The name is a refernce to the canal. The main line of the Oxford Canal used to pass by the pub until it was straightened in 18**, when it became a branch serving local coal mines.
There was a brewery at the Boat, which was visible in a little side room in the lounge until recently when it was removed to make more space for drinkers.
George Ebbern realised the value of his canalside location by selling not only beer but pork, eggs and milk. He retired to a comfortable living in Foleshill. In 1896, Jacob Nelson, a native of Lancashire, took over the tenancy and reared cattle, sheep, pigs and horses on the pub's farming land. He was renowned for the lavish meals he held at the annual distribution of beef to his customers. The Boat also held fishing rights to the canal, for which Jacob charged 6d per day. The holder of a day ticket was also entitled to a free pint of ale and a supply of bread and cheese. Jacob's family ran the Boat until at least the 1980s as Pat Woods was his granddaughter. The interior of the pub didn't change much in that time as sawdust was still strewn on the floor of the bar, meat hooks hung from the ceilings and the brewery was still there in the newly extended lounge. To the rear stood the stables used for the horses that once pulled the barges from the local collieries.
Note Jacob Nelson's remarkable longevity at the Boat - 44 years.
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