Pub has slow food on menu for canal boats

A Staffordshire publican believes she is offering the slowest takeaway food service in the region.

Tracey Barnett is happy for her customers to float their way slowly to her door to collect their dishes.

She has launched a "float in" food service for boaters on the Trent and Mersey Canal which runs alongside the Crown Inn in Handsacre near Rugeley. Tracey is happy for her customers to take as long as they want to arrive to collect their orders and then carry on down the canal.

"If they give us a call and let us know when they are due to arrive we can have their meals ready for them with someone waiting at the canalside to hand it over as they cruise by," she said.

"Most of the boaters are on their holidays so they don't always want to be cooking and rushing about.

"With our service they can enjoy a great meal while they continue to tootle along on their journey.

"They can call in on their way up the canal and order a meal for when they pass us again travelling in the opposite direction.

"We don't care what they want, we just guarantee it will be waiting for them," explained Tracey.

The Crown, which was built before the canal was dug, attracts a busy boating trade.

"The beer garden proves a great temptation for many boaters and we are starting to see a lot of families now that the school holidays are here.

"The Crown has always been popular with boaters and we are determined to build on that tradition," added Tracey.

The pub has recently re-opened following a £250,000 refurbishment.

Owners Ken and Doreen Gardner have kept the original beams, fireplace and floors.