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7th August 2023

All aboard The Narrowboat

Fuller’s, the premium pubs and hotels business, is delighted to announce the opening of The Narrowboat – a wonderful waterside venue at Blake’s Lock on the River Kennet in Reading.

The Narrowboat, a historic building that was once a biscuit factory, sits on the waterfront of the Kennet Canal just a short distance from the centre of Reading. Formerly one of the Company’s Bel & The Dragon sites, the pub boasts five beautiful bedrooms – perfect for anyone looking for central but peaceful accommodation in Reading.

The pub will be run by incoming manager, Natalia Foley, who joins the team from The Victoria Arms in Binfield – another Fuller’s pub less than 10 miles away. Natalia and the team will be offering locals and visitors a selection of premium drinks and delicious food – all served with a warm Fuller’s welcome.

The pub boasts a unique function room, The Majestic Bell, a stationary boat on the river – which can be booked out for all types of events such as parties or corporate functions. The Narrowboat also has a full wedding licence – for those looking to tie the knot in a beautiful waterside location.

Jane Bravey, Head of Operations for Fuller’s Quality Division, said: “We are really looking forward to opening The Narrowboat. It’s a stunning pub in a great location with a fantastic team.

“The local area has evolved in the time we’ve been operating Bel & The Dragon here – so it felt like time for a change. The Narrowboat will be serving its local community with interesting events, great food and drink, and as a welcome stop close to home – while ensuring those visiting from further afield feel part of that community when they’re in the pub.

“Natalia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience – having run The Victoria Arms for nine years and she will thrive at The Narrowboat. I know Natalia and the rest of the team are excited to welcome everyone to this beautiful new pub.”

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Photographs:

Photographs will be available from Friday 11 August. Please contact the press office for a selection of images.

For further information, please contact the press office:

Georgina Wald         020 8996 2198            georgina.wald@fullers.co.uk

Alice Monteath         020 8996 2074            alice.monteath@fullers.co.uk

Fuller’s in a nutshell

Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC is the premium pubs and hotels business that is famous for beautiful and inviting pubs with delicious fresh food, a vibrant and interesting range of drinks, and engaging service from passionate people. Our purpose in life is to create experiences that nourish the soul. Fuller’s has 200 managed businesses, with 1,024 boutique bedrooms, and 177 Tenanted Inns. The estate is predominately located in the South of England (44% of sites are within the M25) and stretches from our London heartland to the Jurassic Coast via the New Forest. Our Managed Pubs and Hotels include Cotswold Inns & Hotels – seven stunning hotels in the Cotswolds, and Bel & The Dragon – seven exquisite modern English inns located in the Home Counties. In summary, Fuller’s is the home of great pubs, outstanding hospitality and passionate people, where everyone is welcome and leaves that little bit happier than they arrived.


For further information, please contact the press office:

Georgina Wald         020 8996 2198            georgina.wald@fullers.co.uk

Alice Monteath         020 8996 2074            alice.monteath@fullers.co.uk

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