Our editor, JJ, came across some intriguing Facebook posts about Afternoon Tea aboard a canal boat and suggested it would be a delightful experience to try. After browsing through Georgie’s Canal Cruises website, we decided to make a reservation.
The online booking process was straightforward, with dates, times, and a variety of options clearly laid out. JJ chose a Vegetarian Afternoon Tea, while I opted for the Gentleman’s Tea. Shortly after booking, we received an email confirmation, securing our reservation. Interestingly, the booking didn’t automatically appear on our Google calendar, but it took mere seconds to add it manually.
On the day of our outing, a quick Google search for the postcode led us directly to the Teddesley location, and navigating there was a breeze. We arrived early and had the choice of parking in a small roadside layby or driving over a quaint humpback bridge to the boatyard’s parking area.
Georgie’s Canal Cruises includes FAQs about parking on their website, recommending car sharing due to limited parking availability.
“Parking is limited, and we would advise car sharing where possible.”
We wholeheartedly agree, as we quickly noticed the small parking area was already filled with vehicles. While we deliberated where to park, a friendly young gentleman approached and efficiently guided us to a spot, which we found extremely helpful. He greeted us warmly and provided information about the boat and restroom facilities.
After exiting our car, we spotted Georgie Kate, the 70ft vibrant blue canal boat, patiently awaiting guests. Its windows sparkled in the spring sunshine—luckily, we had chosen a rain-free day!
After a brief wait, we observed some other patrons boarding, so we followed suit. We provided our name, and the staff confirmed our booking details were correct before leading us to our seats and wishing us a pleasant afternoon.
Inside the boat, we noticed tables arranged along both sides, with a larger communal table at the bow. Everything looked pristine and set, adorned with seasonal daffodils and rows of plastic foliage with fairy lights gracing the ceiling. At the stern end of Georgie Kate, we found the kitchen, restroom, and a well-stocked bar. We also spied an additional drinks menu discreetly placed next to our table, offering soft drinks, beer, and cocktails for those looking to indulge!
Once we were settled, the staff inquired if we’d like tea or coffee, and within minutes, our drinks arrived in charming china—everything so quaint and authentic!
As all guests boarded and prepared for departure, we received a safety briefing that amusingly included airplane-style hand gestures. After that, we set off on our two-hour cruise, with the engine’s noise pleasantly dampened—a noteworthy achievement as canal boats can often be quite loud.
A friendly staff member brought our food to the table, reconfirming our order. It arrived on a two-tier Afternoon Tea stand, featuring an assortment of sandwiches on the bottom and delectable sweet treats on top. JJ’s vegetarian option was refreshingly unique, moving away from typical cheese sandwiches to include fillings like beetroot, roasted peppers, soft cheese, cucumber, and pesto with tomato. My Gentleman’s Tea was more meat-centric, featuring a mix of beef, chicken, and ham sandwiches. For an additional £2, my platter included a savoury sausage roll, mini Cornish pasty, mini pork pie, and a couple of mini Scotch eggs. Although the sandwiches were tasty and well-prepared, they were quite simple, lacking any gourmet bread options. However, the highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the sweet treats: an Easter-themed cupcake, a fruit scone, and the most incredibly moist and rich homemade chocolate brownie—absolutely scrumptious! We weren’t able to finish all the desserts, but thankfully, we were offered a takeaway bag for our leftovers. Throughout our journey, we were generously offered refills of our tea and coffee, which we greatly appreciated.
As we cruised along, we noticed gentle background music playing, featuring artists like Tom Odell, Maisie Peters, and Bastille. The selection was soft and perfectly complemented the relaxing atmosphere.
