and it’s at least 48 hours since the last snow melted. So many people are asking me if public boat trips are available, here is a summary of what you can expect if you come to [...]]]> 16th February 2013

It may still be February but the sun has been out for the last few days, and it’s at least 48 hours since the last snow melted. So many people are asking me if public boat trips are available, here is a summary of what you can expect if you come to Little Venice for a boat ride to Camden.

Canal and River Cruises Ltd
As a charter boat operation, we are open for business at any time you want. Try to give us at least two hours notice and we can offer you our normal range of cruises on Lady A from Little Venice. In addition we are offering occasional public boat trips especially on Fridays and weekends from just £10 per person for a 45 minute one way cruise to Camden.

Check here for details of our public canal cruises – and book online otherwise these trips do not operate!!

Other boat services operating from Little Venice:
Jason’s Trip
The famous and original London canal trip will start for its 62nd season around Easter – date to be confirmed.
This information is given in good faith but please check Jason’s Trip website for up to date details.

London Waterbus Company
Until Easter a limited weekend service is operating from Little Venice to Camden at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 on Saturdays and Sundays only. The journey lasts for 45 minutes. This information is given in good faith but please check London Waterbus Company website for updates.

Floating Boater
The Prince Regent is available for private hire with a fully licensed bar and a full range of menus to suit your occasion. While our own boat, Lady A, is licensed for up to 12 passengers The Prince Regent is ideal for larger parties of up to 60. Their historic Narrowboat Lapwing is undergoing a refit but will be back in service soon, in time for its 100th birthday.
Once again this information is given in good faith but please do check Floating Boater‘s website for full details. Floating Boater don’t operate any public boats trips.

The Electric Barge
Also based in Little Venice and ideal for larger groups of up to 60, the Electric Barge may be able to offer you a private booking for your party. During the day the Electric Barge becomes the Floating Classroom. Check The Electric Barge website for details.

These blogs may be about boat trips – why not, since this is a website mostly devoted to our cruises operating from our home moorings in Little Venice.

I do reserve the right to offer my [...]]]> It’s about time I started more regular blogging – sorry for the absence but as always, time flies.

These blogs may be about boat trips – why not, since this is a website mostly devoted to our cruises operating from our home moorings in Little Venice.

I do reserve the right to offer my opinions on anything else too – you don’t have to read this after all but I will try to keep to canal, travel and London related subjects, as I keep discovering new things about London even though I have worked here in Little Venice for several years.

So I hope you will come back frequently to see what we are up to, and indeed the occasional special cruise or special offer too.

Well if you have a street party to go to, well done for remembering to organise yourselves, but for all those of us who have left it far too late, don’t panic. Book a Jubilee [...]]]>

Celebrate the Jubilee in Little Venice

Well if you have a street party to go to, well done for remembering to organise yourselves, but for all those of us who have left it far too late, don’t panic. Book a Jubilee cruise on Lady A on Tuesday and we will serve you in style with complimentary tea and scones with jam and cream, as we cruise regally through the Regent’s Canal!

Call now on 07899 800856 to make your reservation before it really is too late!!

To celebrate this week I’m giving 50% off selected cruises so be quick and jump in befor someone else does, as this is a strictly limited offer with [...]]]>

Lady A at Sturts Lock in the sunshine

To celebrate this week I’m giving 50% off selected cruises so be quick and jump in befor someone else does, as this is a strictly limited offer with no strings attached.

Simply book one of our special cruises and bring up to 12 people, picnic and wine and away we go!

Please call if you cant find a suitable time – I’ll see what we can offer.

Following the launch of our Afternoon Teas, supplied by the highly acclaimed Beas of Bloomsbury, I was interested in Bea’s latest development, [...]]]> I dare say I know the Little Venice and the canals of London quite well, but I still discover new fascinating areas of London.

Following the launch of our Afternoon Teas, supplied by the highly acclaimed Beas of Bloomsbury, I was interested in Bea’s latest development, Beas Diner in the Maltby Street area. So last Saturday, with a couple of hours to spare before setting the boat up, I took the tube over to London Bridge where its a short walk to Maltby Street.

Arrving early I wasn’t too sure what I was supposed to be looking at. No vibrant street market, but a row of railway arches housing anything from used tyre depots to breweries. It doesn’t get much more varied than that!

Before 9am it was difficult to find anything open so when I spotted the Monmouth Coffee Company I was straight in there for a freshly made latte and croissant. When I say Freshly made, it can’t be more fresh, as this is their coffee roasting factory during the week, while on Saturday mornings it opens to the public as a coffee shop with mountains of very high quality croissants and pastries piled up on the counter. Standing by the coffee roasting machines and observing the growing crowd, appearing from nowhere only minutes after the doors opened, it was obvious that something very special is happening here. Next door the wine shop was dusting down their tables, not quite open yet, while round the corner people were appearing with their selection from an amazing range of specialised breads from the St Johns Bakery in the adjacent Druid Street arches.

Almost next door is Beas Diner, where a busy staff were setting up – and Bea hersef working hard in the open kitchen, conjuring up plates of buttermilk pancakes and the biggest fluffiest French toast imaginable, topped with roasted strawberries and fresh cream. I do wish I hadn’t had that croissant earlier!

Only three hours later, Bea’s twitter feed told us that the diner was closed, after selling our of everything. What a success story! And whilst this activity is all limited to Saturdays only, at night Beas diner makes the most of the day and turns into a popup cinema, showing classic movies accompanied by Beas cooking. If you come to see Breakfast at Tiffanys on May 29th don’t forget to make room for some of that French toast!!

Bigger surprise still was the appearance of the first goslings of the year hatched by our resident pair of Egyptian geese here in Little Venice. They are looking wonderful in the sunshine!